Mysteries of the Far North by Jacques Privat
Posted on May 14, 2024
I have read Mysteries of the Far North – The Secret History of the Vikings in Greenland and North America by Jacques Privat. The book is a scholarly work that presents various theories and research regarding the Scandinavian settlements of Greenland and Vinland. Despite its somewhat esoteric-sounding title, the book reads more like a history book and the author has done great work in finding source material (archaeological evidence, stories and myths, mediaeval manuscripts, etc.) to support his claims. The author not only discusses the history of the Norse in the region, but also introduces the cultures that lived alongside them (the Dorset culture and the later Thule culture).
The Dorset Culture and the Thule Culture
As mentioned, the author gives plenty of space in the book to the Inuit cultures of the region. The following quote serves as a good overview:
‘The Thule people displayed a perfect mastery of their environment, both on land and sea, which distinguishes them from the members of the Dorset culture. It is the Thule that displays the most traces of contact and influence with the Vikings. The current inhabitants of Greenland are their direct descendants.’
Jacques Privat – Mysteries of the Far North. Page 388.
It must be noted that the Norse were in Greenland before the Thule culture, thus making it reasonable that it belongs to Denmark today. Pictured below: An Inuit landmark (Inuksuk).
Arctic Luxury Goods
Gyrfalcons, ivory, leather hides, and furs were among the treasures that could be found in the Far North – making it a lucrative area for settlements. The author notes the following:
‘The falcon held an important place in medieval symbology, and the gyrfalcon was the most popular hunting bird for the nobility’s favorite amusement: falconry. The Hanseatic books tell us that the Lübeckois were taxed twelve Icelandic falcons a year. As early as 1240, the emperor Frederick II exported falcons to Italy thanks to his Lübeck merchants.’
Jacques Privat – Mysteries of the Far North. Page 337.
According to some theories, the ivory from walruses became less valuable during the late Middle Ages due to an increase of (elephant) ivory from Africa (some use this as one of the reasons explaining the later disappearance of the Greenland settlements). Pictured below: an aesthetically pleasing gyrfalcon.
Inuit-Viking War and Trade
The author emphasises the peaceful (trade) relations between the two communities. Although he notes that there were incidents of violence between the Inuits and Vikings, he does not subscribe to the theory that postulates an Inuit extermination of the Viking population. I am inclined to agree with this; I find it highly unlikely that the Inuits would be able to overcome the Norse in an all-out war. Moreover, the Inuits probably valued the Norse as trading partners more than they saw them as a threat (this is just my speculation). Instead, he points to the deteriorating relationship between the Catholic Church and the Nordic powers and their Greenland subjects as a potential cause for the disappearance of the Norse presence in Greenland.
Pagan-Christian Syncretism
The author shares the following quote from Adam of Bremen (a German chronicler active during the 11th century) regarding the religious attitudes of the Norse population of Greenland:
‘The folk of this country call themselves partly Christian, although they have no faith, confession, or baptism. They can even be Christians and still invoke Thor and Odin.’
Adam of Bremen – Gesta Hammaburgensis
As I have noted elsewhere (on many occasions), the Middle Ages (especially in the Norse world) could be described as a period of Pagan-Christian Syncretism – where White Christ (Vite Krist) was seen as an additional God in the pantheon.
The Danish King & the Borgia Pope
The author highlights the deteriorating relationship between the Nordic powers (Sweden, Denmark, Norway) and the Papacy during the late Middle Ages. This actually began before the Reformation – in 1481, King Christian I of Denmark stripped power from the Church via various legal reforms – to the great consternation of the Pope. Gustav Vasa of Sweden also cast off the yoke of the Catholic Church (in the early 1500s). In both of these cases it is prudent to point to realpolitikal reasons (i.e. that the Church had plenty of resources and land that the State needed) rather than theological reasons (those came later). On a personal note, I prefer Catholicism to Protestantism since the former is closer to Paganism and more beautiful. However, I fully understand and admire the course of action taken by Gustav of Sweden, Kristian of Denmark, and Henry VIII of England (I will elaborate on this later). The author notes the following:
‘The relationship between the Borgia pope and the Danish crown were certainly not looking rosy.’
Jacques Privat – Mysteries of the Far North. Page 383.
He continues by stating that the Pope gave the Catholic Portuguese carte blanche in the Far North – implying that Portuguese raiders may have tormented the Greenlanders. On a personal note, I am unsure if raids by Portuguese were the primary reason for the disappearance of the settlements in Greenland (but perhaps I am biased since I admire the Portuguese of the Age of Exploration and would not want them to be the perpetrators). The author, however, states it thus:
‘The trail of Rome settling a score therefore finds extensive reinforcements with the “Greenland question” forming only a part of the serious liability opposing the Danish crown and Rome. I think it is the most logical and well-founded explanation for the tragic fate of the Nordic colonies of Greenland and America.’
Jacques Privat – Mysteries of the Far North. Page 383.
Danish-Portuguese Friendship
In other parts of the book, the author elaborates on the good relations between the Danish and the Portuguese. Joint expeditions between the two nations occurred – a Dane named Lolland partook in the heroic capture of Alcazar, and another Dane (named Vallart) was named commander of an expedition to the African coast in 1448.
How Long Did the Settlements Last?
The author notes the following regarding this question:
‘The length of time Scandinavians were living in Greenland and Canada needs to be revised upward. At the beginning of the century, it was common to consider the first decades of the sixteenth century as the cut-off date (based on Scandinavian source materials). We can see that an additional half century is not unreasonable if we follow the Portuguese source material.’
Jacques Privat – Mysteries of the Far North. Page 379.
There are various theories as to why the settlements were abandoned; pirate raids, climate change (colder weather), fewer commercial opportunities – and, as the author of this book proposes, punitive expeditions promoted by the Papacy. I am inclined to believe that the worsening of the weather was a major contributing factor – but I must meditate more on the matter before saying more.
Conclusion
The book has 390 pages and contains plenty of valuable and interesting insights (many more than shared here). I can definitely recommend it for those interested in the topic!
Germanic Theology: Volume I by Tristan Powers
Posted on May 9, 2024
I have had the pleasure of reading Germanic Theology Volume I: Poetic Edda – The Lays of the Gods by Tristan Powers. The book is, contrary to its title, not about Germanic theology per se, but would be better described as a commentary on the Poetic Edda. Astute Enjoyers of my content will remember that I reviewed the Imperium Press edition of the Poetic Edda (translation by Henry Adams Bellows) a while back. Powers’ commentary is excellent and insightful. So, if you plan on reading the Poetic Edda, Germanic Theology is a good companion!
Sexual Morality
In several places, the author correctly emphasises the strict sexual morality of the Vikings. The faulty notion that the pre-Christian Germanic peoples were anything but virtuous comes from two sources: Christians and modern liberals (I use the term liberal in the broad sense). The Christians had an incentive in portraying the old Gods and their worshippers as immoral, thereby presenting the introduction of a new faith as something that brought with it an increase in societal virtue. The modern liberal perspective is one that seeks to juxtapose the attractive Vikings against the repressive Christians – in the sense that they wish to portray pre-Christian sexual attitudes as “tolerant” and Christian ones as “intolerant”.
‘It must be noted that our ancestors did not permit the open seduction of women and considered such a thing to be illegal and subject to immediate physical violence – up to death – in order to avenge the attempt or intent to do so, such was their concern and care for the chastity of their wives, sisters, and daughters.’
Tristan Powers – Germanic Theology. Page 65.
Moreover, the author notes that Ergi – behaviour unbefitting of a man – was seen as a religious crime. The Vikings were anything by “tolerant” in the modern sense of the word. As I noted in Podcast Episode 45. Viking Worldview, honour was central and paramount for our ancestors.
Our Lady Freya
Freya, perhaps more than any Pagan deity (with the possible exception of Odin), has been the target of malicious attacks – both in the past and today. The author perfectly states the following:
‘Secondly we may note that, in a strictly sociological sense, it would be usual or illogical to find that a people such as the Germanic should consider their primary female divinity to be unchaste and representative of all baseness they despised and outlawed amongst their own wives and daughters.’
Tristan Powers – Germanic Theology. Page 281.
The author goes on to note that any notion that the Goddess Freya would be unchaste must be seen as lies and slander. With this, I wholeheartedly agree. It makes perfect sense for rivals and enemies to portray an important Goddess in a negative light, and it makes absolutely zero sense that her worshippers would believe this about her.
Gothic Order
On the same topic of sexual morality, the author shares an insightful quote from the 5th century priest Salvian of Marseilles:
‘Wherever the Goths become masters we see no longer any disorders among the old inhabitants. Our manners are reformed under the dominion of the Vandals. Behold and incredible event! Barbarians have, by the severity of their discipline, rendered chaste the Romans themselves; and the Goths have purified those places which the others have defiled by their debaucheries. A cruel warlike nation, but worthy to be admired for their continence.’
As I have noted elsewhere, the Goths have often been misrepresented as destroyers. In fact, they – and the other Germanic tribes of the Migration Era – created a new Europe out of the greatly degenerated remains of the Roman Empire. Enthusiasts of The Greatest Podcast will recall that I discussed Theodoric the Great and the Ostrogothic Kingdom in Episode 30. The Gothic Heirs of Rome.
Magically Gifted Norse Queens
In the chapter commenting on Hávamál, the author notes that the wives of Norse kings would (stereotypically) be sorceresses or wise in magical foresight and healing – thus bolstering the rule and skills of their lordly husbands. As anyone interested in spiritual matters will know, certain women do indeed possess powers of foresight and intuition. Pre-Christian Europeans had a place for women in their religious practices. In fact, this did not completely end with the introduction of Christianity. During the Catholic period (i.e. the period of Pagan-Christian Syncretism) women could still find ways to express this divine connection – notable examples are Hildegard of Bingen, Joan of Arc, and Bridget of Sweden. It must be noted that this was in spite of the Christianity of the time – after all, Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake!
Pictured below: A Sensitive Poet seeking the mystic insights of Heliga Birgitta (Saint Bridget of Sweden).
Rígsþula, Odin, Heimdall
In the chapter commenting on Rígsþula, the author notes that white linen was considered suitable wear for kings and jarls. I fully endorse this statement! Rígsþula is the myth in which Rig – who is Heimdall according to some sources and Odin according to some – visits three families and creates the three castes (mirrored in Vedic tradition): Thrall (black/dark), Karl (red/ruddy), Jarl (white/fair). The author notes that he is more inclined to agree with the theory that posits Odin as Rig and makes a compelling case for this. On a personal note, I must meditate further upon it to give a conclusive statement, but for now I can say that I, too, view it as reasonable to believe that Rig is Odin.
Pictured below: An Aspiring Enlightened Despot contemplating the nature of Rig whilst wearing the finest linen.
Conclusion
As already noted, I can definitely recommend Germanic Theology for those who have or will read the Poetic Edda. I would recommend it even if you do not intend to read the poems themselves, as the book contains plenty of valuable insights. Good stuff!
Nietzsche’s Coming God by Abir Taha
Posted on February 28, 2024
I have had the pleasure of reading Nietzsche’s Coming God – Or the Redemption of the Divine by Abir Taha. Below are some interesting insights found in the book.
Nietzsche & Nihilism
In the introduction, the author deals with one of the most common misconceptions about Nietzsche. Namely, the false belief that he was a proponent of nihilism. Rather, Nietzsche saw nihilism as but a transitory phase on the way to the creation of the Übermensch (the Overman or Superman).
The Death of God
Another common misconception about Nietzsche is that he was an atheist. The author notes the following:
‘Nietzsche considered that the death of God was not an end but merely the death of a god, the god of “monotono-theism,” as he liked to describe it/…/
Abir Taha – Nietzsche’s Coming God. Page 9.
I argue that, in the final analysis, Nietzsche’s spiritual atheism was merely a prelude to a spiritual rebirth, to the advent of the Superman as the incarnation of the new mode of divinity.
Thus, the death of God for Nietzsche is only a “moment” in evolution and in history, and not a fatal end, given that it is only the death of a god, not the divine.’
Thus, one could say that Nietzsche heralded the death of Yahweh – i.e. the Christian God – as opposed to the death of what Pagans mean by God. It was, as stated in the quote above, not the death of the divine. The emphasis in the quote is on “a” god. In a later passage the author says that Nietzsche’s refusal to believe in a transcendental God in no way denies that God does exist (God being immanent and accessible to man through inner mystical experience). She concludes that it is reasonable to call Nietzsche a Pagan – not an atheist.
Immanent God of Paganism
The author discusses the Immanent God of Paganism (i.e. the belief that God is here and now and in everything) and the Transcendent Christian God (i.e. God in Heaven, in a realm beyond this life). Reading this reminded me of a passage in Temple of the Cosmos by Jeremy Naydler – as I noted in my review of that book, the Egyptians never worshipped idols and idolatry was not an issue. The reason for this is that the concept of an idol was unconceivable for the Egyptian mind – the physical and metaphysical did not have the clear distinction as they would come to have in later centuries. The concept of an idol was introduced by the Israelites.
On a related note, I made a video titled How Connected to God Are You? on a similar matter a while back.
Christ vs Paul
According to Nietzsche, Jesus taught that God can be found within. The author shares the following insight:
‘Thus, Nietzsche believed that Christianity, which represents the degeneration of the vital values and virtues of Hindus and Greeks, was unworthy of its founder Jesus, whom he perceived as a free spirit preaching the mystical doctrine of the “Kingdom of Heaven in us.” Indeed, Nietzsche saw in Jesus a rebel against the Pharisees, against the Jewish priests’ dogmatic and narrow spirit, those same priests who, through Paul, have deformed Christ’s life-affirming doctrine which was destined for free and higher spirits.”
Abir Taha – Nietzsche’s Coming God. Page 16.
She goes on to note that Nietzsche blames Paul for distorting the original teaching of Jesus into a rigid, ritualistic, superstitious, and transcendental dogma. To summarise, Nietzsche approved of the mystical and life-affirming message of Jesus (i.e. that God can be found within us – here and now) and disapproved of Paul’s transformation of the message (i.e. making God transcendent – not available here and now, but in the after-life).
‘It was the Church’s distortion of Christ’s original message (in order to enslave the masses by imposing the “virtues” of submission and humility on them) which, by transforming this inner state of mind and experience into a “Kingdom of God in Heaven,” heralded the break between Christianity and Christ’s original teaching.’
Abir Taha – Nietzsche’s Coming God. Page 18.
On a personal note, I know too little about Christ and Paul to comment on it. I am sure there are knowledgeable Christians who have a different view of the matter than Nietzsche. I will seek further understanding regarding this.
Pictured below: Nietzsche’s Blond Beast. On a similar note, I made a video titled Nietzsche and the Gym: The Path to the Overman a while back.
My Disagreement With Nietzsche
The author notes that for Nietzsche, good is everything that proceeds from (and increases) power. What is bad, in his view, is what is weak. According to this morality, an action acquires its value by whether or not it increases power (and hence to spiritual progress and the self-overcoming of man) as opposed to whether the action is intrinsically good or evil.
I will return to this topic at a later time, as it deserves and requires greater elaboration. What I can say for now is that I do not necessarily agree with Nietzsche regarding this take on morality. Perhaps the child sacrifice of the Carthaginians lent them power? Thus rendering their action ‘good’ and not evil. I would say that their action was indeed evil – and that the Romans (bearers of the Aryan light and morality) were right in destroying Carthage utterly.
Nietzsche’s Zarathustra & the Historical Zarathustra
Since I recently reviewed Original Magic Magic Stephen Flowers, I thought it would be relevant to note that Nietzsche ‘corrected’ the duality of the historical Zarathustra. The new Zarathustra (i.e. Nietzsche’s Zarathustra) is the prophet of a new religion which transcends morality (as power is beyond morality). So, for the sake of clarity, it can be good to make the distinction between the historical Zarathustra (Zoroaster) and Nietzsche’s prophet.
Conclusion
Nietzsche’s Coming God has 103 pages, but every page is full of valuable knowledge. I thoroughly enjoyed it; I would even say that it is the best book I have read in quite a while. The author explains Nietzsche’s views in a good way. Upon reading her book, I felt an urge to re-read some of the Nietzsche books I have in my library. Great stuff. Onwards!
Fortuna – The Sacred and Profane Faces of Luck by Nigel Pennick
Posted on February 21, 2024
I have read Fortuna – The Sacred and Profane Faces of Luck by Nigel Pennick. Last year, I made a video about another book by Pennick, namely The Pagan Book of Days (which I liked) – therefore, I decided to read Fortuna as well. On a personal note, I have never gambled and I do not endorse gambling. I have, however, been an Enjoyer of Warhammer for a long time – all Warhammer games (pictured below = Warhammer Underworlds) are played with dice, and thus contain an element of luck. However, the luck aspect is actually surprisingly small – the better tactician is (almost) always the winner.
The Goddess Fortuna
The Roman Goddess Fortuna presides, as will most likely be known to my esteemed readers, over fate and fortune. In Swedish she is called Fru Fortuna – fru means wife or lady; so, similar to the English name of Lady Luck. The author notes that Fortuna was consulted in oracular shrines at Praeneste and Antium. He also notes that the great emperor Trajan (98–117 CE) dedicated a major temple to each aspect of the Goddess and that offerings were made on the first of January to ensure good fortune for the coming year. Perhaps this is a tradition that we must bring back. Pictured below: Fortuna Distributing Her Largesse by Cornelis de Baellieur.
Fortuna and Gambling
The author notes that Fortuna (often by the name of Lady Luck – a name that emerged during the twentieth century) appears in the American magical tradition in preparations used by gamblers – in the hopes that she might help them in games of chance. The author shares the following example of a ritual to Fortuna:
‘One New Orleans practice is to burn a specially prepared Lady Luck vigil candle during the waxing of the moon, praying for what one wishes and reciting the 23rd plasm (usually associated with funerals).’
Nigel Pennick – Fortuna. Page 25.
Napoleon and the Oracle
Although the book centres around luck and gambling, the author also elaborates on divination and oracles. He notes that a certain oracle – the Praenestine Oracle – had a vogue in France during the early 1800s. And, according to legend, one Charles Le Clerc used this oracle to attain prophecies for Napoleon:
Napoleon: What is the aspect of the seasons and what political changes are likely to take place?
Kirchenhoffer, quoted in Deacon 1977, 15–16.
Oracle: A conqueror of noble mind and mighty power shall spring from low condition; he will break the chains of the oppressed and give liberty to the nations.
Sounds quite Napoleonic indeed!
Conclusion
Fortuna has 120 pages and contains some interesting insights for those who are interested in the history of gambling. The author details some of the various bans and religious attitudes towards gambling over the centuries.
The Golden One 
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