The Elder Troth: An Introductory Course of Study
Lesson One, The Cosmos of the North
Poetic Edda – Voluspa stanzas 1-20, Vathrudnismal stanzas 1-39, Grimnismal, Alvissmal
Prose Edda – the Fooling of Gylfy (Gylfalginning), particularly the first sections when High, Highest, and Most High tell the king the creation myths
Our Troth, Volume 1 – Chapter 24, The Nine Worlds
Lesson One Essays, Provided
~Musings on Fire, Ice and the Importance of Salt - Patricia Lafayllve
All exercises in The Elder Troth, Lesson One, and/or the following:
- Consider the importance of Auðumla in the creation myth. How does having a cow feed the first being play itself out in what was, essentially, a cattle-culture? How does the importance of cattle to our ancestors impact us in the modern day? Write down your thoughts.
- In Our Troth and other resources, we learn about the concept of útgarðr (out-yard) and innangarð (in-yard). Make a list of all the people in your life who you consider part of your personal in-yard (ie family, kindred, friends, community). Examine the way that some people fit into more than one category, and think about how this impacts your view of the world.
- Meditate on the subject of wyrd. How do the patterns of others impact your life, and how does your life impact the patterns of others? As you meditate, look back on your own past actions, and try to see where they have made you what you are, and how they will impact what you would like to become.
- What are the nine worlds? Where are they located, and what are their aspects? Who lives where?