The Drum of the Völva

[@cmmapeldoorn]

Wand -> phallic shape - bucket -> womb shape? Male and female powers combined to give birth to an energy? Just something that came to mind while listening to the video. Thank you, very informative. And what a sweet cat you have

[@MrEnaric]

And still... a Sámi drum beater wás discovered in Rensdalen, Norway (11th century). Beautifully carved in Sámi style and classical Ringerike style ornamentation. Though late for the Viking age, some of the Old Norse actually were acquainted with drums from sacred circumpolar traditions. Since Seiðr indeed on occasion was referred to as 'Lapland-art', it is quite possible that certain forms of Seiðr did come from outside a more 'germanic-nordic' tradition. Sámi/'Finnish' seiðr workers were feared and valued for their skills in several sagas. With the phrase' dráptu vett sem völur' Óðinn accuses Loki in Lokasenna to 'beat the 'vett' like a völva.' Though 'vett' could indeed be translated as 'lid of a barrel or box'. Boxes were discoverd in several 'Völva' graves, including the Oseberg ship. Were they solely used to store (magic) posessions? We will probably never know. But the link with rhytmic beating and ecstatic or at least magic practice cannot completely be dismissed. I agree with the use of everyday objects without dismissing the odd 'Sámi' drum. Research shows both Old Norse and Sámi communities were not so separated from each other as presumed until quite recently. and for an updated view on the different historical forms of Seiðr performed by Völvur and Seiðberendr (not just divination by the way) I would like to refer to Neil Price's much praised book 'The Viking Way - magic and mind in Late Iron Age Scandinavia (2019). Also about the finds (e.g. the beater from Rendalen, page 220) and possible uses of Göndll, distaffs, rattles and other objects associated with Völur. Some objects as described in Eirikssaga Rauða actually were discovered, so maybe the 'Lille Völva' was Norse after all? A lot of questions will remain. Like your video's by the way: keep them coming Arith.

[@simmisaa7905]

Freya was famous for her beauty and knowledge as a magician. It was she who taught Odin the shamanic practices known as seiðr :D Thank you for your new edition dear Arith ..always a joy to hear your huge knowledge

[@cmmapeldoorn]

And she had two cats as well ;)

[@Petercakes]

In the book "The Viking Spirit," by McCoy he mentions that the gandr is used as an anchor. As an utiseta practicioner this totally makes sense because when you "plug in" it's important to be grounded. The gandr acts as a grounding tool.

[@margaretwhitmer2715]

What an interesting and informative video, as always! Your great knowledge of historical truth (as opposed to romantic misconceptions) is of the greatest value. I am honored by your answering of my long-ago question, lol. I will now review the videos you recommended above. Take care, my dear friend and teacher. Stay well.

[@glasscrafter669]

I love the life and history you tell

[@glasscrafter669]

Give us more myth ritual and lore of the old ones ill keep on listening

[@vernegunda]

I haven't been waiting or expecting this video. But as soon I got the notification I knew that I need this. And it is gonna be one of my favourite :D. I missed you, Arith, and the knowledge you share. Have a great day! 🔥

[@uteretrum6320]

Same feeling for all his vids, great info

[@lukasahmed1271]

Sorry to be offtopic but does someone know a way to log back into an instagram account?? I was dumb lost the account password. I would love any help you can give me.

[@scott4379]

Great job with drums and chanting in intro!! Still waiting for your album!!!👏👏👏

[@maggiewolf9284]

Thanks once again Arith. Fascinating and timely, as ever.

[@sydneykloba7827]

I think the bucket could have been a multipurpose tool; it could have been used to beat, or filled with water and used for scrying, or even like you said about wands, used as a ‘holder’ for spirits. The thing I personally love most about witchcraft/divination, is the encouragement to improvise and do what works for you!

[@rhiannonfugatt3269]

Some have speculated that the wand or staff is possible related to spinning. It was known that the act of spinning can be somewhat hypnotic and induce visions.

[@Rmrstudio01]

Long story short. Yes they used drums. There's a drum I believe Brazil they used boxes to communicate because drums were banned. Rainforest tribes use logs bow stings and clicking sticks. Humidity makes drums go soft. Most likely the iron staff was a rattle and clicking stick. That they could tap on the floor or hit with a better. Metal when hit right on stone makes a tunning fork ring..When in a trance and under the influence of anything it's nice to have something to hold on too. You can tap rattle and chant as needed. I use spear with metal end and rattle on top. Click with bone on the wooden shaft or lightly tap the bottom on a stone. Vibration comming up through the shaft builds power.

[@vh6441]

I would love to see a video about Eir and lyfjaberg 😌. Thank you so much for your interesting videos!!!

[@curtismiller8312]

Thanks you for sharing Injoyed the lesson, Loved the intro.🙏✌

[@martinobanassa]

I love the intro (and the epilogue with the kitten)! Your extensive research certainly provides a solid foundation for the information you pass along to us and also seems to be evidence of a great love of learning you must possess. Thank you for all your work and for providing us a new, fresh perspective backed by physical evidence. Thank you for sharing!

[@MagdaleneAlchemist]

Hi Arith, i've been watching your videos since last week and i'm so happy to find you are still active! I'm new in the asatru path, thanks a lot for your hard work, kisses from Colombia!

[@laurabailey6631]

I needed this in the way I need to grip the wall I am climbing right now.

[@simmisaa7905]

By the way.. your introductions are always very powerful and creativly too dear brother ! Very atmospheric

[@thisheathenlife]

Very interesting and informative. Definitely a good one.

[@MissGroves]

Find it interesting that no drums have been found. It does remind me of guedra trance, where guedra is a type of cooking pot that is turned upsidedown and beaten to produce the hollow sound. Could imagine a wooden vessel being beaten by the end of the wand or distaff

[@keeperoftruth5951]

Another great video thank you

[@offgridishland]

What a great video! Thank you for addressing the use of the terms "Lapp" and "Lapland". It's good to bring that knowledge to light. I am fascinated with the volva as well as the Sami and Sápmi, so any time you bring them up, I'm excited to watch it. Thank you for all you do!!!

[@teresafigueiredo]

Since we watched your videos, that many of the concepts that I took for granted until now, have ceased to be, your classes and explanations on the background themes, in fact deepen in such a way that not only raise other chances and this is do science, as they make us question what we take for granted and correct, in the end we can and must consider other versions of what surrounds us and its origin, I love your videos so it is fantastic to open our mentality and put our brain to teem with new ideas! Well be it Mr. Arith.

[@ArithHärger]

You are most kind! Thank you so much for your support! Greatly appreciated! :D

[@angaidhjones2605]

THANK YOU ! Exactly what i needed when i need it ! At this point, and after watching most of your video it's safe to say "I love you" in a purely cultural and content making way ! (That being said, and since i promote your videos but most of the people in France struggle with English, would it be of any interest to offer translating/subtitling your videos in french?)

[@ryanhentges4956]

I really enjoy your beautifully told knowledge, true quality!

[@MrHamburgerHelper]

I love listening to you speak, and your house looks so cozy and chill 😄

[@jrojala]

This is phenomenal

[@achuvadia]

Arith this is a very innovative line of reasoning. Thank you for sharing how your own journey has changed as you get new information from broader perspectives. Closer to the truth connects us with the ancient mind. Also glad to see you and the kitties are well!🐱🦁🐯

[@summerlyn3291]

Pregnant women tap on their bellies to make sure the baby is alive and growing well and to play with the baby in the womb. A large pregnant belly is much like a barrel and a midwife checking on the health of the baby would certainly tap on the mother-to-be’s belly. A bucket is necessary as a midwife tool whether they were checking on the health of a human or an domesticated animal baby.

[@babykraken1]

I had a go at this, when I dedicated my runes to Freyja. I wanted to discover whether I could enter a Shamanic state of consciousness by tapping a bucket. I bought an ice bucket with the right sound. By tapping the bucket with the back of my drum beater, and dancing with my face covered with a black cloth, I was able to do this

[@leearellano5303]

Very interesting concept, looking at the volva from Eriks Saga with a different lens or understanding ...I’ll have to re read it!

[@violenceislife1987]

the focus on your painting happened for a reason

[@runeguidance1341]

Yes! My friend yes!!!

[@runeguidance1341]

Put l still use a drum...HAHAHA

[@alysmarcus7747]

Wonderful - i love this. and YOU HAVE KITTIES !!!!!

[@babykraken1]

Dang, romanticised ideas about Shamanism messed around with, thanks a bunch. So, I can well imagine Norse people despising the methods of their neighbours, and saying 'We don't use drums here, like those dreadful Finns and Sami, we use pot lids and buckets'. But the idea of rhythm driving an ecstatic state is the same. Other methods: eye curtains, vodka-fuelled dancing to exhaustion. Thought provoking, as always

[@sevenis9712]

The way you are describing the drumming and how the rhythm helps to induce a trans like state, reminds me of the whirling dervishes of Turkey who use music and movement or more precisely whirling to induce different states of being

[@pageroks]

After watching this I wonder if the Pertho rune isn't a pot or bucket instead of a lot cup as it's often referred to.

[@cmmapeldoorn]

The accompanied Anglo Saxon rune poem: "Peorð is a source of recreation and amusement to the great, where warriors sit happily together in the beerhall." you may have point, in my opinion. And I wonder, is the bucket made of pear-wood?

[@volvaheidrbores663]

Symbolizes womb too

[@tonimello3684]

I think she would have tapped the "bucket" like a bell.

[@draphotube4315]

Arith? Would you like to check out Rydberg’s work on norse mythology! It is quit good, anyway, love how you keep the teachings of our ancestors alive.

[@TheLeftwheel]

I think the wand of the volva was meant to depict either a distaff or a spindle, which was usually a task of women. Repetitive work can induce trance states and it's possible that the movement of the spindle and/or the form of the spun wool was read as signs by the spinner. I've heard tell (and this may be hearsay, lol) that there were times that women were forbidden from spinning wool together because men were concerned about what ideas they were spreading around to other women.

[@dylanlandry4996]

Ahh that makes sense. Soo thats why the conductor/composer of an orchestra has a wand.

[@ooz8539]

Question what does it mean when you see see a raven with white tip wings is it a good omen or a bad one I don't know much about your gods and this Raven follows me can you help with this thanks

[@ianlangsev5828]

Can you please talk about Forn Sidr

[@not2tees]

I drove a Volva once. Good car. On the non-idiot side, I am becoming more and more of a Härger fan . . .

[@mumo9413]

Forget last message, found this video. But, I do have a question please. Do you think the Volva could have come from Scotland? I can't reach a trance state with drums. I start with a chant, then silence. I also have a Rowan wood 5ft staff to channel & keep me linked/ grounded to my body.

[@wren1019]

yay!!! kitten!

[@BloodAndBourbon]

When are you going to press an EP on vinyl? !?!

[@sergeymikhailov9234]

Arith, what makes you think that Ibn Fadlan describes Scandinavians?

[@AG-ug3lb]

Does this mean there were two types of seeresses, a traveling outsider of the Norse community as well as the wife of the chieftain?

[@CarolineVigneron71]

Just on a side note: not all transe work involves/leads to an out of body experience. The basic of transe work leads to encountering spirits and those may be around us! You don't have to go far to encounter the "spirit world", really. And then there may also be some remote viewing going on at times. Not all shamans "journey", some even tend to allow spirits to express themselves through their mouth (sorts of temporary "possession"). The idea that shamanic work necessarily involves out of body stuff, often called "journeys", seems to me to come mainly from Michael Harner's Core Shamanism, that is not as universal as he claimed it to be.

[@Sejdr]

@16.25 You say the wands (phallic, disstaff) are never found in archeological material. But several wands/staffs of iron (and even 2 wooden staffs from Oseberg and Jutland) have been found in viking age graves - these are in the academic discussion related to Seidr. Maybe you mean older archeological records or am I missing something?

[@ArithHärger]

It is exactly as you say, staffs have been found, mostly distaffs, but those are not wands as I've said. When I say wands, I speak of the göndull that often comes mentioned in sources concerning seidr, and that was the main tool of the völur, as the staff was more like a status-symbol of sorts. These wands were most likely made of perishable materials like wood and bone, but we know about their existence because they come mentioned in the sources and some have been actually found in germanic and non-germanic context but outside of Scandinavia. They are described as being phalic in shape and as such they also fit into the pre-historic stone utensils, phalic in shape (sometimes with religious markings) found in shamanic-context. I'll have more future videos concerning the göndull.

[@Sejdr]

@@ArithHärger Ok, I understand what you mean (I posted before the end of the video). I got confused cause the distaffs are also kind of Phallic in shape. Tnx for the clarification. Would love a video on the Göndull! EDIT: What sources do you have for the idea of 2 different staffs/wands? All I have read is about the distaff and the origin for is with regards to spinning yarn (Göndull), and weaving fate....I haven't found anything on 2 different staffs that are so alike still.

[@attehoutsma1818]

With Baldars dead they coulnt get in the water, so they called on a giantess, she road on a wolf, to get the ship in the water.

[@ArithHärger]

Yes, Hyrrokkin :)

[@taksakatak2617]

Very interesting. Hi from Ukraine

[@BaltimoresBerzerker]

I've been asking where I can share my drawings forever. So it's society6 that you use?

[@ArithHärger]

Yes I use society6, but I used to also submit my artistic works at DeviantArt.

[@BaltimoresBerzerker]

@@ArithHärger thanks man. Do you have to copyright stuff to avoid having it stolen? I don't care about money, though I'm starving. I just want the recognition that I created it.

[@serpentlady4551]

Stop doing this to me; it's getting uncanny how your videos are always so synchronous to what is happening in my life, haha! No, thank you.

[@maggiewolf9284]

Ha, so glad to hear I'm not alone in this. Always seems to be so timely.

[@cmmapeldoorn]

For me too

[@MsDD421]

Same here!! Always exactly what I need :)

[@michaelaregenfuss5968]

I have a question not related to this video. Why did the Roman's ultimately convert to christianity?

[@Druzica18]

KITTY CATS YAAAAY

[@RUR2006]

An interesting document by a girl from the Ottawa University: ruor.uottawa.ca/handle/10393/32297 Unfortunately in french!

[@lionhartd138]

So THAT'S why Varg refers to Euronymous as a (insert L word here ). Ya'know, cuz they didn't like each other.

[@SongbirdAlom]

No drum? The Norse must have had terrible rhythm. (I kid)