Raud the Strong
999 ᛦ
In January, during the time of Þórrablót, we honor Raud the Strong, whose shrine is at Njörðshof. His story takes place during the last decade of the 10th century, when Christianity was finally sinking its claws into Scandinavia.
Raud was a Norwegian warrior, landowner, seafarer, wizard, and Goði during the reign of King Olaf Tryggvason, who is infamous for his relentless subjugation of his own Folk in the name of the foreign Christ. Olaf spent his reign(995-1000 CE) traveling through Norway, torturing and killing brave Europeans who would not forsake their troth with the Æsir.
Eventually, Olaf the snake made his way to Raud’s part of Norway, and he engaged in a sea battle with Raud’s vessel, which was larger than any in Olaf’s fleet. His fleet defeated Raud in the naval battle, but Raud’s reputation as a wizard proved to be true, as he was able to escape to safety by sailing against the wind, which was largely unheard of in this part of Europe at that time.
Although Raud managed to escape to one of his settlements in the Godey Isles, Olaf tracked him down under the cover of darkness, and stole him from his bed. Once he and Raud were face to face, he tried to bribe Raud by letting him keep all of his lands and offered to be his best friend, so long as he would renounce the Æsir and embrace Christ. Raud immediately refused, dauntless even in the face of doom, mocking Christ and Christianity and Olaf himself.
Olaf became angry and would hear no more. He ordered the brave Goði to die a horrible death, and so a snake was forced down Raud’s throat, eventually gnawing its way out through his side and killing him. Olaf then seized Raud’s wealth, lands, and famous ship for himself. The rest of Raud’s men were either baptized or killed in a similarly disgusting fashion.
Raud the Strong was dedicated to the Æsir from his first breath until his last, facing down death with his loyalty to his Gods and Folk unbroken.
May we ALL strive to remain loyal to the Æsir, even when surrounded by serpents! May Raud's name and glory burn like a torch through the darkness of doubt!
Hail Raud the Strong!
Hail the Æsir!
Hail the Ásatrú Folk Assembly!