Observations placeholder
Norse - Trollkyrka blot
Identifier
017154
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
In the forest of Tiveden, Sweden, local tradition presents a poem describing what appears to have been the last larger blót at a mountain called Trollkyrka, perhaps as late as the 19th century. It also shows that the farmers in the area still knew how to perform such a rite.
Note that blood is sprinkled on the participants and that the best parts are given to the spirits whereas the participants eat the remainder themselves. The information that nine kinds of wood were used to light the fire is only found in this poem, but it fits very well the significance of the number nine in Norse mythology, and may simply have been overlooked by medieval sources.
A description of the experience
Lines 12–18:
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Elden den "köllas" av nio slags ved, |
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The fire is lit by nine kinds of wood, |
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det är gammal sed. |
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that is old custom. |
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Offer till andarna skänkes, |
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Sacrifice is offered to the spirits, |
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med blodet sig alla bestänkes. |
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everyone is sprinkled with the blood. |
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Det bästa till andar föräras, |
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The best part is gifted to spirits, |
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det som blir över skall av männen förtäras. |
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what remains shall be consumed by the men. |