Thruðheim Kindred Midsummer Blót 2008

June 21-22, 2008

The sun shining through the trees

Sunna shone at her brightest as the kindred traveled to Frozen Head State Park to celebrate Midsummer. It was warm but not oppressively hot as June in Tennessee can sometimes be, and the wonderful tree-filled camp site did much to keep the temperature pleasant.

Most folks arrived by early evening on Saturday, about 11 all told, with a new guest, Richard, in attendance. The early evening was spent in pleasant conversation until sumbel, which had to wait until about 9:30 for a bit of darkness to set the mood around the campfire. It was a traditional three-round affair, which went rather quick, followed by open sumbel and discussions about next month's 10th anniversary blot. By midnight, everyone was ready for the small fish, which a number of members attacked with gusto. Then it was off to the tents to sleep for most, although the snoring and even some giggling from the jarl's tent made sleep difficult at times.

Daylight came early the next day, but the brave kindred resisted the urge to awake until a respectable hour, between 8 and 10 o'clock for most. Even the token Saxon slept in for a change. Breakfast was a make-shift affair, but Spence the Elder rescued many with his bountiful coffee pot. A few more kindred members showed up as well as another guest, Shawn. Since Herbert had been stricken by the pox, Beth volunteered to fill the breech and served as gydja once again. She chose Sunna and Balder to honor in a delightfully different way that brought the myths closer to home here in East Tennessee. At one point, the Old Man made his presence felt which many remarked on later.

The potluck feast followed the blot which seemed to have the theme of chicken and pie with at least three or four varieties of each. Once again, Spence the Elder came to the rescue with bratwurst and sauerkraut. The jarl also added variety with barbecued ribs. There were numerous sides and salads, and although a huge dent was made in the fare, there was plenty of food left over. Conversation and fellowship lasted until mid-afternoon when the folk wended their ways back home.

Click here to view some photos from the weekend