House Spirits and Worship in the Old Norse Religion

[@shawncarter5619]

my Great Grandmother (came over from Denmark as a child in the mid 1800's). She would build a house in the barn for the "nissa" and would often talk to them while she was milking the cows. She would leave them butter and porridge as well. If she threw waste water out the door, she always yelled out a warning to her tiny protectors so that they wouldn't get wet. She was dead serious too. If you laughed at her, or questioned the existence of the nissa, you could get hurt.

[@pheenobarbidoll2016]

My daughter and son in law say there's a spirit in my garage. Scared the shit out of them when they were living with us and saw a dark shape moving from the garage into the kitchen. And when my granddaughter was a baby she would point in the corner and cry until I'd look in the corner and say Go. Away. Nothing has ever bothered me, and I've never seen anything so who knows. I know when we bought this house and my brother was doing the floors before we moved in he would get freaked out by noises. He swore something was in the attic. Once we moved in, it all stopped. It's possible whatever I have following me chased it away. I've had various people freak out about it over the course of 20 years, in each house I've lived in. Several years ago I at a house party I thought I saw someone I knew walk outside. I followed but no one was there. I found my purse stashed behind the bushes though.

[@MrEnaric]

We do have shrines at home, also for our ancestors/Dísirs. Other sacrifes we can make to two consecrated trees on different locations where the landwights are present. Thing is: people will mess things up if we make the trees too obvious centers of activity. One of them is known now as 'the witch tree'. Practising our rituals draws attention, not only from other pagans, but vandals as well. So, just like Iron Age Lararia, it's okay to have shrines at home, but ofcourse, we do prefer doing blóts outside. There is little respect for 'other' religions here.

[@elizabethingram9784]

Same in US, unfortunately, especially now that the neo-Christians (not) have sway in many regions. I live nearby a gigantic public universality, and my building is full of people of different faiths who practice their religion behind closed doors. Privacy is crucial.

[@torstenscott7571]

@@elizabethingram9784 I live in the Bible belt in Oklahoma. It is very tough to express one's pagan beliefs without risk to career, friendships, and status. The dark age state of mind is pervasive in America.

[@moorshound3243]

Where do you live?

[@moorshound3243]

@@torstenscott7571 be the change you want to see in the world, do not hide away and worry about status? Would Thor be worried about what a nailed God worshiper thought of him?

[@torstenscott7571]

@@moorshound3243 I understand your point, but I have decided to be more strategic about my situation. I do regularly engage these people in conversation, I more or less test the waters and offer insights to those who seem to be looking (I may have actually converted a few). The reality is that in the Bible belt I risk the starvation of my kids and even cowardly acts of violence against them where I live. These people are literally inbred, drug addicted prison trash Bible thumpers. I will simply outsmart them while talking to those I deem worthy.

[@sarahgilbert8036]

There was an equivalent of the Norwegian nisse living in my house in Brittany (France), a Korrigan. He never bothered us.

[@CodyHomes]

Thanks for helping explain why I'm having extreme problems with my Internet and my mom is very pissed off.

[@Greye13]

I think house spirits are special. After all, if you invite one in to your home, they are essentially looking after all of your property and possessions - like a caretaker. It's only right that we treat them with honor and respect, and possibly even as one of the family. As I understand it, they will even move with you from home to home, if they take a liking to you and you treat them well.

[@kariannecrysler640]

Are there any references to the rocks used in spiritual practices? I have noticed many mound burials have rock jewelry, rick tool settings/functional tools, pebble deposit’s, pouches of rocks. Also the earliest Christian sites in Northern Europe all seem to have pebbles as deposits, which is why I am curious about any specific associated stone knowledge. The implications for a spiritual use of rocks seems evident & most certainly predates Christianity by thousands of year’s. I would love to hear your thoughts and any research you may have on the subject.

[@norsemagicandbeliefs8134]

Yep! Did a video on that. Just search rocks/stones on the channel :)

[@janelarson7065]

Hey, thanks for this video! Since so much knowledge has been lost and I have the Sight I just ask the spirits what they would like in the way of offerings, etc. Seems to work ok this way--there are as many different kinds of spirits as there are plants, animals, elements, etc, and they all have different preferences. And since I live in the US, I also run into spirits unknown to Europeans but who are native here. Connecting with these beings seems to be all about developing a friendly working relationship with them, respecting their boundaries and needs, rather than going the narcissistic modern way of ignoring the beings with whom we share the planet--which is why we are currently facing ecological disaster.

[@sirianndugvudys6850]

I always sing this when doing indoor offering to my house god Ein junkari reið á jólum, Tjing-tjang-tjing-lutilej, Rundan um hann fall hvíti kavin, Tjing-tjang-tjing-lutilej, Hann stríddi seg fram í regni og vindi, Við eitt signaði hansara ross, Tjing-tjang-lu, Tjing-tjang-lu, Tjing-tjang-tjing-lutilej, Ein jomfrú sat á einum høgum torni, Bíddi honum at koma, Men náttin gekk so dapurt og langt, Í einsemi til sólarris, Tíðliga á morgni dagin eftir, Tey funnu tann neyðars junkaran deyðan, Hann var avtakin við kava og ísi, Men toyggjar nú upp í paradís, Tað var jú nakað ræðuligt, Tí hann toygdi, Bleiv hann vátur, Men soleiðis kann tað altso fara, Tá man gongur uttan hatt, Tá jomfrúin fekk boðið, Hon kastaði seg niður frá torninum, Nú deila tey eitt lítið skýggj, Sum regnar yvir land og bý,

[@LoKing1337]

As a Swede we mostly call them Tomte-nisse, if you just call them tomte people will just think you’re referring to Santa

[@andreasthemetalpunk9552]

Tomphta-gud i de äldsta källorna. Heliga Birgitta 1300-tal.

[@andreasthemetalpunk9552]

Nisse is from st .Nikolaus. Tomphte is the old norse name. It is a title. It can be the ghost a forfather or another deity. A daemon. Lower god,house god.

[@audhumbla6927]

​@@andreasthemetalpunk9552 No, it has never been spelled Tomphte, and Nisse is not from st Nikolaus at all, thats bs. Its a crazy claim since the Tomtenisse and the cjristian nikolaus havent been related until the last century, byt weve had the tomtenisse for a thousand years atleast. It is not in any way a ghost or forefather or demon, its a tomte, småfolk, di sma undar jordi, uts own kind of creature, bound to the tomt... land.... Why just make stuff up? So strange

[@audhumbla6927]

​@@andreasthemetalpunk9552its also not a god in any way. and there are no "lower gods". Its a tomte.

[@andreasthemetalpunk9552]

@@audhumbla6927 Tompta Gudhi om vi ska stava korrekt. Tomt-Gud på modern svenska. Haugebonden, den gamle förfadern som byggde gården och som stannade kvar i anden. Lär dig åtminstone vår egen folktro innan du börjar härja. Jag vet vad jag talar om.

[@iforbach4003]

These household gods and the importance of the snakes reminds me of the Lares and snakes of ancient Roman religion.

[@SupremePumper]

Nice video. The subject you talked about was a nice reminder of when i read about the white snake you mentioned. Good to see videos from you again.

[@The_Cosmic_Yog-Sothoth]

Nissar and Tomtar are correctly translated as "Hobs" or "Goblins" in English. Also the terms "Robin Goodfellow" or "Puck" were used for household spirits. Elves are more about wild natural locations, Just as the dwarfs were underground entities.

[@The_Cosmic_Yog-Sothoth]

@Wayland_the_Curious The concept of gnomes in appearance seem to be very similar to that of the Nisse, Hobs and Goblins.

[@The_Cosmic_Yog-Sothoth]

@Wayland_the_Curious Indeed.

[@chucklokey7016]

I was wondering where to find more info on the rituals to attract a tomte? If anyone can lead me to some websites or something that would be awesome!

[@markhall9007]

Glad your back

[@runeguidanceofthenorse]

I love you so much Lil bro. Great job!

[@MCshowuhz]

Super interesting and informative, as always. Thanks for including those references/sources as well.

[@Desertrosesage]

Thank you for sharing 🙂

[@calebquigley9502]

First like!

[@steffironside]

Very Interesting as always ! Thank you. Why though do u think spirits appreciate 3D food & drinks if they are in spirit form? Are they interdimensional? Or Is it more that they appreciate the act & intention or?

[@skjaldmaer679]

So we usually hold our Blots and Sumbles mostly indoor. We do hold fires and such outside and do some there as well. When we make offerings, we place it unto the Altar and once done we take them outside into the back yard. Unfortunately not everyone has a grove, tree's or other sacred spaces outdoors. Living in a bible belt makes it hard to do much outside...

[@Veronica-hp6ul]

I was about to be embarrassed when you said it was embarrassing for people who do offerings on an alter…and then you said outside and I was like FEW because I am planning on putting all my alters for each god that I follow outside. I’m lucky enough to have beautiful lush woods in my backyard!!!!

[@HroduuulfSonOfHrodger]

Fenrir was an enemy of the Aesir, like Loki. I am almost certain we have zero proof of Fenrir or Loki veneration from our actual pre-Christ myths conversion Heathen ancestors. If you have some proof, please share it.

[@Veronica-hp6ul]

@@HroduuulfSonOfHrodger *I think I should first and foremost add I have not worshiped Fenrir yet. Yes, Fenrir is destined to kill Odin in Ragnorok. He was bound by the gods and grew angry and resentful. This is why I’m unsure… I’m not a Rokkatru, I worship the gods I follow. Today I was looking up Fenrir for more insight on him - just to broaden my horizons in Norse paganism, to get to know it more. (I’m still new). But I came across this interesting article about Fenrir and what he specializes in. For insight, I have such bad anxiety that I have quite jobs and sports. It destroys my life. I’ve developed a slight temper because of it. I’m also a very shielded person. Fenrir supposedly teaches to use your emotions as a power, not a detriment, and that it’s ok to feel darker emotions. You can make offerings by listening to a type of music, to paint and carve him, leave bones and meat, etc. You can also make a toast in his name. I do follow Odin, very closely to my heart. I can completely see why it would be a bad idea. If you’re educated in this field (I’m new to the religion) please give me your insight. I don’t want to disrespect the gods. I think I may already know the answer however, which is that I shouldn’t do it. So I won’t.

[@contentstarved991]

I can’t remember her name but there’s a woman who wrote lamenting about the destruction of “household gods” at the hands of Christian invaders sometime between the 6th and 8th centuries. Granted, this was in Germany, not Scandinavia, but it would be the same pantheon, for what that’s worth.

[@fuqupal]

All Europeans had the same beliefs until the evil jewish christianity came to Europe and KILLED everyone who didn't submit to them and their scare tale of only living ONE life so don't piss "God", who's obviously a fucking psychopath, off!

[@85brink]

I have been brought up in Denmark with indoor offerings to Nissen in the addict.

[@michaelwoodsmccausland5633]

We use the Natural Cathedral’s I. e Yosemite Death Valley-north to the Shasta Lassen St Hellen’s Volcanoes MWM

[@Karina-Loves-Andreas]

Interesting what you said about feeding and keeping snakes around the property. While snakes probably go after chickens and eggs, they are also great for getting at rats and vermin. Circumstantially beneficial, depending on whether they are getting at poultry. I wonder how many poisonous snakes live in Scandinavia? I'm thinking not many. Snakes are probably fairly benign there?

[@Karina-Loves-Andreas]

@Faroe I definitely WOULD NOT want to attract snakes in Australia! Maybe those cute opossums you have though! Every animal in Australia, you either probably want to hug it, or run away fast as a mother tucker. All your critters fall on extreme ends of the spectrum🤣🤣🤣

[@InvaliDidea123]

Hey, could you look into, and if you can find any evidence of Norse and Finnish encounters before 9th century - I've found some talk about Finns having influenced norse mythology, Snörri and Turri as an example, the hammer can also be found in Karjala (karelia). From the top of my head i can't remeber how old the norse coulture is or even when the golden age was (assuming the viking years were after the golden age), but the antrean fishing net is some 8500yrs old, found in laatokka (ladoga) old shore area. Thanks. ps. i'd like to add the notation of the Baltian sea anomaly, and that the swedish did not exist before the 8th century, according to old maps.

[@HroduuulfSonOfHrodger]

I'm not sure I'm following you correctly. The Nordic tribes are a part of the larger Germanic tribes. The Germanic tribes have been on the continent for a very long time. Germanic culture and Heathenry is nearly the same to the Scandinavian cultures of long ago. They are one people. Same gods and sagas and lore. Both venerate the Aesir. This goes back hundreds of years, if not thousands, before the Viking Age. The migration period Germanic peoples were all Heathens, and that was in the 5th-8th centuries starting as the Huns entered Europe and Rome collapsed. We know the Roman historians wrote down a lot of details about the Germanic peoples going back 2000+ years ago. Also, the Christians who recorded our histories added a lot of things that were not our reality in the pre-Christian times, so we have to try our best to find and filter out all of those Christ myths-influenced additions. As for Swedish, what do you mean? Sweden? Or the people Swedes? We know the story of Beowulf is about the warriors from Sweden dating back to the migration era/Sutton Hoo time period, which was before the 8th century depending on whose end dates you're using.

[@InvaliDidea123]

@@HroduuulfSonOfHrodger Turri (or Torri) appears in some finnish tales. I suggest that what is presented in all european maps since 8th century depicts the destruction of another old tradition. Fenno ugris did land here right away as the land rose. What comes to norse however, and the connection, is the world wide legend of the sea peoples who sailed out during the end of dryas. Finnish mythology depicts Väinämöinen who comes from the sea, but who's story has been entwined with the creation myth about the Great bird that laid eggs on his knee but they fell and broke and thus the world was created... swan and the egg also. I recall the Sámi people being older than the norss, atleast that is my assumption of what i hear from Finnmark. In a nutshell, I believe there was a contact in way way back, maybe even by the same thrird party, Do you know any crossexaminable sagas or old norse poems that could shead light on the matter.

[@InvaliDidea123]

@@HroduuulfSonOfHrodger One of the erliest i know myself is the Islandic record (or was it danish), about Olof haraldsons holiday trip to Finland in 1008.

[@InvaliDidea123]

@@HroduuulfSonOfHrodger SORRry. And even the Novgoridian records by Nestor, leave out happenings before 8th century for not have been in existance.

[@Kangsteri]

It's called "Torro". One of the twelve giant sons of Kalevala (or maby "kölivaara", the Scandinavian mountains). "Köli" means the bottom fin of a boat.

[@lookis4879]

Ancestors are honored in the home also

[@kurtbogle2973]

In reading Black Elk Speaks. He lamented square buildings. He claimed spirits have trouble with corners. If you think about it. It fits right in with what the Celts were doing. We built Round Houses, that were very similar to TeePee's. House spirits? Where I grew up. Our neighbors had a Indigenous ghost in there house. They sold it. The next people who owned it said the same thing . As did the next people. They finally built a new house and tore the old one down. So is he in their new home? I haven't heard.

[@sashasg11]

Thank you 👍

[@deepquake9]

I miss the good ol days.

[@suewagner9338]

I saw a large white snake on my grandmother's property out in the country when I was little. It appeared and disappeared... very strange experience I always wondered about.

[@American_Heathen]

Very good info. I feel I was having bad luck at my new home had built. Things just seemed to go not at planned. I thought I was on cursed land

[@Kangsteri]

Here in Finland it's tonttu. But it could also refer to trolls and giants. These were called as "Jatuli" or "Jätti" and later it was "para", "piru" or "perkele" (devil or Satan). It means Yeti, bigfoot, yowie or Sabe, etc. You are not allowed to call it's real name without calling it or as joke. Just like you were not allowed to call bear by its real name. There is a few books in Finnish about calling para. Beware, this stuff is real. The spirits are like humans, most of us are mean, some don't.

[@martinsrensen8188]

me and my brother when we very small we ser a small nisse or elf only is shadow but that is still one of my most inlighten moments of my life we where a little scared to be fair but we bouth ser it

[@fuqupal]

Når flyttet du til USA og hvor kommer du fra i Norge?

[@josteinrekustad2758]

Tusen takk for all kunnskapen du deler. Jeg lærer utrolig mye av deg. Kan du gi meg noen tips om mennesker i Norge jeg bør ta kontakt med for å lære mer? Jeg lurer også på om du kan lage en video(eller fler) om Loke amulettene som er funnet og om eventuell tilbedelse av, og verdien av å bære en slik? Takk igjen.

[@randomusername5242]

How about those of us with no sacred areas around us?

[@HroduuulfSonOfHrodger]

You don't have any forest or city park? Where do you live exactly? There has to be trees somewhere unless you are in the desert or something. I hope not! Ha.

[@randomusername5242]

@@HroduuulfSonOfHrodger No forests. Our "woods" are groups of dense tall shrubs. I live in west Texas, its majority scrubland. The only river we have is fetid and slow moving.

[@HroduuulfSonOfHrodger]

@@randomusername5242 Yes, TX is big, but desolate. I once lived in Shreveport, LA and would come to DFW, Houston, and Austin regularly to watch bands play. Not many trees and TX, and some of the worst weather I've ever experienced. So glad to be in PA today. Much calmer.

[@randomusername5242]

@@HroduuulfSonOfHrodger My goal is to move to Montana or Wyoming in a few years.

[@extraterrestrialwolffrompl1265]

Temple at Uppsala?

[@johnwaite5940]

What's the song in back ground at the beginning please?

[@kurtbogle2973]

Try Invoking Odin. I Invoked the Dagda a few days ago. Wow. Try it. I won't say anything right now. I want to see if others have the same experience with out knowing what it is. It's good. That's all I will say.

[@carolynsager6069]

Hi, what spirit would protect my little dog while I am gone? Thanks.

[@-RONNIE]

Good video ⚔️

[@thewisepowerfull1938]

Thank you for your advise. I've decided to be a Norse Christian. A Christian that believes in the old ways. Do you think there are Tomte in North America?

[@tylerdillon3745]

Nisse don't like change, but also dislike laziness. As a motivated new homeowner, I say let them be angry! I'm working on updating and renovating, and I've got lots of work to do. I'll leave an offering of milk in the garage in exchange.

[@michaelwoodsmccausland5633]

The Balance of the Dao

[@stevenjerde5396]

Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the lord my soul/sprit to keep. Christians know and understand their sprit leave’s them during sleep. How does a sprit recharge. Is the question I always had.

[@donnyc9430]

Yep

[@harry554]

Is there any prayer you guys can recommend? I have my gender reveal for my baby this weekend. I really want to burn mugwort and say a prayer

[@noregrveidr8178]

okay so before i dwell down to read lots of stuff about Animism, can someone give me a quick TLDR how you guys see the gods before i start reading 2 much and confuse myself?

[@fro_double_g]

So if someone doesnt have a place to offer outside they cant offer at all?

[@jimmysmith2249]

The only thing I will get if I go out to the intersection outside my house on Thursday nights and screaming some name, will be a visit from the police and a ride to a padded cell. Choose your locations to do this carefully, is what I am saying.

[@HroduuulfSonOfHrodger]

We are Heathens because we worship in the Heath. The sacred grove. Not some random concrete intersection. If you don't have a forest around you, find the local park. You can call out the names silently. You can offer silently. We are not imbeciles.

[@Indo-European-lad]

What do you do with the food/offering after awhile do you just let food pile up in a basement corner for a month.

[@HroduuulfSonOfHrodger]

Basement? You make your offerings outdoors in the wild. When you check again, the food is gone.

[@ladyroselie]

it's an older video, maybe no one sees this but - the way you describe household spirits and snakes is very similar to Slavic tradition, except they're both considered ancestors as I understand it. Personally, I'd much rather have an ancestor spirit in the house than some random one I don't know 😅

[@cyankirkpatrick5194]

My cousin told me about you so here I am. Not a fan of childhood favorites, like elves, leprechauns etc, scary stories duh, much respect though.

[@fernandez3841]

What belt are you in jiu-jitsu? Cheers

[@UniversalistSon9]

I saw one back in 2018 before my mom died in my living room. It did the shoosh sign and disappeared. Since then I’ve used a ghost hunting app and it showed two small stick figures on it, pretty crazy stuff.

[@Dextamartijn]

Kabouter in Dutch

[@Dragon-wk9mq]

Nothing in relation to this video, but where would you recommend to research Norse runes

[@bradleylentz8420]

I felt attacked in the newest cringe pagans video lol I have a indoor space and altar where I honor the gods and ancestors. Then leavethe offerings on that space for a day or half a day then put them outside by a tree in my yard. Both food and libation offerings whether it be water or wine. The squirrels and birds then enjoy them. So I guess I'm somewhere in the middle of pure historical reconstruction and modern times. I know in other PIE cultures like the Roman's and Greeks had a hearth cult and hearth practice/at home same with the vedic and Eastern religions Buddhism, Hinduism, shinto. So I'm curious if we can fill in the blanks with what we know from them in lieu of our own sources that were lost. Also over generalizing but in the carribean and south America Christianity and pagan religions combined in more syncratic way like voodoo, santeria, Santa muerte in Mexico. And Candomble in Brazil. I'm curious as why that was and how in Europe it was not as syncratic. Also have you read any of Claude Lecouteux books and works? He talks a lot about PIE religions and folk traditions as it relates to folk practices across cultures. I'm reading through these 2 books of his now I will let you know what I think. The Tradition of Household Spirits: Ancestral Lore and Practices a.co/d/6urTtyc Demons and Spirits of the Land: Ancestral Lore and Practices a.co/d/011PdQs

[@DPSCrush]

wow

[@elizabethingram9784]

Ummmm, may I use my balcony? In the US, unfortunately, religious privacy is crucial, especially now that the neo-Christians (not) have sway in many regions. I live nearby a gigantic public universality, and my building is full of people of different faiths who practice their religion behind closed doors. It is a sad situation to have to hide your beliefs.

[@norsewykgrimnir4716]

It was worse in the 1970's and 1980's, but we started doing public rituals and events back then in our area. While we certainly have our share of thumpers in the region, I have to say that I think things are much better now than they used to be. On the other hand, it can still cause you problems when people at work discover your faith. I'm quiet about my faith at work but if asked, will certainly tell people what I practice.

[@ElderKvasir]

In sweden we call santa claus: Jul Tomten / its very different from any Nisse/ Jul Nisse

[@michaelwoodsmccausland5633]

One big Family Tradition of the Phrygian’s of Areo Linda

[@streghewitch77]

I find it funny that modern pagans tend to forget the meaning of the word sacrifice. When you sacrifice something, you're giving up something important to you. Sacrificing means doing without something that you truly need. Sacrifice should hurt a little or it's not a sacrifice at all. Giving a sandwich as a sacrifice would only be a sacrifice if it's the last sandwich you have and you have nothing else to eat

[@NihilIslands]

There can also be a sexual intercourse between sleeping man and astral body of someone alive also sleeping from far away. The girl litterally woke me up her astral body was so cold! She kissed me before waking up...

[@michaelwoodsmccausland5633]

The One True Language of the Dao!

[@iouel]

The Gods didn't just make our bodies, they made this earth we live on. Midgard IS totally real, notice Jormungandr's Head is Idaho. Someone is deceiving us about the very nature of life.

[@moorshound3243]

How can you be so young yet so knowledgeable? Loving these videos please keep them coming.

[@steveanderson3444]

"Don't clean up afterward. Leave the leftovers out over night so the spirits can feast on them". Cats, you mean so the cats can feast on the leftovers. 😅

[@Soaring_Raven212]

I been wanting to ask. What do you say at the beginning?

[@MikefromTexas1]

Having a spit-covered snake skeleton in the house seems like it would cause a smell.

[@NihilIslands]

I heard people sleeping with rock spirits / elf near rock formation(sexual intercourse)

[@michaelwoodsmccausland5633]

Biscuits & Cream

[@michaelwoodsmccausland5633]

Ancient Irish Language has more Characters than Sanskrit

[@codewordslinkydog]

Dear: cringe pagans I would like my beer in a frosted mug , thanks Yo boy odenn

[@jacob133]

Great we're done with the house spirits and the ancestor spirits and the land spirits now the dwarves/Dark Elves/ gnomes. Now what the fu** are they

[@HroduuulfSonOfHrodger]

Know that, if you are Germanic/Nordic, you are a warrior first. There is no fear. All others come second. Respect. But zero fear.

[@jacob133]

@@HroduuulfSonOfHrodger what do you mean I'm afraid

[@ZiadMohamed-co5hr]

Kouummenlamasumen

[@ticket2space621]

If the gods can't get into my home to access my altars maybe they're not even half as powerful as we think