At a time we gather, tell stories and remember together, Yule (whether you celebrate it in December or January) is the perfect time to talk about the skaldic god. Sharing stories is one of the most important things about being human. We naturally tell each other about our deeds and the deeds of our ancestors. We sit together and laugh. We empathise and cry. We are social creatures by our very nature, and sharing stories is one way we learn and grow.
Our Eddas, the stories of our gods, were originally shared around a fire. The words creating powerful images in the collective minds of all who heard them. As such, the skaldic tradition is so crucially important to our heathen beliefs, and the act of storytelling so vital to how we connect. The act of Sumbl is sacred in this way, to speak about our actions and the actions of the gods, ancestors and our peers in a way that is shared among the community. Written into wyrd to echo down the generations.
But who is Bragi? Well, he is most commonly known as the Skaldic god, the wise god of poetry. Husband to Idunn, he is sometimes referred to as a son of Odin – though, like most things this is contested. Bragi is a wordsmith, eloquent and fluent. He knows the history of the gods, and tells Aegir of many of their adventures, including how the mead of poetry was created from the blood of Kvasir. Bragi is a keeper of knowledge, wise in the ways of the gods, and often seen as an ambassador for peaceful relations and diplomacy through his actions in Lokasenna – offering a sword, horse and arm ring to Loki as a gift.
Those that worship Bragi do so through their words. They are often storytellers in their own right, understanding that words can change minds, shape futures, and bring people together.
Who is Bragi to you?