If you like this post, please consider subscribing to my new home; Beyond the Barrow. This is a space for folklore, mythology, fantasy and history, with a special focus on Northern Europe. It’s free to subscribe: https://beyondthebarrow.substack.com/ For the final post of week one (The Norns and the Weaving of Fate) we have a shortContinue reading “Magic of the Norse; Seiðr”
Category Archives: Features
Perceptions of Óðinn
Today I want to have a look at the figure of Óðinn, the (all) father of the Norse Gods. You might expect, especially if you are more familiar with monotheistic religion, that the primary figure in a belief system is going to be a kindly, virtuous protector and the main source of spiritual thought andContinue reading “Perceptions of Óðinn“
Thor and the Jötnar
There is perhaps nobody in Norse mythology who does battle with the giants so often and so fiercely as Thor. Thor pretty much always comes out on top – until Ragnarök comes, at least. There is also the perception that Thor quite enjoys it. But what is the reality, based on the sources; is itContinue reading “Thor and the Jötnar”
Níðhöggr, Ratatoskr and the creatures of the 9 worlds
One of the most intriguing things about mythologies are the interesting and colourful creatures that make up the lore, and Norse mythology definitely sticks to this formula. The mythology has such a magical, fantastical feel to it – and it would, being the inspiration for a lot of modern fantasy. The lack of primary sourcesContinue reading “Níðhöggr, Ratatoskr and the creatures of the 9 worlds”
In Defence of Loki’s Children
Did you know about the three children Loki conceived with the giant Angrboða? If you were here last Norsevember you may have read about them in Ben’s post on the giants of Norse Mythology . You might also be interested in reading an interview with Genevieve Gornichec, author of The Witch’s Heart – the storyContinue reading “In Defence of Loki’s Children”
The Dwarves of Norse Mythology
Dwarves are a staple of old stories, fantasy and folklore from Northern Europe and lands with Germanic ancestry in particular. Not to be confused with Dwarfism, you will probably be aware that Dwarves are usually depicted as a humanoid race completely apart from our human race, with magical qualities. In Germanic, Scandinavian and Celtic folklore,Continue reading “The Dwarves of Norse Mythology”
The Norns and the Weaving of Fate
If you like this post, please consider subscribing to my new home; Beyond the Barrow. This is a space for folklore, mythology, fantasy and history, with a special focus on Northern Europe. It’s free to subscribe: https://beyondthebarrow.substack.com/ Hello and welcome to this year’s Norsevember! I hope you have a fantastic Norse-filled month. The first postContinue reading “The Norns and the Weaving of Fate”
The Loki Badge
Heil og sæl short-lived Midgardians, Loki here. I’ve heard whispers of this Norsevember event coming up, and the associated badge collection. It all sounds so 2020. If you’re going to earn some badges though, Odin’s knot – really? Knots are just so easy to wriggle out of. Thor’s hammer – have you seen the handleContinue reading “The Loki Badge”
The Norsevember Badge Collection
The Norsevember badge collection is a way to add a little something extra to the event that encourages people to take part but also benefit from it and learn new things. I hope you like the designs and fancy taking part! The Badges The Sleipnir Badge Sleipnir is Odin’s eight-legged horse. But did you knowContinue reading “The Norsevember Badge Collection”
An Interview with Hannah Long – Pirate Week
Hi Hannah and welcome back to Spells & Spaceships! Last time we spoke, your debut Hall of Smoke was just on the horizon. How has life changed for you as an author since then? Hey there, thank you so much for having me back! Not much has changed over here, except for becoming a littleContinue reading “An Interview with Hannah Long – Pirate Week”
Spells and Spaceships 