Heathenism
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Sumbel on the other hand is held as a means to strengthen community ties. Some heathen groups have more formal sumbel structures than others, but the basic format is the same. In a sumbel the horn is passed at least three times around the circle. The first “hail” or toast is generally to the gods or goddesses. The second toasts the memory of heroes and/or ancestors. The third round is often called the “boast and toast.” Here people can toast whomever or whatever they wish to. Often boasts are made of one’s accomplishments. Occasionally, oaths are made – although it is always cautioned that taking an oath in sumbel is taking an oath before the gods, and should be taken quite seriously. The third “round” can actually continue as long as there is need. Sometimes people recite poetry or sing as part of sumbel. Typically, a blot is followed by a feast (also called husel) and then a sumbel.
An important thing to remember about sumbel is that the Heathen believes that wyrd is dynamic and can be acted upon. What happens in sumbel is that the words and deeds of all those present form a layer in the Well of Wyrd itself. Thus, while to the outsider sumbel seems little more than a drinking festival, the reality is much more serious. Certainly laughter is a part of life, and humor is often expressed. But in sumbel that which is spoken is spoken over the mead in the drinking horn, which is connected symbolically to the Well itself. Thus, people who make false or outlandish boasts will often be called on to prove themselves. This is not meant as insulting, but rather as a means to protect the luck of the hall, and the wyrd of everyone present. The best example of a sumbel in the extant literature can bee seen in Beowulf, when Hrothgar and his men gather with Beowulf and his men to drink to one another.
Heathenism, or Asatru, also called Odinism, the Elder Troth, Theodisc and other names is a complex religion. It is modern, yet based soundly on the surviving evidence of the ancestral beliefs of the Northern European peoples. It is a polytheistic faith and emphasizes elements of ancestor worship as well as a profound tie to the land. Asatru groups are called kindreds, tribes or fellowships, yet there are also people who are “solitary” and have no affiliation. Several larger umbrella organizations exist for the purposes of networking and/or building the faith on a national level. There are many facets to Heathenism. The main ones have been covered here, but there is, as always, more to learn.
“Wit ye know, or how?” [Will thou know more, or what?]2
-TRK-
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