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Thruðheim Einherjar/Ullr Blót 2009
November 21-22 2009
The vei arranged for blót |
With a wintery chill in the November air, the Folk of Thrudheim Kindred assembled at Steve and Glenda's homestead, affectionately known as Jarlshof, for 2009's Ullrblot and Feast of the Einherjar.
As the guests began to arrive on Saturday evening, the usual greetings and hugs of reunion were exchanged, and the Kindred members caught up and cut up as they enjoyed a table full of tasty snacks, including the famous Bean Dip and the obligatory Pigs in Blankets with spicy mustard.
When the time was upon us to gather for Sumbel, the lights were dimmed, the circle was formed and we made ready for the folk-binding ritual. The November Sumbel, with its association to the Fallen Warriors and other Honored Dead, is usually quite a moving experience, and this one was no different. Many powerful words of honor and rememberance were spoken before the fires and forever mixed into the Well of Urd. There were moments of laughter, and moments of solemnity that were shared by the Kindred well into the fourth round of "Open Sumbel". But when all was said that need be said the fires were doused and the Folk retired for the night.
Sunday the Folk returned to Steve and Glenda's for the Blot and feast. Steve led the Kindred in a moving, two stage Blot to both Ullr and the Einherjar. We recalled what lore survives of Ullr and raised a horn high in His praise. As the horn was passed a second time, we gave honor and remembrance to the Fallen Heroes. Of special mention were those who were recently murdered by an honorless oathbreaker at Fort Hood, TX. This incident hit home with the Kindred, as two of our own Members, Felecia, a soldier stationed at Ft. Hood, and her husband Talon who works there in a civilian capacity, were there when the murders took place. We were grateful to recieve the news that our loved ones were unharmed. Sadly, too many families didn't get that luxury, so we paid our respects for their losses in the best way we know how.
With the Holy Work concluded, Steve led the folk on a short but chilly march outside to where the offering was poured onto the roots of a tree. With that done, the Kindred quickly strode back inside for the waiting feast.
As always the food was delicious and plentiful and if anyone left hungry they've no one to blame but themselves! As bellies and hearts were filled to capacity with food and the joy of fellowship respectively, the Folk drew names for our Kindred's Yuletide surprise gift exchange next month; a little game that the author likes to call "Runic Santa". When the drawing was complete, all made ready to once again part ways, but not before joining together in chorus* to wish Cliff and Elise's young daughter Summer a happy birthday! Hugs and farewells were exchanged and the Folk again went their seperate ways with warm thoughts of reuniting again for Yule.
*Some of us (author included) may have proved that we have singing voices better suited for silent film, but it is most assuredly the thought that counts.
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