¶ Jarl Frode
At the party of the Thane selection, all of Frodavik had come to gather in celebration. Drinks, feasting and sparring had begun when the Norns arrived.
They sung about the end of the world, that Surtr had come to kill and burn. Odin, the Benevolent King of the Gods that he was, sent the people through a portal to a safe land called "Valheim", the Norns leading the way.
Frode fought at the last garrison that his people had built, yelled for them to go with the Norn, but as strong as Frode was, he fell to the blade of Surtr.
The people of Frodavik decided to choose Askeladd Nysno as their Jarl to lead and protect in the ways that Frode had taught them all. To do as Odin and the Norn had required.
To survive.
Below is the recorded histories, cultures, ceremonies, celebrated Gods and way of life that Jarl Frode recorded and sent through the portal with his people.
¶ History and how Frodavik came to be
Jarl Frode had found himself Jarl at the age of 19 after watching his own father die brutally on the battlefield of a rival enemy in the Land of Rus. Frode watched the man fall after he had proclaimed he was a prodigy. As Frode looked upon the broken body, he swore that foolish people would no longer be tollerated.
He had changed the name of the Tribe from Úlfhéðnar to Frodavik in his name. This would be the start of something grand, he would set out the legacy of the Tribe in his name. He tore down all the banners of his forefathers and created his own, he would honour the Eagle and the Wolf. His rule saw trying winters and bloody wars with Frode taking the riches of the land and the raided people under his belt to add to his own homestead, each clan, each land, each new area he would hang his banner. Yet in his twilight years, Frode finally found the peace within his Jarldom that he realised his blood-crazed younger state had always been searching for.
His 2nd son, Harold, had taken up his mantle and conquested in his families name but Frode realised the riches that a man could want was in the land and the community he already had. Frode enjoyed taking part in hunts, feasts, fesitivals and the occassional drink contest, all in the name of the Gods. These lands were hard won and defended for, Jarl Frode would make sure he saw every inch of them before his final breath was drawn.
Frode was a man of habit, every morning without fail he would wake up a sharpen his axe in the morning light of the sunrise as a tribute to Tyr, for guiding all his successes in battle that had come before.
Frode loved and was devoted to his wife, Estrid. Everything he did was for her and their children. Bjorn (sadly passed too young), Harold & Kara. Jarl Frode often preached to his clan "that a warrior does not fight because he hates what is in front of them, they fight because they love what is behind them". Frode preached a sense of community and union was the best thing he could leave his Tribe and Clan. To take this where ever they go and they would know prosperity with no bounds. Yet this was not to say Frode was not rich, his time raiding and pillaging had brought a wealth with no bounds so far.
Frode saw his son take the same path he once did when he was younger, the Jarl feeling his time was coming to an end brought a band of select few to earn the respect and loyalty from Odin to help provide protect to his son and prosperity for his tribe.
¶ Culture & Traits for Frodes Tribe
Frode's family symbol is that of an Eagle. The addition of this on building denotes the sign of those close under Jarl Frodes roof.
The Tribal weapon used is an Axe, given to every member of the tribe once they become of age of swear their loyalty to the Jarl.
It was seen that if Tribal members gave broken axes to another, this was seen as an insult or even in certain times a declaration of War.
Overall, a more peaceful Tribe/clan with Frode taking the more wise approach to most situations. Frode and his people though peaceful in their ways are not afraid to fight and defend what is rightfully theirs. Never actively looking for a fight but also quite happy to put a man to the sword if they are found to deserve it.
Wolves are seen as sacred beasts to those under Jarl Frode. They will never eat its meat until they earn the right to do so. Every Man and Women, when they come of age, are given the opportunity to take a meal specifically made and a basic weapon into the mountain to hunt and kill their first wolf, taking its meat in tribute to the Gods and the pelt to make their own cape to wear with pride in the wildeness and within tribal lands. Only then are clan members allowed to return to the mountain to find and tame their own wolf companion. How do you know if that wolf is suppose to be your companion? Why, they would try to kill you of course!
Slaves were a common thing found in Frode's Jarldom. Mainly young so they could be raised on the ideology that Frode would bestow upon them, breeding and raising loyalty into all of the Clan and Tribe. Those Frode deemed too old to have this devotion given to them he would sell. Yet those he kept, their freedom could be gained if they showed loyalty and worth of themselves beyond Frode's vision.
These slaves with new found freedom or "bastards" that were taken into the tribe were given the surname Nysno. Symbolising their new beginnings, the relinquishment of their past life and that all they are loyal to now is Jarl Frode.
¶ Frode's Immediate Family, Chosen Subjects, His Inner Circle and Heads of Guild Areas.
Estrid: Love of his life and his only reason for living. Frode married Estrid after claiming land to his north of a mountain tribe. She is known for her cunning and knowledge of most things from the land. A herbalist of sorts, she could hinder or help a person with the right plants. Had three children who she dedicated her life to. Her passing broke Frode, he still looks for her on the wind and misses her terribly.
Bjorn: Jarl Frode's eldest son who died from a fever at the age of 6. His passing impacted Estrid the most, she was lost to herself for many seasons which sent Frode on a blood-fuelled frenzy at his inability to help her.
Harald: Jarl Frode's second son and now Heir. Harald is 26 and has decided it is his duty and right to restore the former glory of Jarl Frode's ferocity and renown to the family name. Has currently set off to raid and pillage Lochlainn (modern day northern scotland) and his actions are the reason Jarl Frode has brought his Tribe to the Valley of the Jarls to gain Odins favour to protect his son and ensure the community is kept safe.
Kara: Jarl Frode's youngest child and only daughter. Acts very spoilt in the way she is and feels her father favours others in the tribe over her. Has neutral feelings about her brothers conquest but eyes the "throne" or "power" for herself.
Askeladd Nysno: A fatherless boy that Jarl Frode took in to raise with his other kids when he was 4 because he respected the boys father. Askeladd is now 20 and acts very much like Frode in his older years by caring more for community and not raiding, trying to always stay in his graces. Askeladd wears his surname of Nysno with pride, whilst technically a bastard, he knows his life belongs to Jarl Frode.
Tova Nysno: Taken in after a raid on her village, she lived the life of a typical child of the Frodavik tribe, running errands and helping in the cook house. When Tova reached 11 years old, she was taken in by Frode and his wife as a play-mate for his youngest child and only daughter, Kara. Tova became tutored in the way of coin as she was adopted in all ways but name by Jarl Frode. Tova took the "bastard" surname also, shedding her old life and embracing her new one under the Jarls eye
The Jotunn Children: Jarl Frode found some children after a raid in the mountains North of his homestead. As was custom, Frode took them in as slaves for his tribe to pay for the protection the tribe offered, yet it was clear to Frode from a young age that these Children were a little more on the savage side. He decided to keep them on a close lead, adopting them secretively and raising them in hopes that they would not turn on his tribe but offer protection from others. Frode is wary of them, often jokes that they are better off in the mountains to ward off any spirit or wrong-doers to the tribe. In actual fact, Jarl Frode is at a loss of what to do and whilst not afraid of them, he does talk to them from afar, loving them in a way unique to them.
Jarl Frode's Council/Hirdmen: Chosen for their individuality of what they can bring to the table of council. Frode trusts in these to provide an unbiased and fair judgement that puts the needs of Tribe Frodavik first over the wants of her people. Known for their strength too, the Jarl trusts them to protect Frodaviks people, advocating for peace and a strong community spirit is maintained to protect the longevity of the tribe in the event Frode is not around.
These are players in game known as: Gorm Ingvarsson, Thorgny Gothi, Askeladd Nysno, Tova Nysno, Arne Hvessa.
Head of Coin: Remains in the tribal home lands. Vidar Gold-Hall (NPC) Was incharge of ensuring the wealthy was protected of the tribe, that mercenaries and other Jarldoms were payed on time for goods and services. Took on an apprentice who has travelled with the Jarl to continue in his stead.
Head of Swords & Smithery In charge of the Jarls army, raiding band and was liaison to the paid mercenaries and ensures all warriors have adequate arms and armour. These people must also be ensuring all Tribes people were well armed and prepared for their Tribal duties & work.
Head of Religion & Spirituality: Leader of all religious acts & ceramonies. Thorgny Gothi, and elder in his own right. Has seen and lived through the reign of almost 3 Jarls in his time. Jarl Sven, (Frode's Grandfather) Jarl Leif (Frode's Father) & Frode himself. Has the blessing of Wisdom on his side, is willing to speak to all who come across his path.
Head and Speaker of Freeborn: The one person in charge of moral of the clan. Gorm Ingvarsson. Born into the Tribe and was evident his charisma was his Gods-given gift. Raised to the position he had through motivating and ensuring moral was high and the free citizens of the clan/tribe are heard, especially when the Jarl is not around. Jarl Frode was impressed with his knowledge and understanding, especially how unwaveringly loyal Gorm is to the Jarl.
¶ Tribe Frodavik & The Gods
Frodavikians worship Tyr as their main God who they give thanks and praise to. Whilst Frode has ensured all Gods have a place in someones home if not the temple within his community, Tyr is seen as their guardian. Songs, prayers and praise are often given to Tyr throughout the day, induction of new tribes folk is slowly introduced as they find their feet in the Jarldom.
Frode has often taken clanfolk out on an early morning hike to sit in the rising sun of the morning, showing them how to sharpen their weapons and the words used to give thanks to Tyr in any battles that may come that day.
¶ Rituals, Prayers & Rites of Tribe Frodavik
It is seen as on offence of the tribe to not carry out certain rites and rituals, espcially to those who fall whilst under Jarl Frode. These can include:
- Not burying the dead
- Kinslaying/killing people youre related to (especially on your own land)
- Oathbreaking/false promises
- Blasphemy/taking the Gods name in vain when insulting (especially with regards to Tyr)
- Disturbing sacred groves/areas to people.
- Disturbing sacred items to people, especially when asked to avoid being near.
The Head of Religion & Spirituality, Thorgny Gothi, would try and ensure peoples last rites and rituals were aheard to. He would also help remind those who partook in religious fesitvals/times of the year when it would be time to fast, which animal to sacrifice and to which God for certain blessings.
It would also be custom to wish others in the tribe or any visitors "good health".
- Tyr keep you whole!
- Ancestors protect ye!
- May Njord protect you on your journey!
- Tyr give you strength!
- Gods keep your health!
- May the wolf mother watch over you (used more for when saying goodbye).
Some prayers/ poems that can be said by the Tribesfolk on a day to day basis in homes, hunting or exploring:
Prayer to call on the gods:
Aesir hail and Vanir
Giveth me peace
And to all the holy gods
Short prayer to the gods
To Odin and victory
To Freyr give me a good year
And to the honored ancestors
Ár er gumna góðe; --------------- Plenty is a boon to men;
get ek at örr var Fróðe. -------- I say that Frodi was generous.
Prayer to Valkyrie Sigrdrífa from the Sigrdrífumál:
Hail day!
Hail the sons of day!
Hail night and her sister!
Look on those of us here,
With friendly eyes.
And give us victory.
.
Hail the Aesir
Hail the Aesynjor
Hail the hospitable earth
Give us eloquent speech
And wisdom
And healing hands
While we live
Heill dagr
Heilir dags synir
Heil nótt ok nift
Óreiðum augum
Lítið okkr þinig
Ok gefið sitjöndum sigr
Heilir æsir
Heilar ásynjur
Heil sjá in fjölnýta fold
Mál ok mannvit
Gefið okkr mærum tveim
Ok læknishendr, meðan lifum
Some Tribes people would often say their own ritual prior to defending/fighting/raiding.
ulv venn ---------------------------- Friend to wolf,
ørn venn --------------------------- Friend to eagle,
alle andre tester vi!------------ All others we challenge!
Some prayers or even charms would be given to help favour fortune, healing or other issues a tribesman may come across:
Charm of release:
Once sat women
They say here, then there
Some fastened bonds
Some impeded a war-host
Some unraveled fetters
Escape thy bonds
And flee the enemy
Charm for healing horses:
Balder and Odin were riding to the woods,
and the foot of Balders foal was sprained
So Mani, brother of Sol conjured it
and Freyja, sister of Fulla conjured it
And Odin conjured it, as he well could
Like bone-sprain, so blood-sprain, so joint-sprain
Bone to bone, blood to blood
Joints to joints, so may they be glue
Charm against maggots/disease:
Go out, worm, with nine small worms
out from the marrow and the bone
away from the bone and the flesh
out from the flesh of the skin
out from the skin and onto the arrow
Lord Odin, let it be so
Bee blessing:
Freyr, the bee swarm is out here!
Now fly, you animal come
In the land-spirits peace, ancestors protect
come home in good health.
Sit bee, sit!
The command to you from Lord Odin
You may have no vacation
Do not fly into the woods
You should not slip away from me
Nor escape from me
Sit still, so still
And do the gods will
Runic charms (can be put/carved on objects):
ALU - ᚬᛚᚢ (General and common magic inscription for protection)
LAUKAZ - ᛚᚬᚢᚴᚬᛦ (Charm related to Odin, associated with good health and protection)
Victory runes - ᛏᛏ↟↟ (Can be alone or stacked, these are related to Tyr, and are invariably put on swords or runestones, gives victory in battle)
GA GA GA - ᚷᚨ ᚷᚨ ᚷᚨ (Battle chant/cry)
ᚦᛘᚴ-ᛁᛁᛁ-ᛋᛋᛋ-ᛏᛏᛏ -ᛁᛁᛁ-ᛚᛚᛚ (Magic chant, multipurpose! Can be used to invoke magic just in general, put on runestones, make herbs more powerful et cetera)
Skalat maðr rúnar rísta, ---------- No man shall scratch runes
nema ráða vel kunni.--------------- Not being able to use them well;
Þat verðr mörgum manni,-------- Many a man is misled
es of myrkvan staf villisk.-------- by dark forces.
Sák á telgðu talkni------------------- Ten secret runes have I seen
tíu launstafi ristna.------------------- Scratched on smoothed out fish bone;
Þat hefr lauka lindi------------------- For the girl this has caused
langs ofrtrega fengit.--------------- sorrow for a long time.
¶ Wolf Ritual:
- The Ceremonial blessing. Defined speeches given to honour the one taking the ritual on and what they wish to find upon taking this on. Often given by the Jarl or Thane (the most highest ranked member present at the time).
- Prayers given up to Tyr, Freya & Njord, to protect them on this journey, to help give them strength and wisdom in the trial ahead.
- The song dedicated to Frode (see below for Song 1) about his tale of finding himself and the strength he found.
- All present who wish to take part would strip down to their undergarments and dance in a circle around the ritual fire. Singing and making what ever sound they wished to embue them with the strength of the Gods. Some may decide to remain silent, some may dance on the spot, some may kneel before the fire in their own silent tribute to the Gods.
¶ Songs for Jarl Frode by Tribe Frodavik
Many songs were written for Jarl Frode by those who loved and admired him. Often sitting around fires after feasts to sing them.
¶ Song 1 (used mainly for the Wolf Ritual but can be used to help calm nerves and remind those of the tribe where we come from).
Thriving was the ground with blood
Even in our very eyes.
When Frode witnessed, there
On the battlefield the end
of his beloved origin.
Odin stopped the young pup
In his blood lust, only delaying it
For his wings finally spread when Frode
Took on the land of Rus on his own.
Writhed their neck had to be.
Nourished by the fights and their wealth,
He now provides for the tribe.
The world will hear the name Frode
As his own tribute to Tyr,
Keeping sharp his axe and wits.
¶ Song 2 (used mainly during nights of feasts or around the campfires after a day of success).
Jarl Frode, mighty in his pride,
With axe in hand and steed to ride,
A leader bold, through fjord and snow,
Where northern winds and wild seas blow.
His halls were warm with hearth and song,
Yet on the shores, where waves are strong,
His warriors sailed, in search of gold,
And tales of battles brave and bold.
The stars above, his compass true,
Guided his ships through skies of blue,
No enemy's shield nor spear could break
The iron will he dared to stake.
In the mead-halls of his reign,
Loud laughter echoed, no hint of pain,
For Frode, with wisdom, fierce and wise,
Had earned the right to claim the skies.
Though time may pass and seasons turn,
The flames of Frode’s legacy burn,
A Jarl whose name the skalds still call,
A legend great, remembered by all.