Some impressions from my hiking weekend in south-east Saxonia close to the Bohemian border. 🌲🍂🌞

A little about me im: British with: English (which is Saxon mainly), Germanic ;-) Irish, Scandinavian ;-)) , Scots & Welsh ancestry/ethnicity. Ive been lucky enough to trace my ancestry back to the Dukes of Normandy & Jarls of Orkney. Although to be fair most people of N.W. European descent can count them as direct ancestors, but can u prove it...? 😜. My cultural identity lies in the history and mythology of Scandinavia and Germay: Woden/Odin. I love/passion all things history particularly Norse and Roman. My 'speciality' is Roman but the Norse is catching up! Sköl!

958 years ago, the course of English history was irreversibly altered as William of Normandy, later dubbed 'The Conqueror', defeated Saxon English King Harold Godwinson, reshaping the nation's landscape, culture, and language.

Let’s break it down ⬇️ When it comes to the dating of Álfblót, Bede, Sorenson claims it occurs during: - The full moon after Vetrnætr; - During Gormanuthr (Gore Month for slaughter month); and, - During the Anglo-Saxon Blood Moon. This originally had most of us believe that Álfblót occurs on the full moon after Vetrnætr. However, more recently Dr. Andreas Zautner published a theory that Álfblót takes place during Vetrnætr, thus questioning a previous theory by the foremost expert in pre-Christian calendars, Dr. Andreas Nordberg. What was the insight that led to this ground-breaking conclusion? Dr. A. Zautner agrees that major blóts occur on full moons. Where his work splits is when he shows that the months begin on the new moons. This keeps the dating of Vetrnætr, Jól and Sigrblót the same, but moves Álfblót to the same day at Vetrnætr. The theory of new moons marking a new month is not a new theory. In fact, many ancient civilizations following lunisolar calendars started a new month on a new moon. If the months begin on the new moon, this would shift the months up by about two weeks, moving Gormunthr to October-ish instead of November-ish, which makes one of three sources align with Zautner’s theory. ... Álfblót is said to be a private gathering and the only time strangers are not welcome (society of good hosts and what-not). Sources of Álfblót only mention it as a Swedish Heathen tradition in Uppsala - it’s not mentioned anywhere else. Like Vetrnætr, Álfblót is a time to give revererance to the ancestors. Could Álfblót be a Swedish tradition for Vetrnætr? Is it separate? What do you think? 🤔 ... To learn how to celebrate Álfblót and Vetrnætr, head over to https://www.pagankids.org/post/alfblot

The Varangian Guard was an elite unit in the Byzantine Empire, renowned for its loyalty and combat prowess. Established in the late 10th century, it initially comprised Norse warriors from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland, later joined by Anglo-Saxons after the Norman Conquest of England. Serving as the emperor's personal bodyguards, the Varangians were trusted for their foreign origin, which made them less vulnerable to Byzantine court intrigues. Easily recognizable by their distinctive armor and large two-handed axes, they were a formidable force on the battlefield and played a significant ceremonial role in the imperial court. The Varangian Guard participated in key military campaigns against various enemies, earning a fearsome reputation across Europe and the Near East. Over time, their ranks grew increasingly diverse, but the guard maintained its elite status and continued to be a vital part of the Byzantine military. Though their influence waned as the Byzantine Empire declined, the Varangian Guard remains a symbol of loyalty, martial skill, and the fusion of Norse and Byzantine cultures, making them one of the most iconic military units of the medieval era. . . . . . #vikings #valhalla #ragnarlothbrok #vikings #viral #VikingRings #OdinAllFather #odin #hailodin #vikingshirt #vikingwarrior #norse #vikingclothings #Vikingaxes #norsesoul #warrior #vikingspirit #ragnar #vikinggods #VikingWarriors #vikingage

Work I finished today #suttonhoo #viking #axe #saxon #jewellery #pendant #Thor #thorhammer