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Old Norse pagan books refer to a collection of written works originating from the Old Norse religion, which was prevalent during the Viking Age. These books provide valuable insights into the religious beliefs and practices of the Norse people. The main idea is that these texts offer a window into the ancient Norse culture and mythology, shedding light on their cosmology, deities, rituals, and worldview. One of the most well-known Old Norse pagan books is the Prose Edda, written by the Icelandic scholar and politician Snorri Sturluson in the 13th century. This work is a compilation of myths, legends, and poetic theories that were passed down orally for generations. It contains various stories about the creation of the world, the gods' exploits and struggles, and the epic tales of heroes, such as the well-known Siegfried and Beowulf.

burn glisters grey

Our Neolithic ancestors built monuments to track the sunrise and sunset of the winter solstice, and equally each monument would also work in reverse six months later for the summer solstice. One such lady was Biddy Early of County Clare, who was known far and wide for her healing, charms and remedies through her association with the Fair Folk.

It contains various stories about the creation of the world, the gods' exploits and struggles, and the epic tales of heroes, such as the well-known Siegfried and Beowulf. Another significant book is the Poetic Edda, also known as the Elder Edda. This collection of Old Norse poetry was compiled in the 13th century and serves as a primary source for understanding the mythology and poetry of the Norse people.

The Summer Solstice: Lore and Tradition

This is the second time in the year when the sun appears to "stand still" on its journey across the horizon upon rising and setting. Here, the sun rises at its furthest north-easterly point, and sets in its most north-westerly. It reaches its highest nadir in the sky, and here in the UK that means that the days are exceptionally long, and we may not even see full darkness before the light of dawn begins to permeate the skies. This phenomenon of the sun rising and setting in the same place lasts for three days, just as at the winter solstice. The Summer Solstice is known as Alban Hefin (Welsh) meaning "the light of summer", Medios-saminos (Old Celtic) and Meitheamh (Irish), both meaning "midsummer". Welsh tradition places the summer solstice as one of "three spirit-nights" or tair ysbrydnos, times when the veils between the world were thin, the others being Calan Mai and Calan Gaeaf(Beltane and Samhain). This is the longest day, before we begin our descent back into the darkness of the coming winter. It is considered the peak of the power of light, yet a reminder that everything changes.

Our Neolithic ancestors built monuments to track the sunrise and sunset of the winter solstice, and equally each monument would also work in reverse six months later for the summer solstice. Many monuments, such as the Callanish stone circle, also include the equinoxes, and so act as a giant calendar, marking out the time and the season. Four rows or avenues of ancient processional stones meet in the circle at a central stone, much like a Celtic cross. Stonehenge's processional way from the River Avon was marked by the sun's path during the solstices, and the Ring of Brodgar on Orkey is also aligned to the solstices and equinoxes.

Until not too long ago on the Isle of Man, bundles of straw were brought to the top of designated hills at midsummer to honour the sea god, Manannán mac Lir, who would sometimes appear in the guise of a crane, or who was honoured alongside the goddess Aine in Ireland in a similar fashion. Aine's importance in myth and legend later moved from goddess to fairy queen, and so we see the connection once again to the Fair Folk.

Being one of the three "spirit-nights", the summer solstice has long been connected to the Otherworld and the Fair Folk, or faeries. This is the time of the fairy ride, the faery hunt, when the hosts of Faery emerge from the Otherworld to travel across this world. William Sharp writing as Fiona Macloed in the 19th century conjures up such an image known across the Celtic world:

Where the water whispers 'mid the shadowy

I have heard the Hidden People like the hum

of swarming bees:

And when the moon has risen and the brown

burn glisters grey

I have seen the Green Host marching in

Dalua then must sure have blown a sudden

Or with the mystic dew sealed my eyes

from seeing fair:

For the great Lords of Shadow who tread the

Are no frail puny folk who move in dread of

For sure Dalua laughed alow, Dalua the fairy

When with his wildfire eyes he saw me 'neath

the rowan-shadowed pool:

His touch can make the chords of life a bitter

The false glows true, the true glows false

beneath his moontide rune.

The laughter of the Hidden Host is terrible to

The Hounds of Death would harry me at

lifting of a spear:

Mayhap Dalua made for me the hum of

And sealed my eyes with dew beneath the

In the poem above, Dalua reminds me of Gwyn ap Nudd, the Welsh Faery King and Lord of the Underworld spoken of previously. Fairy rides are known to ride out across the land at these liminal times, and so it is wise to try to avoid them at all costs. There is a tale of a young woman named Kathleen who sought out the Fair Folk in Knockmaa in Tuam, Western Ireland, having caught the eye of the King of the Connacht faeries. On the eve of midsummer she dressed and went out, dancing among them until the King appeared, whereupon he took her in his arms and she never returned home again. At least, not alive: for she was found dead upon the hillside near the fairy fort, a smile upon her face.

Yet others who have sought out and communed with the Fair Folk return as "fairy doctors", those who could heal as they had learned the wisdom of the faeries. One such lady was Biddy Early of County Clare, who was known far and wide for her healing, charms and remedies through her association with the Fair Folk. Not all encounters with the Fair Folk end badly, and some simply end politely, as in the Irish tale of a young woman meeting the goddess and faery queen Ainé on Knockainey Hill in Country Limerick. The townsfolk were having their solstice celebrations, but then the faery queen asked the young woman to politely tell the townsfolk to leave, as she and her faery troop would like to celebrate. All was very civil, and all's well that ended well. Respect the fair folk!

Fire is another aspect of this festival, and fire or sun wheels were rolled down hillsides by young men of extreme dexterity, chasing after it. It is thought that the cheese-rolling competitions of Gloucester began around this time, and were then moved to nearer the Spring Equinox. I know what I would rather chase down a hill! The hills of Knockainey and Cnoc Gréin were thought to be twin beacon hills upon which fires were lit at this time of year.

Seek out the Fair Folk at this time of year, if you dare! Just be sure to wear some St John's wort in your buttonhole, to keep the nastier ones away. There are many herbs associated with the Summer Solstice, and said to be best collected at this time, such as the above St John's wort, mugwort, vervain and yarrow.

For Kate West, the summer solstice is both a time of celebration and reflection (2003: 80). While we have oodles of daylight, the time also marks the point when the days will begin to get shorter. In some branches of neo-paganism, this is why the summer solstice is so tied in with fire. We’re celebrated the sun’s ‘high’ point before the slow descent towards winter.

It includes poems that were attributed to legendary figures such as Odin, Thor, and Loki, as well as verses that explore themes of love, loss, and fate. Apart from these two major works, there are other Old Norse pagan books, such as the Sagas – historical and legendary narratives that often intertwine with mythological elements. The Sagas provide glimpses into the lives of ancient Norsemen, their beliefs, and their interactions with gods and supernatural beings. Overall, Old Norse pagan books are invaluable resources for scholars and enthusiasts alike, seeking to delve into the rich history and cultural heritage of the Norse people. Through these texts, the main idea of the ancient Norse religion and its mythological framework is elucidated – from the pantheon of gods to the stories that shaped their worldview..

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