Book Review: Boar, Birch and Bog: Prayers to Nerthus
“Boar, Birch and Bog: Prayers to Nerthus”
by Nicanthiel Hrafnhild is, to my knowledge, the first devotional focusing
specifically on the Goddess Nerthus to come out of either modern Paganism or
contemporary Northern Tradition (with all the denominations that term entails).
As the author notes, even amongst those who commonly worship the Vanir, Nerthus
is often over-looked. As Heathenry moves further into the 21st
century, I think that it’s both positive and very, very important to have
Deities like Nerthus represented in articles, in rituals, in
devotionals—especially in devotionals.
The question of prayer – literally to pray or not to pray—has long cropped up within Heathenry as an issue of contention. Some interpret the idea of prayer as groveling submission and reject both the term and the action. Others desperately crave some guidance on how to use this spiritual practice to deepen their own burgeoning faith. Until recently, options for the latter group were limited. It wasn’t until 2004 that the first Heathen devotional was published (my own ‘The Whisperings of Woden”). Since then, each year as seen the publication of at least a handful of devotionals. There are even three Frey devotionals available, “Frey: God of the World,” by Ann Groa Sheffield, “Peace and Good Seasons” by Svartesol, and the new “Honey, Grain, and Gold” by Joshua Tenpenny. Despite Her position as Earth Mother, Queen of the Vanir, and despite the importance that She surely must have had for our ancestors, until Nicanthiel’s book, we’ve had nothing for Nerthus.
The purpose of this book, as stated by its author, is to bring knowledge of Nerthus to the wider world, to Pagans and Heathens both and to “break Her image free” from any “limiting stereotypes.” (p. 7). To that goal, the book is divided into three primary sections, drawing on Nerthus’s sacred heiti or bynames. Each section discusses a different facet of this powerful Goddess: Lady of Valor, Goddess of fertility and renewal, and the Bog Lady, Goddess of sacrifice and holiness. Within each section, the author gives us an introduction to that particular facet of Nerthus, drawing on lore and research to provide historical and literary context. This is followed by a brief selection of prayers, rituals, articles and essays. It’s clear that the author worked hard to balance the power of personal experience and gnosis, with the legitimizing authority of scholarly lore and by and large, he succeeds. While I don’t agree with every point raised (particularly the belief that Nerthus and Jord are the same Deity), this small book compiles more information on Nerthus than I have ever seen in one place, and its focus in learning to honor Her. To my mind, that makes it invaluable, especially for those devoted either to Nerthus specifically or the Vanir in general.
Overall, I particularly like how the idea
of Her forbidden face, of taboo, and inviolate power threaded itself throughout
the poems and prayers. This is an essential part of the nature of this Goddess and one with which
minds shaped by the nebulous concept “modernity” most often struggle.
Nicanthiel also presented a facet of Nerthus with which I was not familiar:
Nerthus as a Goddess of valor and battle. I was particularly gratified to see a
chapter addressing the skills and wisdom of warrior-craft, as it is something
often ignored when the Vanir come up in discussion. I learned something new
from this book, which alone left me with a favorable impression of it.
Much of the poetry in the book seeks, consciously or unconsciously to utilize the power of internal alliteration so common to Anglo Saxon poetic meter and I found this an attractive convention well executed, particularly in the vividness of the metaphors employed. There are also examples of Deity oriented fiction included, which I personally don’t care for but they are well written. For those who find their connection to their Gods fueled by the creative process, or who connect strongly to the ancient art of story-telling, this would, I suspect be a plus. I was also very pleased to see oracles of Nerthus presented at the end of each chapter. This is a sacred art, one that I have seen little employed in contemporary Heathenry. It involves stilling the mind and emotions, and allowing a Deity to communicate in such a way that one may make a record of the communication. I do not know what techniques Nicanthiel employed, but the oracles are powerful and, more than anything else, for me, summoned the feel of Nerthus’ presence clearly and strongly.
My primary complaint is that there were few contributors. I would have liked to have seen more contributors and a more variation in approach. Given the paucity of modern material on Nerthus, this was perhaps inevitable. Having written my share of devotionals, I know all too well how difficult it is to solicit good material.
Overall, I recommend this devotional. It is well written, and I found its format and structure to be well-thought-out and efficient. It may not reflect everyone’s devotional approach, but it is a beginning, a gift to anyone wanting to learn more about this magnificent Goddess.
“Boar, Birch and Bog may be purchased here: http://gullinburstipress.com/books/
Other books mentioned in this review:
“Frey: God of the World” by Ann Groa Sheffield may be found here:
“Honey, Grain, and Gold” by Joshua Tenpenny may be found here:
“Peace and Good Seasons” by Svartesol may be found here:
Artwork by Ravenari.