Upcoming Freyfaxi

Freyfaxi is a modern label given to the time of year in ancient times when the seeds planted at Sumarmál and the seasons hard work came to fruition with first harvest coming in for the Folk. Whether these were literal seeds in a garden or field, or they were the beginnings of projects needing to be done, this was the time to start collecting and to wrap things up, as readying for the colder months was at hand. Ritual and Blót were dedicated to Freyr, the god of fertility, harvest, and abundance. In collecting the harvest, it also significantly involved the Landvættr. For without the partnership with these spirits of the land, a harvest could fail, stranding the Folk without the necessary nourishment that was needed to get through the cold dark months ahead. It was common practice to leave the first sheave of grain out for the Landvættr in appreciation to perpetuate the gift cycle, building and continuing a partnership with the land spirits.

This is usually held towards the end of July and into August depending on the latitude of the people with a Blót to Freyr, thanking him for the harvest and fertility. This was also close to the time the ships would return from summer exploration so those who were viking were able to join in the harvest. This was also a time of celebration of reuniting the Folk coming back together. Offerings would be of the toils of the Folk during the summer months, including the first sheath of bound grain, baked breads, and such.

An additional tie to Freyfaxi is from the Hrafnkels Saga, where Chieftain Hrafnkell had dedicated his personal horse to the god Freyr, naming it Freyfaxi. Hrafnkell had sworn that he would kill anyone that rode this horse without permission. One day the shepherd, Einar needed a horse to collect the chieftain's sheep and the only horse that would not run from him was Freyfaxi. In fear of the consequences of losing the herd, Einar took and rode Freyfaxi all day rounding up the Chieftain’s sheep and at day's end, Hrafnkell became furious when he saw that Freyfaxi was exhausted, sweaty, and dirty. The next morning Hrafnkell rides out to meet Einar and keeps his promise, killing Einar. So, at times a horse was also sacrificed to Freyr at this Blót symbolizing the strength of one’s word and oaths. No one could ever question the strength of Chieftain Hrafnkell’s word.

See your Folk and celebrate Freyr, and each other’s hard work coming to fruition. Prepare with your Folk for the coming cold and dark months togther. Honor Frey and the Landvættr.

Goði Nathan Erlandson

nerlandson@runestone.org