Interesting video. But as a Swedish pagan with good knowladge about history I would like to point out some tings. 1. I do not believe that pagans used to do a "sign of Thor's Hammer". I know it's mentioned in one of the sagas, where a christian king does the sign of the cross when participating in a pagan ritual. The other cheiftans gets a little mad and a advisor tells them "No no, he does the sign of Hammer". In short I believe that "sign of Thor's Hammer" is a syncrinitism of Pagan and Christian religion. 2. Even though Mjolnir pendants was found in more womens graves (11) than in mens (9), I believe it was very equal as it was an ancient symbol even by that age. The design and size might have differed between the sexes. If we use common sense, women always prefered jewely that is smaller and more elegant. 3. The wearing of Mjolnir as a pendant was indeed a solery reaction to the christian cross. The symbol and use of Mjolnir was ancient (older version was an Axe in the Bronze Age) so when christianity spread throughout Viking Age Scandinavia the pagans responded to the wearing of the cross by wearing Mjolnir. This to represent their own faith and distingius themself. 4. Physical wooden hammers are believed to have been used in rituals by Gode's as a symbolic relic, representing Mans connection to the sky, because Thor was the protector of the Gods and Man and also a sky God, and therefore divinity. It was also used to bless weddings and such (Just like the Axe in the Bronze Age). Also placed in the lap of the bride as a sign and a blessing for a fruitfull marriage. (Note Thors function and a sky/rain God and that his wife Siv has golden hair, symbolic of golden weat). 5. The Mjolnir that has the runic inscription "Hammer Is" whitch means "This is a hammer" was found in Denmark, not Sweden. Also the runes are misspelled. Not evenyone knew how to write runes and even those who did, sometimes lacked knowladge it seems. Thor Vigi ✋
When i first started to heavily dive into norse paganism, i had some cheap mjolnirs already but never really wore them except on my car keys. When i bought my first silver one i felt i needed to earn it for myself. Shortly after recieving it i found a virtual race challemge that was Thor themed. I took it as a sign and took on the challenge. It was to walk 50 miles in one week. For some thats not very difficult but i was a bit of a couch potato at the time and it was very motivating to work on my physical well being. Everyday i walked, everyday i dedicated that walk to Thor. One the last day, i walked home from the park i did most of walking. I finished when i was a couple blocks from home. And in that exact moment i heard a loud clap of thunder and it started to lightly rain. A smile grew across my fave as I knew in that moment i earned my hammer. And for the first time felt i impressed the gods. Ive been pagan ever since. Hail to the great thunderous one! Hail to you Thor!
It is amazing how present the gods are in our life when we declare our intention and then follow through. Welcome here, I hope you find some of our content inspiring and useful.
These are a lot of good points. Personally, I bought my first hammer when I graduated AIT, that was when I had my spiritual awakening. After that I met a fellow Norse pagan who started to teach me about the gods, teach me about the runes and different ceremonies. After about a year of studying with him, he gifted me my first hammer. I also bless all of the hammers I’ve ever owned. And having formed the Odin’s Wolves Kindred here in Kentucky and being voted Göthi by my kinsmen, I want to carry that part with me. Help teach them, learn with them, and gift each of my kinsmen their first mjölnir that was actually given as a gift. I just like the tradition of that, but of course, like you said, it doesn’t HAVE to be gifted to you and I don’t understand the reasoning of the people who say “if it wasn’t gifted to you by a fellow pagan, you’re not allowed to wear it”. That just doesn’t sit right with me. After all, it is a symbol of the gods, and protection, and i think it’s mainly used to distinguish ourselves because a lot of us probably came from a Christian background, and we want to show we’ve changed and don’t want to be associated with that anymore. I loved this video Göthi Bödvarr! Keep up the good work!
Thank you, and thanks for sharing your customs. It helps to show people customs like this to understand that its not always black and white and not every tribal tradition is gatekeeping.
Thank you very much for your explanation. As a new pagan who has turned to your videos for guidance, I simply bought a hammer. Hearing you say that I made a perfectly ok decision makes me feel a lot better.
This is a topic I see a lot in Facebook groups, people asking if their hammer has to be gifted. I try to reply as often as I can that it doesn't. I hate that there are people out there trying to make thing more complicated and convoluted than it needs to be. I feel like Norse Paganism is a pretty straightforward path without a bunch of hurdles to jump, yet some try to make it that way.
I feel if you lose your hammer that one wasn't for you, I have lost a lot of hammers until the one I am currently wearing that i have had since 2011, and lost some after this one too. Personally I think it was just time for you to part with that particular hammer, perhaps somebody was meant to come along and find it, then ask questions on what it is then start down the path of Heathenry
What a sensible explanation! Thank you as well for clarifying that Mjolnir also represents the power of the gods as whole--that's very helpful to me. My introduction to the Norse gods came via Loki who (to make a long story short) essentially threw me over the proverbial shoulder and carried me off to the realm of Norse spirituality. Given the "ups and downs" that Loki has had with the rest of the gods, I was concerned it wouldn't be fitting for me to wear Mjolnir (even though I didn't get that impression from any of the dreams or meditations in which Loki graced me with his presence--this has been a "me" issue, not a "coming from Loki" issue)--however the way you presented the case has satisfied my concerns. I am most grateful for that. I look forward to your next video!
Our altar mjolnir is a jeweler's hammer that was actually used in jewelry production by my Gydthja, Jo. She is a professional bench jeweler. We use it both as a tool of creation and a tool of protection. It also is a focus and a grounding tool. We keep the Kindred oathring wrapped around it as well.
Great video as always Góðí Bodvarr and well informative. Hopefully now there won't be so much confusion about our Mjölnir. Now, I'm trying to catch up on all your new content you've been releasing so on to the next!
I have a hammer and I wear it outside so people can see it although I am a practicing Christian I still acknowledge myheritage myheritage is Swedish Norway in Icelandic so for me I'm saying that I am proud to be of North descent...
This is so interesting Thank you so much for this video! I have one that was made by a black smith. And I love it so much. It feels right to me. So it made of iron I believe I’m not really a pagan but I am a Christian but I do love wearing my hammer. I always felt a connection to the Norse. It makes me happy
As an animist, I see the hammer as its own spirit and a representation of the protection is provided to us, as well as blessings. I feel that Thor wielding it is just part of what it is, and not the most important part. That’s part of why I feel comfortable wearing a mjolnir even though I don’t have much praxis with Thor (although that is slowly changing lately). The hammer is a valuable symbol in its own right, to me. I hope that makes sense to others too, because I don’t think I’m the only one who would benefit from this thought process.
So in the prison I was in, it was a few things, they didn't want just anyone wearing one just because you liked it, but actually believed in the Faith of Asatru. As for child molesters, they couldn't come to the class at all. Also, the Odinic Rite had a Hammer test after they came in to teach.
I have read that too, but many years ago. Since then, there seems to have been a change in the findings. I've more recently read that it's about equal in male and female death sites, the majority of females being buried in home/agricultural sites, yet more males died or were interned abroad, almost certainly in war or on raids. Sorry, I don't have the source at hand but you can search this idea and decide for yourself, I'm not arguing with you on the basis of a memory of things I've read. Cheers!
My 2¢: I wear the hammer to honor the old gods, not to worship them. I wear it in the way you might wear your grandfather's old watch. Thor had a temper and his stories help me with my temper. Plot twist: I'm Catholic, with ancestry going back to Normandy and the conversion of the Vikings there. Thor's hammer remains on early Catholic baptismal fonts. I think of Thor as a patron saint tho my priest would be very upset if he heard me say that lol. Saint Thor :P
I agree on all accounts save for the Christian’s wearing the hammer And that’s just me, I have a terrible history with the Christian. They’ve done some despicable things in my past.. but perhaps, very perhaps.. I may change my mind someday. Thank you for the video, this information is much appreciated
Do you sell the Mjolnir's that you make? I have a birthday coming up and my wife keeps asking what I want, so if you do sell them please lmk so I can tell her. Thank you as well for another great video.
It was a poncho liner, I used it to make the hood following our quest hood video. Just used the woobie instead of the wool. It is in our heathen crafts playlist. One poncho liner will make 2 of these hoods.
So I'm about 3 minuts in, and you claim that the hammer sign was used as a blessing, and it later involvert into the sign of the cross? Gonna need sources on that bud
No sources needed bud. The Norsemen, most likely influenced by christanity, did the hammer sign before wide spread contact with christians, although we are pretty sure the cross symbolism came first. (i mentioned that a little later in the video) It is reasonable to believe that the transition from "sign of the hammer" to "sign of the cross" was an easy one to make for the newly converted. I didn't accurately articulate my point. When you read of Haakon the Good. There is a point where he was christian but obligated as king to assist in the sacrificial feasts at the temple at Hladir. He drank a toast dedicated to Odin but first made the sign of the cross over it. Many people though that it was the sign of the hammer but he was called out by one that could see it clearly, saying that it was the sign of the cross, not of the hammer. This should illistrate that both existed in the culture simultanously and newly converted christians would be obligated to make the switch. Sorry for the misleading language.
That is true..the Scandinavian people did have some sort of baptism. Usually river water would be splashed on the new child and the hammer sign was made over them.
Your CZcams is officially a part of my son's himeschool curriculum
Wait until we start with the children's story time playlist....Comming up! HAHAH
Interesting video. But as a Swedish pagan with good knowladge about history I would like to point out some tings.
1. I do not believe that pagans used to do a "sign of Thor's Hammer". I know it's mentioned in one of the sagas, where a christian king does the sign of the cross when participating in a pagan ritual. The other cheiftans gets a little mad and a advisor tells them "No no, he does the sign of Hammer". In short I believe that "sign of Thor's Hammer" is a syncrinitism of Pagan and Christian religion.
2. Even though Mjolnir pendants was found in more womens graves (11) than in mens (9), I believe it was very equal as it was an ancient symbol even by that age. The design and size might have differed between the sexes. If we use common sense, women always prefered jewely that is smaller and more elegant.
3. The wearing of Mjolnir as a pendant was indeed a solery reaction to the christian cross. The symbol and use of Mjolnir was ancient (older version was an Axe in the Bronze Age) so when christianity spread throughout Viking Age Scandinavia the pagans responded to the wearing of the cross by wearing Mjolnir. This to represent their own faith and distingius themself.
4. Physical wooden hammers are believed to have been used in rituals by Gode's as a symbolic relic, representing Mans connection to the sky, because Thor was the protector of the Gods and Man and also a sky God, and therefore divinity. It was also used to bless weddings and such (Just like the Axe in the Bronze Age). Also placed in the lap of the bride as a sign and a blessing for a fruitfull marriage. (Note Thors function and a sky/rain God and that his wife Siv has golden hair, symbolic of golden weat).
5. The Mjolnir that has the runic inscription "Hammer Is" whitch means "This is a hammer" was found in Denmark, not Sweden. Also the runes are misspelled. Not evenyone knew how to write runes and even those who did, sometimes lacked knowladge it seems.
Thor Vigi ✋
When i first started to heavily dive into norse paganism, i had some cheap mjolnirs already but never really wore them except on my car keys. When i bought my first silver one i felt i needed to earn it for myself. Shortly after recieving it i found a virtual race challemge that was Thor themed. I took it as a sign and took on the challenge. It was to walk 50 miles in one week. For some thats not very difficult but i was a bit of a couch potato at the time and it was very motivating to work on my physical well being. Everyday i walked, everyday i dedicated that walk to Thor. One the last day, i walked home from the park i did most of walking. I finished when i was a couple blocks from home. And in that exact moment i heard a loud clap of thunder and it started to lightly rain. A smile grew across my fave as I knew in that moment i earned my hammer. And for the first time felt i impressed the gods. Ive been pagan ever since. Hail to the great thunderous one! Hail to you Thor!
It is amazing how present the gods are in our life when we declare our intention and then follow through. Welcome here, I hope you find some of our content inspiring and useful.
Fantastic video laying to rest a lot of the misconceptions of wearing a Thor's hammer/Mjölnir!
These are a lot of good points. Personally, I bought my first hammer when I graduated AIT, that was when I had my spiritual awakening. After that I met a fellow Norse pagan who started to teach me about the gods, teach me about the runes and different ceremonies. After about a year of studying with him, he gifted me my first hammer. I also bless all of the hammers I’ve ever owned. And having formed the Odin’s Wolves Kindred here in Kentucky and being voted Göthi by my kinsmen, I want to carry that part with me. Help teach them, learn with them, and gift each of my kinsmen their first mjölnir that was actually given as a gift. I just like the tradition of that, but of course, like you said, it doesn’t HAVE to be gifted to you and I don’t understand the reasoning of the people who say “if it wasn’t gifted to you by a fellow pagan, you’re not allowed to wear it”. That just doesn’t sit right with me. After all, it is a symbol of the gods, and protection, and i think it’s mainly used to distinguish ourselves because a lot of us probably came from a Christian background, and we want to show we’ve changed and don’t want to be associated with that anymore.
I loved this video Göthi Bödvarr! Keep up the good work!
Thank you, and thanks for sharing your customs. It helps to show people customs like this to understand that its not always black and white and not every tribal tradition is gatekeeping.
Thank you very much for your explanation. As a new pagan who has turned to your videos for guidance, I simply bought a hammer. Hearing you say that I made a perfectly ok decision makes me feel a lot better.
perfect
This is a topic I see a lot in Facebook groups, people asking if their hammer has to be gifted. I try to reply as often as I can that it doesn't. I hate that there are people out there trying to make thing more complicated and convoluted than it needs to be. I feel like Norse Paganism is a pretty straightforward path without a bunch of hurdles to jump, yet some try to make it that way.
I feel if you lose your hammer that one wasn't for you, I have lost a lot of hammers until the one I am currently wearing that i have had since 2011, and lost some after this one too. Personally I think it was just time for you to part with that particular hammer, perhaps somebody was meant to come along and find it, then ask questions on what it is then start down the path of Heathenry
I feel the same way.
What a sensible explanation! Thank you as well for clarifying that Mjolnir also represents the power of the gods as whole--that's very helpful to me. My introduction to the Norse gods came via Loki who (to make a long story short) essentially threw me over the proverbial shoulder and carried me off to the realm of Norse spirituality. Given the "ups and downs" that Loki has had with the rest of the gods, I was concerned it wouldn't be fitting for me to wear Mjolnir (even though I didn't get that impression from any of the dreams or meditations in which Loki graced me with his presence--this has been a "me" issue, not a "coming from Loki" issue)--however the way you presented the case has satisfied my concerns. I am most grateful for that.
I look forward to your next video!
I found my mjölnir in Berlin germany, i love this artifacts and then i made another out of silver based on archeological foundings
Been wearing a Hammer for over 25 years. I could listen to your posts all day!
Excellent video. My favorite, so far. Thank you.
Our pleasure
Thanks for the info have a blessed day
þórr viki
Our altar mjolnir is a jeweler's hammer that was actually used in jewelry production by my Gydthja, Jo. She is a professional bench jeweler. We use it both as a tool of creation and a tool of protection. It also is a focus and a grounding tool. We keep the Kindred oathring wrapped around it as well.
That sounds awesome. Sounds like your kindred has a great grasp on gathering as a tribe. I hope we can bring some inspiration to your methods.
Great video as always Góðí Bodvarr and well informative. Hopefully now there won't be so much confusion about our Mjölnir.
Now, I'm trying to catch up on all your new content you've been releasing so on to the next!
Awesome 😊
I have a hammer and I wear it outside so people can see it although I am a practicing Christian I still acknowledge myheritage myheritage is Swedish Norway in Icelandic so for me I'm saying that I am proud to be of North descent...
This is so interesting
Thank you so much for this video!
I have one that was made by a black smith. And I love it so much. It feels right to me. So it made of iron I believe
I’m not really a pagan but I am a Christian but I do love wearing my hammer. I always felt a connection to the Norse. It makes me happy
Thank you for taking the time to make this video and it answered a lot of my questions
You are most welcome
As an animist, I see the hammer as its own spirit and a representation of the protection is provided to us, as well as blessings. I feel that Thor wielding it is just part of what it is, and not the most important part. That’s part of why I feel comfortable wearing a mjolnir even though I don’t have much praxis with Thor (although that is slowly changing lately). The hammer is a valuable symbol in its own right, to me. I hope that makes sense to others too, because I don’t think I’m the only one who would benefit from this thought process.
I cant imagine how anyone would take issue with any of that.
So in the prison I was in, it was a few things, they didn't want just anyone wearing one just because you liked it, but actually believed in the Faith of Asatru. As for child molesters, they couldn't come to the class at all. Also, the Odinic Rite had a Hammer test after they came in to teach.
Id like to know more about this tribal, earning.
Interesting, they have been found almost exclusively in female graves, for example, at Birka.
.
I have read that too, but many years ago.
Since then, there seems to have been a change in the findings.
I've more recently read that it's about equal in male and female death sites, the majority of females being buried in home/agricultural sites, yet more males died or were interned abroad, almost certainly in war or on raids.
Sorry, I don't have the source at hand but you can search this idea and decide for yourself, I'm not arguing with you on the basis of a memory of things I've read.
Cheers!
My 2¢: I wear the hammer to honor the old gods, not to worship them. I wear it in the way you might wear your grandfather's old watch.
Thor had a temper and his stories help me with my temper.
Plot twist: I'm Catholic, with ancestry going back to Normandy and the conversion of the Vikings there. Thor's hammer remains on early Catholic baptismal fonts. I think of Thor as a patron saint tho my priest would be very upset if he heard me say that lol. Saint Thor :P
I agree on all accounts save for the Christian’s wearing the hammer
And that’s just me, I have a terrible history with the Christian. They’ve done some despicable things in my past.. but perhaps, very perhaps.. I may change my mind someday.
Thank you for the video, this information is much appreciated
Many of my Christian friends are closet pagans. The zealots and prophesiers don't last long in my circle of friends.
I wear lord Thors as a tattoo its tattooed on my arm has a holy symbol of my Norse pagan religion and my loyalty to all the Norse gods
Do you sell the Mjolnir's that you make? I have a birthday coming up and my wife keeps asking what I want, so if you do sell them please lmk so I can tell her. Thank you as well for another great video.
Yes, the link is in my linktree. There are a couple different versions and options available.
Hammer
what If Thor sends you Mjolnir In front of your house ?
Please elaborate.
@@northwoodskindred i think they might mean amazon...lol
what is that piece of MARPAT gear you’re wearing called?
It was a poncho liner, I used it to make the hood following our quest hood video. Just used the woobie instead of the wool. It is in our heathen crafts playlist. One poncho liner will make 2 of these hoods.
@@northwoodskindred i love it! thank you!
@@therealst3phens715 you are welcome
@@northwoodskindred well im not positive but considering you referred to it as a woobie I get the feeling your a vet
@@josephrector8735 I am a retired US Marine Gunnery Sergeant, former Sniper instructor, Mountaineering Instructor, and SERE Instructor.
So I'm about 3 minuts in, and you claim that the hammer sign was used as a blessing, and it later involvert into the sign of the cross?
Gonna need sources on that bud
No sources needed bud. The Norsemen, most likely influenced by christanity, did the hammer sign before wide spread contact with christians, although we are pretty sure the cross symbolism came first. (i mentioned that a little later in the video) It is reasonable to believe that the transition from "sign of the hammer" to "sign of the cross" was an easy one to make for the newly converted. I didn't accurately articulate my point. When you read of Haakon the Good. There is a point where he was christian but obligated as king to assist in the sacrificial feasts at the temple at Hladir. He drank a toast dedicated to Odin but first made the sign of the cross over it. Many people though that it was the sign of the hammer but he was called out by one that could see it clearly, saying that it was the sign of the cross, not of the hammer. This should illistrate that both existed in the culture simultanously and newly converted christians would be obligated to make the switch. Sorry for the misleading language.
That is true..the Scandinavian people did have some sort of baptism. Usually river water would be splashed on the new child and the hammer sign was made over them.