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Wolfs-Head: Óðinn, The Ecstatic God of Tethers and Skin-Turning
“As a transpersonal state, ‘berserkergangr’ has attracted a host of theories that attempt to explain or rationalise it as a drug induced frenzy, or insanity. Too few studies are open to the possibility of an enhanced state of spiritual intoxication, of ‘god possession.’ Being an ecstatic madness, that dedication to an extreme warrior code is more akin to the mysterious disciplines of the east that demand, privation, ordeal and self-sacrifice. It is the path of the zealot, the hero and the priest combined.”
Óðinn’s identity as the Ecstatic God of the Tethers of Law and Death, is least recognised through his Skin-Turning and Shape-shifting techniques as gifts of the highest craft he imparts to a shamanic warrior elite. Those themes are explored in this volume, alighting upon a wide range of magics and histories identified within the Óðinnic cultus. Medieval source materials yield a wealth of information relating to Totemism; Ritual Guising; the Berserkir and Úlfhéðnar as Óðinn’s True Wolf Warriors; Motifs of Magical Beasts in Battle; the Wælceasega as Carrion Host; the Law and Covenants relating to Wǽr-loga; Outlawry; She-Wulves; The Red Thread of Wyrd, Warding and Binding the Dead, Varðlo(k)kur - the call to spirit; Dragons, the Wyrm, and finally, to the malefic sorcery of the Dog Heads of War, The Zmei, The Roggenwolf and the Bukka, whose presence in the wheat, rye and barley knots of the blessed harvest grains, all wend a path through to the real St George, to Green George.
Enchanted thread, girdles, withies and staves, seiðr and the völur are woven through the time-honoured mysteries shared by Beowulf, Grendel and his brimwylf (‘sea-wolf’) mother. Nordic culture drew inspiration and influence from the magical and martial disciplines of the Sámi, Slavic, north-European and Eurasian peoples. Invoking the divine ecstasy of creation, Shamen priests and warriors, stand ‘outside’ time. Óðinn’s antinomian challenges generated considerable friction within societal ‘law.’ The dehumanisation of the skóggarmaðr (wild men of the forest) outlawed for following his rule, rendered them indistinct from the forest-wolf’s status, and were perceived as equal quarry. Transpersonal experiences shaped their realities, relating to identification through a clan totem, namely the wolf, and later the dragon, wyrm and raven, not merely as wild beasts of battle, but of ancestry, mind, of wit and wisdom. Couched in ambiguities, the role of the Valkyrjur,’ the ‘handmaidens of Óðinn is re-evaluated, leading to a new conclusion for their association with (battle) carnage and the ‘Cult of the Dead.’
Óðinn’s identity as the Ecstatic God of the Tethers of Law and Death, is least recognised through his Skin-Turning and Shape-shifting techniques as gifts of the highest craft he imparts to a shamanic warrior elite. Those themes are explored in this volume, alighting upon a wide range of magics and histories identified within the Óðinnic cultus. Medieval source materials yield a wealth of information relating to Totemism; Ritual Guising; the Berserkir and Úlfhéðnar as Óðinn’s True Wolf Warriors; Motifs of Magical Beasts in Battle; the Wælceasega as Carrion Host; the Law and Covenants relating to Wǽr-loga; Outlawry; She-Wulves; The Red Thread of Wyrd, Warding and Binding the Dead, Varðlo(k)kur - the call to spirit; Dragons, the Wyrm, and finally, to the malefic sorcery of the Dog Heads of War, The Zmei, The Roggenwolf and the Bukka, whose presence in the wheat, rye and barley knots of the blessed harvest grains, all wend a path through to the real St George, to Green George.
Enchanted thread, girdles, withies and staves, seiðr and the völur are woven through the time-honoured mysteries shared by Beowulf, Grendel and his brimwylf (‘sea-wolf’) mother. Nordic culture drew inspiration and influence from the magical and martial disciplines of the Sámi, Slavic, north-European and Eurasian peoples. Invoking the divine ecstasy of creation, Shamen priests and warriors, stand ‘outside’ time. Óðinn’s antinomian challenges generated considerable friction within societal ‘law.’ The dehumanisation of the skóggarmaðr (wild men of the forest) outlawed for following his rule, rendered them indistinct from the forest-wolf’s status, and were perceived as equal quarry. Transpersonal experiences shaped their realities, relating to identification through a clan totem, namely the wolf, and later the dragon, wyrm and raven, not merely as wild beasts of battle, but of ancestry, mind, of wit and wisdom. Couched in ambiguities, the role of the Valkyrjur,’ the ‘handmaidens of Óðinn is re-evaluated, leading to a new conclusion for their association with (battle) carnage and the ‘Cult of the Dead.’
210 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
July 16, 2023
What a wonderful book. Once warmed up to the highbrow style, my heart began to open to the book and its spiritually/mystically profound journey. For Viking lovers and anyone who is ready for something real.
The book explores warrior shamanism, the wolf, serpent and dragon relationship, mysterious ancestries, totemic beasts, fertility rites, shape-shifting magics, she-wulves and fate.
I cannot attest to the book's academic usefulness, but it impressed its gnosis upon me and I enjoyed it immensely in that regard.
Great read. It could be longer with more summary of background subjects in parts and many concepts are repeated, but this is a minor stylistic issue and the book is impeccable as is. There again, if it had been instructional in any form, then who knows!
Paperback review.
I am curious about the first and third books in this trilogy, however, €30 is on the expensive side. I look after my books well, but the top layer of my copy has tattered edges all around, which is down to the material used on the outside of the book. Nice at first, but naff eventually. Contains cool illustrations, though too.
The book explores warrior shamanism, the wolf, serpent and dragon relationship, mysterious ancestries, totemic beasts, fertility rites, shape-shifting magics, she-wulves and fate.
I cannot attest to the book's academic usefulness, but it impressed its gnosis upon me and I enjoyed it immensely in that regard.
Great read. It could be longer with more summary of background subjects in parts and many concepts are repeated, but this is a minor stylistic issue and the book is impeccable as is. There again, if it had been instructional in any form, then who knows!
Paperback review.
I am curious about the first and third books in this trilogy, however, €30 is on the expensive side. I look after my books well, but the top layer of my copy has tattered edges all around, which is down to the material used on the outside of the book. Nice at first, but naff eventually. Contains cool illustrations, though too.
Displaying 1 of 1 review