Uncle Thor's Lessons, Anecdotes and Humor

Entertainment is a curious thing. In our current society, entertainers are among the most highly-paid and esteemed people. That includes actors, sports figures and musicians. They have more visibility than any other sector of society.
I find it equally curious that people heed the opinions of entertainers on many subjects. Actors [...]

The decent treatment of people and animals is a Heathen ideal. In existing vestiges of old lore, one finds many a precept stressing a humane attitude. The Havamal is key among these sources. Traditions of hospitality, generosity and practicality encourage us to treat others well.
Humane treatment begins at home. Those who [...]

Maybe you remember the old cartoon with Tooter Turtle and Mr. Wizard the Lizard. It was a featurette in the King Leonardo cartoon show. Each episode, the Turttle wanted to try to be being someone new. The wizard granted his wish. Inevitably, Tooter Turtle got into a serious jam. The Wizard [...]

When we speak of the Mannar Rune and identity, the usual intent is recognition of an individual. The crux of identity is the balance between individual personality and the many roles he fulfills. As I like to put it, the Who and the What of a person. For example, take a fellow [...]

Yesterday we discussed the Mannar Rune. Here is an application of its lessons:
Salesmen, confidence men, interrogators and hucksters try to deflect attention so as to gain a person’s trust. They do this by working to make their “mark” forget the person’s role and focus instead on that person as an individual. Thus, [...]

These are the exercises of the Mannar Rune,. They focus on the “identity” aspect of the Rune. The goal here is to use identity as a mean to gain personal experience of the Mannar Rune.
Exercise 1) Mannar is a Rune of identity. It is Who you are and What you are. [...]

Heathenism is supposed to enhance your life. It is not supposed to be a replacement for it. I was more than a little surprised to be told of Heathens whose entire life is wrapped in “being a Viking.” They try to be 100% Heathen and nothing else, all day, every day.
The [...]

One of the easiest ways to alienate a man is to speak ill of those he loves. Whether said within earshot or behind his back, it is sure to incur his disdain. Many are the instances where a person can forgive slights against himself, but not against loved ones. In my observations, [...]

Likes and dislikes are part of the human experience. They range from foods and weather to politics and people. Most often, people tend to dislike those things which are not pleasurable or good for them. It would be hard to find anyone who likes poison ivy, for instance.
When you look at the [...]

Iron, steel and bronze are not right when they are first poured. These metals need extra care to make then hard enough and flexible enough. For instance, a good sword over 18 inches long needs to flex, lest it shatter. In other uses, a metal must be harder to withstand impact. [...]