1. How do you view our gods and goddesses?
My view of the northern dieites is pretty fluid and not always easy to describe. I'm still adjusting to polytheism from a somewhat animist view of
perceiving the universe as divine and posessing a subtle dumb (as in, nonspeaking) genius that is infinitely adaptable, alarmingly diverse and chaotic, and yet unified at the same time. The closest parallel that I can give is the earth's oceans. Full of life, full of motion, yet all connected... a single body of water. *shrug* Words fail.
I've yet to have a direct personal visitation from any of the Norse pantheon in dreams or trance work. That being said, what I have experienced -- more
than once! -- are some pretty compelling omens. Such as thunder out of a clear sky in response to a very direct question while collecting wood for my
first hand-made rune set (no trick of imagination, my companion of the time distinctly heard the rumbling as well).
To me the gods ARE my elder kinsfolk, living in a far country. I have great affection and respect for them. They don't have to be physically present or
a mystic presence to be real. I value their impact on my life even if it is mostly through the "long distance correspondence" of reading about them in the lore.
That I view them as kin implies a number of interesting things:
-- simple, familial affection for my many "aunts" and "uncles" and "cousins"
-- easy-going connection and acceptance (even with those to whom I don't feel all that close)
-- and, perhaps a bit irreverantly, my own untapped potential as a child of greatness *grin*
2. Are you oathed to one or more specific deities? If so, how did that come about, and why that particular deity? If not, then why not?
No oaths. Not expecting to make any. If I ever do at some point down the road, there would have to be some pretty serious quid pro quo. So it would be less "an oath to" than "an agreement with." Again, perhaps a bit irreverent, but that's how I see it.
3. Which gods and goddesses do you feel closest to / have a deeper connection with?
Definitely have great affection for and am close to Thor. Often inspired by Bragi. Seeking to emulate the discipline of Heimdall at the moment, so have been contemplating his example more often.
Oh, and I definitely have a soft spot for Laufey's son.
4. What drew you to our pantheon?
From early childhood it was Marvel's "Thor" comics and then as a teenager it was books by folks like Tolkien. I was fascinated by Ralph Blum's rune set in college but (surprise) couldn't connect with the meanings as he gave them (too bad there was no internet back then). For most of my 20s and 30s, I wasn't drawn to anything except religious philosophies like Tao and Zen. I just drifted randomly or was going through the motions in Christian serivces because I enjoyed singing in the choir.
Eventually, after being divorced at 40 and exploring paganism, I learned about the modern reconstruction of the Germanic religion and was strongly drawn to it even though I didn't know anyone. Thankfully, that changed. And here I am.
5. What is your favorite myth / story about a god or goddess? Briefly outline the myth.
The binding of Fenris by Tyr is my favorite story.
Loki begat three monstrous children with the giantess Angrboda... one of whom was Fenris, the wolf. Jormungand and Hel were quickly sent away from Asgard, but the wolf was small at first and the gods thought it best perhaps to keep him close where they could be watchful.
The wolf quickly grew so strong and terrible, however, that everyone became fearful of him. Only Tyr -- who'd fed Fenris from the beginning -- was brave enough to continue doing that. They agreed the wolf was too dangerous to be allowed to continue roaming free, but since they had already given him food they were loath to spill his blood and break guestlaw. So they decided to tie him up instead.
First they brought a stout rope and challenged Fenris to a contest. The wolf allowed himself to be bound and then easily broke free. The gods next brought a mighty chain and again challenged the wolf. Again he broke the bonds. The gods were dismayed. They took counsel together then went to the dwarves who by their magic produced a slender thread of ineffable material such as the roots of mountains and the noise a cat makes when it walks. With this they challenged Fenris a third time.
No fool, this wolf, he realized some trickery was afoot and refused. They mocked him. He said, "very well... I will consent to be bound if one of you puts his hand in my mouth." The gods were silent. Then brave Tyr stepped forth and laid his hand in the wolf's mouth. Fenris was tied and could not break free and in frustrated rage bit off Tyr's hand.
The gods buried Fenris in a deep pit in the middle of an island and placed a heavy boulder over it. Though he struggles to break free, he will not escape until Ragnarok comes.
