Poetry · Chapter
Chant of the Northmen at the Thunder-Oak explained
A desperate plea from the Northmen to Thor, the Thunderer, offering treasures, sacrifices, and blood offerings at the Thunder-Oak in hopes of averting his wrath and securing mercy.
What happens
A desperate plea from the Northmen to Thor, the Thunderer, offering treasures, sacrifices, and blood offerings at the Thunder-Oak in hopes of averting his wrath and securing mercy.
Themes in this chapter
Faith and Doubt
The Northmen's chant reflects a fervent pagan faith in Thor's power, seeking to appease him through sacrifice and ransom.
Characters to notice
- Thor
Invoked as the Thunderer, mighty and merciless, to spare the Northmen from smiting.
Key passages
“O Thor, the Thunderer, Mighty and merciless, Spare us from smiting!”
O Thor, god of thunder, powerful and unforgiving, do not strike us down.
Opening invocation pleading for mercy from Thor's destructive power.
“Bright blood shall bathe thee, O tree of Thunder, Life-floods shall lave thee, Strong wood of wonder.”
Bright blood will cover you, O sacred oak of Thor; life-giving streams will wash you, mighty and wondrous tree.
Description of the blood sacrifice offered to the Thunder-Oak.