The Lorelei

I wish I knew the meaning,
A sadness has fallen on me.
The ghost of an ancient legend
That will not let me be.
The air is cool in the twilight
And gently flows the Rhine;
A mountain peak in the setting sun
Catches the faltering shine.

The highest peak still gleaming
Reveals enthroned in the air,
A Siren lost in her dreaming
Combing her golden hair.
With golden combs she caresses
Her hair as she sings her song;
Echoing through the gloaming
Filled with a magic so strong.

The boatman has heard, it has bound him
In throes of desire and love.
He's blind to the reefs that surround him,
He sees but the Maiden above.
And now the wild waters awaken
Then boat and the boatman are gone.
And this is what with her singing,
The Lorelei has done.

Heinrich Heine (1798-1856)

Asatru glossary

K


Kindred – name for a type of organization whose members belong to the Asatru movement. Earlier this organization had its basis in the tribe, i.e. it was based on familial relations, but this is no longer the case. The kindred is led by a gothi or a gydja, and the main purpose for this kind of group is the joined participation in rituals. Most often the celebrations of Nordic holidays.

Kvasir – a person known for his great wisdom. He was killed by the dwarves Fjalar and Galar. His murder is actually a description of brewing beer.

L

Lif and Liftrasir – «life» and «will to live». A man and a woman who survived Ragnarok by hiding in the branches of Iggdrasil. They will be parents of a new race that will repopulate the Earth.

Ljossalfar– Light Elves

Ljossalfheim – a region inhabited by Light Elves and their ruler – Frey.

Loddfafnir –person who learned the wisdom of the Gods coming to the spring of Urd and staying in Valhalla. He’s mentioned in Havamal.

Loki

Loki – God of fire, a shape-shifter. His giant origins explains his inclination towards evil. However, he didn’t always do harm, but sometimes even helped the Gods, like when Freya was engaged with the giant Thrym. Loki is actually a dynamic impulse that puts into motion events described in Nordic myths, and without him the whole Nordic mythological system is virtually impossible. Because of this, Loki and his progeny are as essential for this system as a negative and destructive change in one’s life is necessary and useful for the future development of an individual.

Lorelei – legendary being from Germanic folklore depicted as a beautiful siren mesmerising sailors with her singing, effectively luring them to their deaths. Beguiled by her song, the sailors would jump into the water wishing to embrace this enchantress.