Járnviðr

Heiðr / Heidr she the shining one  Previous post in this series:  The Three Maids - Gullveig Part 1 Let's start out with Heidr, probably the most easily-accepted connection with Gullveig. Carl Larsson (1853-1919), engraving by Gunnar Forssell (1859-1903). Originally from Fredrik Sander's 1893 edition of the poetic Edda. Heidr is mentioned twice in the Poetic Edda: once in the Voluspa, and once in the fragmented Voluspa in skamma. Völuspá (21-23) [ 21 ] The war I remember, | the first in the world, When the gods with spears | had smitten Gollveig, And in the hall | of Hor had burned her, Three times burned, | and three times born, Oft and again, | yet ever she lives. [ 22 ] Heith they named her | who sought their home, The wide-seeing witch, | in magic wise; Minds she bewitched | that were moved by her magic, To evil women | a joy she was   [ 23 ] On the host his spear | did Othin hurl, Then in the world | did war first come; The wall that girdled | the gods was broken, An...

Heidr - the shining one, you brought magic to the people of Midgard, You go by Hljod, maid to Frigg and giver of children to kings, Shapeshifter and mother to Gerdr, your importance is so understated, but I see you. Old one of the darkest woods, wise witch who lives where shadows dance, I call out to you with reverence and respect asking for your wisdom and counsel. Your magic floats on whispers of the wind blowing through the old spirits of the tree, beneath the warm glow of the moon, sometimes smashing like waves onto the rocky shores, or gently carrying a leaf down a babbling river. Grant me old witch of the woods, the insight to see beyond the veil, to see the magic in the mundane, and to embrace the mysteries of the unseen. As I stumble through the darkness, be my muse, my guardian, my guide, and may your wisdom from ages past lead me. Bringer of the wicked ways, hear my word and bless me with your ancient touch so that I may walk in harmony with the spirits, and dance with the r...