LL-L "Folklore" 2003.05.06 (02) [E]

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From: "Peter Snepvangers" <snepvangers at optushome.com.au>
Subject: "Folklore"

A couple of interesting references to hair.
NORSE GODDESS - Sif
There is little known about this this Goddess who is the golden haired
wife of Thor, except that she may have once been a fertility
Goddess.
One story tells of when Loki sneaked into her bedroom and chopped off
all her hair. Thor was so furious and threatened to smash Loki
unless he replaced it. He went to a great cave, the home of the sons of
Ivaldi and told them of his plight, and asked if they could spin
gold as fine as hair and imbue it with magick so it would grow upon
Sif's head. The dwarves agreed, and made a long wave of golden
strands, which Loki then took back to Sif.
Tacitus (from the text Germania)
"I must now proceed to speak of the Suevians, who are not, like the
Cattans and Tencterians, comprehended in a single people; but
divided into several nations all bearing distinct names, though in
general they are entitled Suevians, and occupy the larger share of
Germany. This people are remarkable for a peculiar custom, that of
twisting their hair and binding it up in a knot. It is thus the Suevians
are distinguished from the other Germans, thus the free Suevians from
their slaves. In other nations, whether from alliance of blood with
the Suevians, or, as is usual, from imitation, this practice is also
found, yet rarely, and never exceeds the years of youth. The Suevians,
even when their hair is white through age, continue to raise it
backwards in a manner stern and staring; and often tie it upon the top
of
their head only. That of their Princes, is more accurately disposed, and
so far they study to appear agreeable and comely; but without
any culpable intention. For by it, they mean not to make love or to
incite it: they thus dress when proceeding to war, and deck their
heads so as to add to their height and terror in the eyes of the enemy."
Tacitus (from the text Germania)
Moreover a custom, practised indeed in other nations of Germany, yet
very rarely and confined only to particulars more daring than the
rest, prevails amongst the Cattans by universal consent. As soon as they
arrive to maturity of years, they let their hair and beards
continue to grow, nor till they have slain an enemy do they ever lay
aside this form of countenance by vow sacred to valour. Over the
blood and spoil of a foe they make bare their face. They allege, that
they have now acquitted themselves of the debt and duty
contracted by their birth, and rendered themselves worthy of their
country, worthy of their parents.
Cheers
Peter Snepvangers
Turrella, NSW, Australia

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From: "Peter Snepvangers" <snepvangers at optushome.com.au>
Subject: "Folklore"

A couple of horse references.
Norse God - Balder
Balder was one of the Aesir, whose name means "The Glorious". He is the
son of Odin and Frigg. He is God of light, joy, purity, beauty,
innocence and reconciliation. He was described as wise and handsome,
loved by both Gods and men alike. He was killed by Loki
(mischievous god). They then dressed Balder in a crimson cloth and
placed him on his funeral pyre on his ship. Beside him, they lay his
wife Nanna, who had died of a broken heart, along with his chopped up
horse. The pyre was then set fire to and the ship was set to sea
by the Giantess Hyrrokin.
After Ragnarok, where a new world will arise from the ashes, Balder will
be reborn.

Auguries and Method of Divination
It is peculiar to this people to seek omens and monitions from horses.
Kept at the public expense, in these same (sacred) woods and
groves, are white horses, pure from the taint of earthly labour; these
are yoked to a sacred car (chariot), and accompanied by the priest
and the king, or chief of the tribe, who note their neighings and
snortings. No species of augury is more trusted, not only by the people
and by the nobility, but also by the priests, who regard themselves as
the ministers of the gods, and the horses as acquainted with their
will.
from Tacitus, The Agricola and Germania, A. J. Church and W. J.
Brodribb, trans., (London: Macmillan, 1877)
Cheers
Peter Snepvangers
Turrella, NSW, Australia

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