During the weeks of Midyear 30th through Haymoon 2nd, 2245 Runic Era, members and supporters of the Asatru Alliance met at a private campground on Rock Island, Wisconsin, to conduct a Formal Thing, a Tyr Blot, Formal Feast, Sumbel, and various activities of the Folk.
The setting for this historic gathering of the Folk was nothing less than spectacular. Rock Island is a State Park located in the pristine waters of northern Lake Michigan. The entire island, comprising over 200 acres, was the former estate of Chester Thordarson, a pioneering Icelandic-American who in the early 1920's invented a high voltage transformer which revolutionized the electrical industry in Vinland. Thordarson used some of the profits from his invention to purchse Rock Island and build his famous Viking Hall to house his extensive library of Nordic Studies books and manuscripts. Built of native stone by Icelandic craftsmen and furnished with hand carved furniture which depicts scenes from Northern Mythology and runic inscriptions from the Havamal, it served as the centerpiece of his massive estate. One can only wonder if perhaps Chester was an Asatruarman as well?
To reach Rock Island, one has to first drive to the tip of the Deer Peninsula, a finger of land which juts out into Lake Michigan for almost one hundred miles. At the end of the road is a quaint little harbor aptly named Death's Door. There you board the ferry to Washington Island.
My sister Susan and I arrived at the ferry dock on Thursday morning, the day before the AlThing was to begin. Once we paid the ferryman his fee and parked our car in line for the boat, we walked down to the beach and promptly offered Blot to Njord. An offering of silver was given to the God of the Sea in the hopes of safe passage over the waters for ourselves and our kinsmen attending the AlThing. Having duly sacrificed, we then ordered a couple of bratwursts from a little stand in the wood and enjoyed our little Feast.
We indeed had a safe crossing. Once landed on Washington Island, we proceeded to visit the Icelandic shop on the island and I purchased a small statue of Frigga and some tee shirts to take home to friends and family. Having duly supported the local economy, we headed for Birkenstead where the Taylors had graciously offered us a place to stay until the AlThing the next day.
After driving across the Island and turning into the long driveway oto the farm, we met our dear friends Robert and Katherine Stewart, who were just leaving to seek some much needed supplies. After driving down to the farm, we soon met more kinsmen who were already set up in the little campground and enjoying each other's company. After making the rounds and duly visiting with everyone, we set up our tents, and relaxed after driving over 1,500 miles in just a few days.
Throughout the day more kinsmen arrived, and before long our little campground in the fir and birch trees was full of the happy sounds that only Norse Heathens can make in the woods.
Many of us trekked into the deep woods to visit the Vanir Hof, built by the Wulfings and the site of the Tyr Blot of AlThing 11. After all these years, there are still only two Asatru Hofs in Vinland, the Vanir Hof on Washington Island, and Odinnshof in Arizona. A true testament to Folk who put their creed in their deeds.
As evening approached a campfire was lit in the camping area and we held an informal Sumbel. Many rounds of the horn were made that night with the ample mead supplied by Robert and Karen Taylor.
On Friggasday morning, we all packed up our gear and headed down to the dock to take the ferry to Rock Island. It was quite a sight as about 35 Asatruarmen with all their gear boarded that little boat and set off across the water to the next island. Upon landing we were met at the dock by a contingent of the Folk who had arrived on an earlier boat. They helped us pack our gear to the Thing site which was some distance from the dock. Once at the Thing site, we quickly set up camp, and prepared the Blot site. Our banners were hung with the sacred Tyr Rune in the center, an appropriate backdrop for the stalli. While the grounds were prepared, yet more kinsman arrived on the next two boats. Soon it was time to begin the Thing.
A few days prior, Robert Taylor has broken his arm in a fall on the farm, so he asked me if I could perform the Tyr Blot. Of course, I accepted, and promptly made all of the last minute arrangements. When all was ready, we summoned the Folk and Valgard led the procession to the Thing Grounds.
As acting Allsherjargothi for the duration of the Thing, Valgard raised the protective shield wall in the ancient manner. With two crossed swords in one hand and raised spear in the other, he summoned the holy guardians of the North. Then raising two swords in the air in runic Galdr, he invoked the power of the runes of Elhaz and Tiwaz. The Blot so began.
With sword held overhead, the ancient Sky Father of our ancestors was summoned and welcomed to this stead. Calling Tyr by his many names, the Gothi then offered the sacrificial mead held in the huge engraved horn of the Wulfings. This sacrifice was made willingly by free men and women as a sign of eternal kinship and love for the primal God of the Thing. The sacrifice was accepted, as witnessed by the many gathered that day. As the Gothi poured the mead into the bowli and prepared to give the blessing, the wind blew hard from the North and Tyr's breath caressed the banners of the Folk.
Following the blessing of the Folk, it was time for the sacred rite of the Blessing of Weapon Steel. Valgard, assisted by the most capable Gothi Heimgest, proceeded to make the rounds of the circle. Each in turn offered a horn of praise to Tiwaz. Some produced steel to be touched by the sword Tyr's Justice. Oaths were duly sworn and consummated by the pouring of sacred blot mead onto the two weapons. Then the blessing was done. The Allsherjargothi held the bowli high overhead and reminded the Folk that the bowli represented the repository of the blessings and the power of the Gods, the luck and fortune of the kindred and Clan, and the sacred symbol of the Gothi and Shaman of the Folk. The mead was then offered to the earth to thank the land spirits, and the Blot was declared ended. With this act, AlThing 15 was officially opened. After a short break the Folk assembled again in the grove to begin the Thing.
Gothi Steve McNallen formally opened the Thing with an invocation to Tyr. Thing Speaker Robert Bruce then called for the seating o recognized Thing Delegates. Arizona Kindred was represented by Valgard Murray, Eagle Kindred of Idaho by Katherine Stewart, Eagle Kindred of Utah by Jerry Parker, and the Tribe of the Wulfings by Robert Taylor.
As is the custom of the Thing the four other Kindreds present, which were not Alliance Kindreds, were allowed to choose a delegate from among themselves with voting rights at the Thing. Steve McNallen was elected as delegate of record for non-Alliance Kindreds.
The Thing speaker then heard Thing business. The Financial Statement of the Alliance was read by Secretary/Treasurer, Valgard Murray. The By Laws of the Asatru Alliance were then read by the Thing Speaker and approved as read without change by the Delegates. Vor Tru was then discussed. Valgard read a cost study explaining the financial loss that the publishing and distribution of Vor Tru accrued during the previous year- a deficit of over a thousand dollars which was made good by World Tree Publications. After much discussion by the delegates it was decided that Vor Tru should be placed on a sound financial footing which would allow us to proceed with the next step in the evolution of the magazine: mass distribution. The new subscription for Vinland distribution was raised to $18 for four issues. This will allow us to continue to improve the size and content of the magazine and to also purchase new equipment to improve the printing quality of it as well.
The next order of business was to hear the petitions of Kindreds wishing to join the Alliance. One by one the Kindreds came forward and presented their willingness to serve the Folk as part of this great Alliance. Ragnar Whitcomb for Raven Kindred, Steve McNallen for Calasa Kindred, Hidolf Hanson for Ravens Troth Kindred, Thorgrun Odden for Gullinbursti Kindred, and Valgard Murray representing Wodan's Kindred of British Columbia. After much debate, all of the Kindreds were welcomed to the Alliance with a special ceremony in front of the Stalli. All of the Kindreds formed a circle. The Thing Rock from the Law Rock of Thingvellir Iceland was held in turn by the respective Delegate, words spoken, then passed to the next Delegate. New Kindreds were formally acknowledged by the Thing Speaker and took their place with the other Delegates and the Speaker. The Thing Speaker then called for a recess of the Thing. It was approved by the Delegates. The Thing would reconvene the following morning.
We then returned to the campgrounds where Karen Taylor had prepared a welcome Feast for the Folk. This informal Feast consisted of venison stew and assorted chips. Washed down with a cold ale lovingly carried from the mainland, it was a great Feast indeed!
Later in the evening, Gothi Robert Taylor hosted a Sumbel, where far more than the traditional three rounds of the horn was passed. After the Sumbel, most of the Folk turned in to get some rest for the busy day ahead.
Early morning found Valgard working in the outdoor kitchen cooking up hearty Spam sandwiches and strong coffee. Over twenty of the Folk decided to share in the traditional breakfast of the Arizona Kindred, for it would be a long day, and the magic meat will always see you through.
The Thing was reconvened at 9 AM, and new business was discussed. Two Kindreds offered to host AlThing 16, Eagle Kindred of Utah, and Raven Kindred of California. After careful consideration and discussion by the Delegates, it was voted to hold AlThing 16 in California, with Raven Kindred serving as host and the four other Alliance Kindreds in California supporting them. Latest word is that the Thing will be held in Santa Barbara County near the Danish town of Solvang. The exact date for AlThing 16 has not yet been set, but will most likely coincide with either the Fall Equinox or Erik the Red Day. Details will be published in Vor Tru 56.
Following the discussion of New Business, there was a special awards presentation made by Valgard on behalf of Serge Huard and Marcelle Trudel of Heritage and Tradition. To our distinguished guest of the Odinic Rite, Heimgest, was presented a boxed set of silver Thorr's Hammer and Futhark coins. Also presentations of Thorr's Hammers was made to Gothi Robert Taylor and Gothi Steve McNallen as a gesture of kinship and a token thank you for many years of duty to the Folk. Being no further business, the Thing Speaker called the Thing closed.
It was now time for the Asatru vendors to set up for the Free Market and also for the Viking Games to begin. The Games were held in the meadow near the Viking Hall. They consisted of the traditional light and heavy caber toss, spear throwing, varpa (rock throw), Hammer throw, and a modified version of the infamous Pillage and Cut, all of which challenged the men, women, and halflings of the Folk.
In the campground picnic tables were lined up and the various wares of the vendors were proudly placed on display. World Tree was there, along with Steve McNallen and the offerings of The Runestone magazine and their many fine publications and recordings for the Asatruar.
After the Games and the Free Market had ended, it was time to prepare the Feast. The charcoal fires were lit and beef steaks, chicken breasts, hamburgers and hot dogs were put on the grill. Salads, breads, and desserts were brought out and the tables set in anticipation. After a Hammer signing by Valgard, the Feast began in earnest. As is customary, toasts were made to the Holy Aesir and Vanir, and to our hosts, Robert and Karen Taylor and the Wulfings. The awards were then distributed to the winners and participants of the Viking Games, and the last of the raffle tickets were sold. When we put the tickets in the helm, and young Eric first drew the lucky winner of the beautiful Viking Sword donated by Kirby Wise. The winner was Elise Brown from Indiana. We immediately drew the winner of the battle axe, and it went to Cliff Raeder, Elise's husband. With a great roar of approval from the Folk, Valgard presented the couple with their new won weapons. In an act of extreme generosity, Cliff donated his axe back to the Alliance for the auction which was soon to follow.
As the fine auction items were brought out for inspection, the Folk gathered around to inspect the many items. These included a large ceramic statue of Thorr donated by Dagaz, the axe donated by Cliff, a large oak riual Hammer donated by Valgard, an Odinic Rite pin donated by Heimgest, plus many nice jewelry items donated by members of the Alliance. The bidding at times was hot and heavy, and in the end netted the Alliance $473 for the General Fund.
Immediately after the auction there was a formal ceremony and exchange of gifts between Heimgest representing the Odinic Rite, and Valgard representing the Alliance. Heimgest presented the Alliance with a large hand written scroll of solidarity with the Alliance which will be framed and placed in a position of honor in the Vanir Hof. Valgard presented Heimgest with the first AlThing commemorative Thorr's Hammer ever struck, and then followed declarations of kinship and solidarity between the two groups. Iron bonds were forged that night in the Grove.
With the serious business over with, it was now time for the Mead Competition sponsored by the Brewer's Guild. Seven brewers brought their finest to be judged by their peers. As always, it is an arduous job, tasting, sniffing, and quaffing the best mead on Midgard, but we managed all the same to name the new champion. The winner was Susan Darling with Susie's Mountain Scream, with Amber Moon submitted by Robert and Katherine Stewart a very close second. Beautiful silver bee necklaces were given to the winners by Valgard on behalf of the Guild.
Following the Mead Competition, the fire was lit in the Ritual Circle and we were summoned to Sumbel. Gothi Robert Taylor officiated, and many rounds of the horn were made honoring Gods, Goddesses, ancestors and heroes. Although the revelry went on into the night, this writer decided to turn in early.
Early Sunnasday morning, Karen Taylor with help from Valgard and Susan cooked breakfast for the horde of hungry AsaFolk. With all kinds of leftovers from the previous Feast, some scrambled eggs wrapped in a tortilla, washed down with berserker coffee, we were ready to start the day.
Our next order of business were the Seminars. Steve McNallen spoke first of the goals of the new Asatru Folk Assembly. As always, Steve did a fine job with his presentation and answered some tough questions from the Folk. Most importantly, he declared that the AFA stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the Asatru Alliance in preserving and promoting the values of traditional Asatru, where our sacred Heritage and Traditions are preserved and enhanced without the pollution of New Age "anything goes" philosophy.
Following Steve's presentation, our most esteemed guest and kinsman, Heimgest, Director of the Court of Gothar of the Odinic Rite, discussed what they are doing in not only Great Britain, but also with branches in France and Germany as well. He made it very clear that he supports our mission of Traditional Asatru, and will work together with the Alliance and the AFA in the future to achieve our goals for the common good of the Folk. From the floor, Valgard Murray then mentioned that there is currently a proposal from Allsherjargothi, Jormundur Ingi, for an International Asatru Alliance. This Alliance would be made up of groups who practice Traditional Asatru in Midgard. After a lengthy and spirited question and answer period, Heimgest ended his presentation. The Folk then applauded Steve and Heimgest for their steadfast dedication. This was the last structured event of the AlThing, so it was now time to pack up our gear and head down to the ferry dock.
After several trips from the campground to the dock, we finally had all of our gear ready to load on the boat. It took several journeys of the ferry to take all of the Folk from the island. We were fortunate that for our crossing of the water Thorr had decided to send a stiff wind which brought the white caps up for us. It was a good exciting ride back to the big island.
Some of the kinsmen said their good byes on the dock, for they had many miles to cover that day. The rest of us returned to Birkenstead where we stayed in the campgrounds that night.
Manisday morning it was time for Valgard and Susan to somehow load our vast amount of cargo into our not so large of a car. This, of course, is a common problem among the cargo cult.
With that chore being finally settled, it was now time to say our farewells. This naturally took some time, but we finally had to leave, for we had may miles to go in the next few days.
In the final analysis, I would rate this AlThing as one of our best ever. In spite of great distances, several ferry boats, and a good hike from the dock to the campgrounds and back, no one seemed to mind the sacrifices needed to make this great gathering of the Folk. Five new Kindreds joined the Alliance, several more formational Kindreds made themselves known. We had the chance to finally bridge the great distances of Europe, and bring a fine man to the Thing. Old friendships were renewed and new ones made. And lastly, everyone returned home to their families safe and sound. It was a good AlThing indeed!
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