Shani Oates discusses her two latest books in her trilogy dedicated to the ancient Norse god Odin/Óðinn - the lord of shamanic shapeshifting, magic and war. (“The Hanged God: Óðinn Grímnir” & “Wolfs-Head: Óðinn, The Ecstatic God of Tethers and Skin-Turning”).
Óðinn’s quest of discovery takes him through shamanic trials as Rites of Passage that find parallel forms in other animistic traditions. His ordeals of Mound, Tree and Sacral Kingship together with an articulation of the role of Hamingja are hitherto connected.
Shani uses a multi-disciplinary approach that includes forensic and ethno-anthropology, mythology, archaeology, folklore and etymology to explore Óðinn’s identity as the Ecstatic God of the Tethers of Law and Death. This is least recognised through his Skin-Turning and Shape-shifting techniques as gifts of the highest craft he imparts to a shamanic warrior elite.
Nordic culture drew inspiration and influence from the magical and martial disciplines of the Sámi, Slavic, north-European and Eurasian peoples. Invoking the divine ecstasy of creation, Shame priests and warriors, stand ‘outside’ time.
Óðinn’s antinomian challenges generated considerable friction within societal ‘law.’ The dehumanisation of the skóggarmaðr (wild men of the forest) outlawed for following his rule, rendered them indistinct from the forest-wolf’s status, and were perceived as equal quarry.
A clear Cultus is revealed of a hidden elite totally focused on surviving Ragnarǫk via the application of arcane magics. These books present new insights into the real location of Valhǫll, and explain Óðinn’s ancestral relationship with wolves.
https://www.anathemapublishing.com/shani-oates
[taken from a Zoom Webinar August 2021)
#Óðinn #Shamanism #berserkir
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