By I. M. Knosp In the middle of winter a woman sat by the window and embroidered. The land was covered in snow and her embroidery frame was of ebony. Just then she pricked her finger and 3 drops of blood fell from her onto the snow. She saw how beautiful and crimson it wasContinue reading “The Tale of Winter’s Sleep, Snow White Remythed”
Author Archives: thelorekeeper
Cairns
By J. A. Coburn The word cairn or càrn comes from the Scottish Gaelic language which describes stones dry stacked to form a balanced tower to great and impressive structures or megaliths. Cairns from prehistoric times to the present have been and are used for a broad variety of purposes from landmarks to graves andContinue reading “Cairns”
The Warrior Poet
By J.A. Coburn The Warrior Poet, Bardic Warrior or Warrior Bard while a romantic concept, popularized by Role Playing Games such as D&D first published in 1974 by Tactical Studies Rules, Inc. (TSR) and since by many movies, videogames as well as a mountain of fantasy novels. This is in reality a misnomer, leading to many misunderstandings in the real world of each, which in reality are brothers. The very concept of a Warrior Bard is in reality an insult to bothContinue reading “The Warrior Poet”
The Ironwood and the Wolf Spirits
By I.M. Knosp Deep in the realm of Jotunheim, among the mountains and shivering cold forests lies The Ironwood. A place of werewolves, trolls, and giants. Of magic and prophecy and blood…. It is far more wild, far less safe than the glittering home of the Aesir in Asgard. Instead everything in it is ofContinue reading “The Ironwood and the Wolf Spirits”
Freya, The Mother of Sweden
By I. M. Knosp Among the Norse Pantheon many notable deities exist. Thor, Loki, Heimdall, Hoenir, Odin, Skadi, Ullr, and more. Though one goddess that has a bit of a complex history and one that I think deserves a bit more of a deep dive. Is the beloved, complex, and extremely popular goddess of Freya.Continue reading “Freya, The Mother of Sweden”
The Trial of the Holy Berserker, Bearskin Remythed
By I.M. Knosp There was a once a soldier who conducted himself with such honor and bravery that he was always the foremost when bullets rained. As long as the war lasted he lived well and knew merriment but eventually, a peace was made. the soldier was dismissed from service and his captain said heContinue reading “The Trial of the Holy Berserker, Bearskin Remythed”
Paul Bunyan, American Heracles
By I. M. Knosp America is a comparatively young country when compared to the cultures of Europe such as England, Rome, Sweden, and beyond. Yet we are not lacking in our own folklore, spirits, heroes and even demigods. Among these mythic figures perhaps it may surprise those outside of the coasts of Lady Liberty’s lands.Continue reading “Paul Bunyan, American Heracles”
Hertha, The Germanic Mother Earth?
By I. M. Knosp One of the most widely known goddesses of West Germanic myth is that of “Earth”, her name is given to one of the four elements of Western tradition, it is also the name of the planet we walk on, yet for having such a ubiquitous name this goddess is often relegatedContinue reading “Hertha, The Germanic Mother Earth?”
Tall Tales & American Demigods
By I. M. Knosp The tale of American folklore is an odd one. A collection of stories shaped by the many tropes and traditions of the European settlers, as well as the new and different world that said settlers found themselves in. Among these tales are many monsters, legends, jokes, and long drawn out whoppersContinue reading “Tall Tales & American Demigods”
The Basics of Flyting
By J. A. Coburn A time-honored tradition of the past most notably from Albion according to writings. However, it must be mentioned this tradition extends into the rest of the Hyperborean peoples and customs as well, though different words might be used to describe the same custom. While the form may vary from region toContinue reading “The Basics of Flyting”