Hello Warriors and Shield Maidens,
Today, we want to touch on a slightly different topic in Viking culture. The relationship of the people to the gods and the meaning behind offerings.
The Norse worldview of that time was built on the principle of exchange, a bond of loyalty that governed relationships between people and even more so between humans and gods. Honoring the gods through offerings was a vital expression of devotion, gratitude, and divine favor. By giving gifts like valuables, animals, or the symbolic sharing of a feast, the Vikings believed they were honoring the gods, while expecting them to give something back in return in various forms. The Norse circle of gods was believed to have an impact on every aspect of daily life, from weather to warfare, from fortune to fertility, and everything in between. This cycle of ‘do ut des’, which could be roughly explained as “I give, so that you may give in return” was one of the foundations of the world view.
The acts of giving, the offering also known as blót, were an integral part of life in the community. By getting together and sharing the experience, e.g., by feasting together or presenting gifts to the gods, the people strengthened their social bonds as individuals, as a group, and of course their relation with the respective gods. The act of giving showed commitment as well as respect for the gods, while in return the Vikings sought the pantheon’s assistance in matters of survival, fortune, or calm seas up to strength in the next battle.
One could almost go so far as to say that the practice of offerings was very important to maintaining the balance of the cosmos. Giving up something meaningful demonstrated humility and acknowledgement of greater forces. The sense of contributing to the struggle of the gods against the forces of chaos, eventually leading to Ragnarök.
In the world of Vikings Dynasty, we pay hommage to honoring the gods in a variety of ways, from temples to offering spots, as you will find out when you start your journey around Steineyjar Islands. We will share more info on that at a later point.
Until then!
Skål,
Digital Daredevils and Toplitz Productions
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2753930/Vikings_Dynasty/
