Blot: links man to Aesir & Vanir

Blots are mentioned frequently in the sagas, though few give details of how the sacrifices were done. An exception is Eyrbyggja Saga, which describes a blot in some detail. Though the authenticity and antiquity of the passage are debated, it's the best source we've got, and the form of modern blots derives from it (though local variations are common). The purpose of the blot:

• Devotional or votive; no "powers".
• Toast the Aesir & Vanir and share the drink with them.
• "A gift demands a gift."
• Renews contract and kin bonds with the gods.

A. Basic Blot

This is really IT.

Done daily, at need. Ad hoc.

1. Dedicate some food and/or drink to the As or Wan du jour.
2. Have some; share it with the As or Wan du jour (e.g. libate).

B. Typical Communal Blot

Embellished to make into a public ceremony.

1. Mark the beginning.

Role of the gothi.

a. Activity

• chanting, shouting, ringing, or banging

b. Purpose

• Purely structural.
• To mark beginning of structured activity.

2. Hallow the space.

a. Activity

• Hammer rite or equivalent

b. Purpose

• To mark the space as holy (temporary, symbolic)
• To remind us of our contracts with the gods.

3. Set the stage.

a. Activity

• State purpose of ritual
• Give historical context of ritual
• Inspirational reading

b. Purpose

• Practical (to inform participants)
• To tie the ritual into the fabric of history and of the community

4. Invitation

a. Activity

• Invite the presence or ask the assistance of appropriate Aesir & Vanir

b. Purpose

• To invite the Aesir & Vanir to participate.
• To review the terms of the contract.

5. Share drink.

Role of the Valkyrie.

a. Activity

• Hallow horn. (Dedicate to appropriate As or Wan.)
• Toast As or Wan.
• Pass around the horn.

b. Purpose

• To share hospitality with the gods.

c. Important and common variations:

• Each participant makes his or her own toast as the horn is passed.
• Pass the horn around three times if the group is small enough.

6. Give the gift to the gods.

a. Activity

• Sprinkle hlaut or pour into bowl.
• Libate.

b. Purpose

• Renew the contract.
• "A gift demands a gift."

7. Mark the closing.

a. Activity

• Announce, shout, leave, ...

b. Purpose

• Purely structural.
• To signal return to spontaneous activity.

8. Feast.

C. Blot etiquette

• The event is in honor of the Aesir and Vanir. Only. Other gods are groovy, but this party is not for them.
• Take no more than one sip when you get the horn.
• If the horn is nearly empty, tell the Valkyrie, so it can be refilled. The last drink is for the gods.
• You may kiss the horn if you prefer not to drink.
• If someone shouts "Hail, <As, Wan, or Hero>!", echo the shout. If someone shouts "Hail, <something long and complicated>", echo with a plain "Hail!".
  • Exception #1: If someone hails something that seems wrong (their car, god from the wrong pantheon, a mass murderer, e.g.), don't echo the hail.
  • Exception #2: If someone shouts, "Hail, Ragnar!", you should echo "Hail, Ragnar's Beard!".
• If you are given the chance to make a toast during a blot:
  • Keep it short, focused, on topic, and tasteful. And short.
  • You should toast the As or Wan du jour the first time you touch the horn. You can get by with toasting any of the Aesir or Vanir.
  • "Hail the gods!" is an excellent, all-purpose toast.
  • Don't toast Loki, son of Laufey. Leave that to the trained professionals.
  • If you are given more chances to toast and are are not sure what to do, copy a "native", ask (really, it's okay), or stick with the Aesir & Vanir.

To the Reeves Hall

Last Modified 9 January 1998.
Comments to Manny Olds, oldsma@pobox.com