Thruðheim Kindred Freyfaxi Blót

Norris Dam State Park was the site of this year's Freyfaxi blót. The weather was typical for August in Tennessee - hot and muggy with isolated thunderstorms. A number of guests were able to join the kindred to celebrate the beginning of the harvest.

Campers began to arrive around noon. A steady stream followed until the early evening. All told there were about 20 people who made the trip. The first order of business was the deployment of the Viking Long Tarp (tm). Not long after it was up, a downpour began. Fortunately it only lasted about 30 minutes and the weather was dry the remainder of the weekend. Everyone was relieved after having visions of last year's wash out at Cosby Campground.

After dinner, the group gathered to exchange news and to socialize. Once the local park ranger's story telling/bonfire was over, the kindred prepared for sumbel. Sumbel is the time for kins(wo)men to speak from the heart. A number of the kindred are facing hardships this fall and asked for support. Frith was renewed that evening.

A few of the early risers went for a hike after breakfast on Sunday morning. This included Laurel, Ed, and Bernhard as well as newcomers Carl and his son Nick. The fog finally lifted before noon and the kindred prepared for the blót.

Since this was a blót dedicated to Frey, no weapons were allowed in the blótgarð. Dea was designated as the keeper and collected all weapons. Cliff hallowed the space with horn and hammer. A bread boar was passed around and the kindred offered thanks for the harvest. During kindred rites, Talon became an Initiate Member. Although the mood during the blót was clearly Vanic in nature, Thor made his presence known with some low rolls of thunder off in the distance.

Once the blót was over, it was time for the feast. Beth prepared the traditional harvest soup using random ingredients brought by the kindred. It was delicious as always. The table was overflowing with food and the group dug in with zest. By early afternoon, most had headed home due to the long journey for some. Amazingly, everyone was able to break camp without getting wet this time.

View Some Photos

• Around the campfire.
• Make and Jada.
• An overmuch of mead.
• Under the big top.
• The three amigos.
• Tracy throws darts.
• Viking badminton.
• Ian sets up for the spike.
• Dea auditions for the role of Brynhilda.
• The vé is set.
• Weapons are set aside.
• Cliff hallows the space.
• The bread boar is blessed.
• Talon takes his first oath.
• Is it soup yet?
• Come and get it!
• Frith - what it's all about.