Ancestors: The Spirits of the Land

In this episode we're exploring the ways that we talk and think about ancestors. The Nordic story-worlds have a lot to say about ancestor worship, and how we can connect with the land through ancestors. Today, most people seem to think about ancestors as those who came before us, who are tied to us through blood. Blood-based ancestry is a way of thinking about yourself and the people and place that you belong to, which more often than not leaves you disconnected from where you live. Land-based ancestry is another way of thinking about ancestors and how they integrate with the space you inhabit. In the Nordic story-worlds there are many names for land-based ancestors. This shows that the peoples in northern Europe had a rich relationship with their land. You can use their stories and ways to talk about land-based ancestors to create strong ties to your world today.