The Ætts

These Pagan Portals are all current works in progress, serialised here on the Pagan Collective blog with each chapter being open for comment. In due course the entire script will be published as a Pagan Portal book.

Over the next few months, we will be running weekly Spirit of the Rune lessons on this blog. Follow along and learn the runes!

The division by ætts is not a relatively recent concept, but many of the associations of the ætts are. It is expounded upon in the seventeenth-century Icelandic grimoires, but it does not originate there. As an example, a bracteate found in  Östergotland, Sweden, and dated to around 500 CE shows the twenty-four characters of the Elder Futhark divided into three groups separated by two dots. (John Hijatt, “Ætt Groupings of the Elder Futhark Runes”) The division by ætts allowed the development of a consistent system by which runes could be referenced in a cryptographic manner.

1^st Ætt – Freyr’s ætt:

Freyr’s energy runs through the first ætt, which is named after him. By getting acquainted with Freyr, you are also getting a sense of the runes on his team.

Freyr is one of the best-known Norse gods. As ruler of Álfheimr, he is connected to the Álfar. In some texts, a euhemerized Freyr features as king of Sweden whose reign stood out as remarkably peaceful and prosperous for his land and people. As a god, Freyr, whose name translates as Lord, has power over sunshine and rainfall. He is worshipped as a bringer of abundance and peace, but he is also acknowledged as a valiant warrior.

2^nd Ætt – Heimdall’s Ætt

Heimdall’s energy runs through the second ætt, which is named after him. By getting acquainted with Heimdall, you are also getting a sense of the runes on his team.

Heimdall is best known as the guardian of the Bifrost, the bridge connecting Asgard with the other Worlds. Heimdall has extremely keen hearing. He owns Gjallarhorn, the horn that he will sound to announce Ragnarök.  Under the name of Ríg, he creates the basis for social order within an ever-evolving human society. He fiercely defends his friends, as illustrated in the episode where Heimdall battles Loki to prevent him from  making away with Freya’s stolen Brisingamen.  These episodes illustrate Heimdall’s role in preserving order vs chaos.

3^rd Ætt – Tyr’s Ætt

Tyr’s energy runs through the third ætt, which is named after him. By getting acquainted with Tyr, you are also getting a sense of the runes on his team.

Tyr is an ancient sky deity. He is associated with justice and litigation. Tyr is probably best known for having his hand eaten by Fenrir, an episode that illustrates Tyr’s willingness to do the right thing even at great personal cost. Tiwaz, his rune, has been found engraved on weapons, which recommends Tyr as the protector of warriors, especially in single combat.

In Your Journal 

1. From the lore you have studied so far, what other characteristics could you list for the gods connected with each ætt?
2. Can you think of other deities that relate to each of the three ætts? What makes them relatable?

For more details on Daniela: https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/moon-books/authors/daniela-simina