The earth who is kept hidden and driven among her people
Warning
She is seen once a year and that is the whole cult
Resonance
Those who tend land and those who keep a peace
Symbols
StoneTree
Mythology Summary
Nerthus is the earth mother of the northern tribes, kept in a sacred grove and carried in a covered wagon among her people once a year, after which the wagon, the grove and the slaves who washed her are drowned. Tacitus records her as the mother of the whole people, and her peace holds while she travels.
Modern Practice
Nerthus is honoured by tending ground and by keeping a peace while she passes: her procession is the one time weapons are put down. Her practice is seasonal, communal and sober.