12 - Dispatch From the Forest

It is always a temptation to leave the safe and explored, to stash the guidebook deep in your pack, step off the path and seek those who live deep in the forest.  We have come to a land of cold water and many wooded islands - peopled by the heirs of the Vikings. It is said that these are a sun-worshiping people, believers in elves and trolls - we hope to witness their legendary Mid-Summer rites.  We accept their invitation.

They send a guide, the daughter of the Hi Priestess, and several young escorts.  She arranges for safe passage across deep waters to a small island. Their tribal village consists of the Yellow House, where generations of Chieftains have reigned, and several smaller huts and outbuildings called by other colors, that house clan members and initiated visitors.

And our initiation starts at once. Strange foods are set before us - uncooked fishes, animal flesh, some cheeses and tall cups of a clear bubbling drink with a section of lime.  We drink and they are pleased - so we have another. All our garments are taken from us and set out for the sun to purify.  

The Chieftain and the Hi Priestess sit with us for a time then suddenly, about midnight, they depart leaving us relegated to the smallest of the huts, called the Red House.  Jean settles into a bedding of feathers and quickly falls asleep - but I am bothered by the lack of darkness and anticipation of what might lay ahead. 

I don’t know what time they returned, as it was still light, but we were quickly taken into the woods, marched to other parts of the island and displayed to other villagers.  

 

We encountered various beasts and pass by some relics of their sea-going ancestors on our way to sacred viewpoints.  

Sauna at the Grey House

Then again, they set out their foods and we eat our fill.  Fires are lit and ritual baths performed.

Village life is disrupted by our presence, but more so by preparations for the Mid-Summer rites.  Clan members are arriving from near and far, and outsiders are seen coming toward the islands in a great numbers and kinds of boats.  

The White House

Vast fields of grass are mowed, flags unfurled and we too are employed - 

Jean in the kitchens with many other women, and me to the docks to weave a strange basket-box and prepare the Chieftain’s longboat for his ceremonial first sail of the summer.

Grams to Cups on the iPad

  

After several days of preparation, the time has come - the longest day of the year.  Tables are set at the White House, honored elders are seated, many containers are opened, chants are sung, glasses raised to toast the sun.  

The warriors lead the clan in games of skill and speed - I am among the injured, but all survive.  

As the sun reaches the top of its arc, the island’s villagers come together to raise up the Midsommarstång.  All must dance around it in Pagan revelry. 

It goes long into the night, with maidens and young warriors writhing to loud song and drumbeat.

As the sun rises on the first day of summer, we must travel by sea to a far island bearing gifts for another village.  Their custom is to spread more food and drink inside their hut, sing Nordic chants unknown to us, and down more strong drink.    

Nearby vessels salute our passing.

Then my worth is tested as the Chieftain boards his longboat.  Up the fjord we glide, to and fro, in front of his village.  On the deck of our hut, the Hi Priestess blesses his passing.  

 

The Yellow House

We dock at the Yellow House and are allowed to enter.  Inside the Chieftain displays the heads of his ancestors and tells of their great sagas late into the night.

Sun Room

The Red House

Jean and I return to the Red House alone to sleep, to dream.  The sun has finally set and the forest is quiet.  Tomorrow we must leave the village, and return to our wandering ways - enriched and grateful.

- Swedish-ish Stew

Ander, Diane, Cookie, Bella, Lars, "Fred", "Leroy" and all the Jacobi Clan - Tack så mycket!!!!