Last Updated on October 22, 2024
Hjördis was a noblewoman known for her wisdom, courage, and her role as the mother of the great hero Sigurd. As the daughter of King Eylimi, she came from a prestigious lineage, yet it was her marriage to Sigmund, the son of King Völsung, that solidified her place in legend. Hjördis stands out as a figure of strength, particularly in the aftermath of battle and tragedy.
Her story begins when she marries Sigmund, a legendary warrior and descendant of Odin. However, their happiness was short-lived. In a fierce battle, Sigmund fell, leaving Hjördis widowed and pregnant. Though she had lost her husband, Hjördis displayed remarkable resilience. She preserved Sigmund’s sword, Gram, and ensured her son would grow up to wield it. Her role as a protector of Sigurd’s birthright became essential in shaping his destiny.
After Sigmund’s death, Hjördis married King Alf of Denmark, but her focus remained on her son’s future. She raised Sigurd to be the hero who would slay Fafnir the dragon, a legendary feat that would define his legacy. Her wisdom earned her a place among the honored figures of Asatru.
The Rune Berkanan: A Symbol of Growth and Nurturing
The Elder Futhark rune Berkanan, representing birth, growth, and nurturing, aligns with her role in shaping Sigurd’s future. Berkanan symbolizes fertility, new beginnings, and the strength of family bonds. Just as Hjördis nurtured the future of her son and his heroic legacy, Berkanan represents the nurturing force of creation and the power of maternal influence.
Asatruar invoke Berkanan in times of growth or when one seeks to preserve lineage and tradition, much like Hjördis did for Sigurd.
Importance in Asatru
Hjördis is an important figure in Asatru. She represents the nurturing power of motherhood and the wisdom to guide future generations. Her ability to preserve the Völsung lineage through her son Sigurd speaks to the value placed on family, heritage, and legacy in Asatru practices. She did not merely accept fate passively; she actively shaped the destiny of her lineage.
In Asatru, Hjördis serves as a reminder of the strength that lies in women, especially in times of hardship. Her story emphasizes the importance of preserving family traditions and ensuring that children grow into their potential. Hjördis’ role in protecting Sigurd’s future is a metaphor for how modern practitioners should protect and nurture their own families, communities, and spiritual practices.
Her legacy as the mother of Sigurd, and her efforts to keep his inheritance intact, continue to resonate in Asatru. Hjördis’ strength, wisdom, and foresight are qualities many seek to embody in their own lives, particularly when facing challenges that affect their families or communities.
