Re: Norse Mythology/Runes
Posted: Sun Feb 02, 2014 7:40 pm
Heith wrote: As we know, the number nine is a repetitive theme in the sagas, often connected to magical items, events or, in the case of Havamal, Odin’s self-initiation. Fra Aquila asked me what kind of a initiation would I find Freyr’s nine night’s wait to be like. I had never thought about this and found that I was unable to give an answer, but the idea began to intrigue.
I tend to think that most of the religious myths and stories might deal with some kind of initiations etc. and as there is a recurring theme of 9 (be it 9 days/nights/whatever) I suppose there is a connection. As initiations are many there's many ways to represent them. Death is an important part of this and as we know from eastern religions, death is also connected to sexual act between divinities, Shiva and Shakti. The world is born when they're separate from each other and when they reunite the world is destroyed once again. Don't know how much this kind of themes of sex and death are present in Scandinavian traditions. Anyway, in this sense the divine sexual act is the end of separation when separate egos return to oneness.Heith wrote:So- initiation mysteries of the North, and is this to be found in Skirsnimal, or other poems?
Even though Skirnir can be seen as an aspect of Freyr himself, in Skirnirsmal Freyr gives away some of his power to obtain another kind of initiation (divine unity of masculine & feminine polarities, the holy marriage; a theme connected to sexual symbolism and magic) when he gives his sword and steed to Skirnir who accomplishes Freyr's will with this price. Thus it is a sacrifice that is often related to initiations. The sword and the steed are also phallic symbols of fertility and if Skirnir is seen as an aspect of Freyr we can interpret that the poem illustrates the use of this magical power. The parts where Gerdr is intimidated are more difficult to interpret. Maybe it has something to do with the pure feminine force seen as wild and untamed. Yet the 9 long nights of wait also demonstrate the patience of Freyr.