Archive for January, 2009

The Goblet

Wednesday, January 14th, 2009

I’m so pleased that I can finally reveal here on my website the cover of Travels Through Middle Earth: The Path of a Saxon Pagan

Llewellyn Worldwide kindly sent me a copy a couple of months ago, but I was not at liberty to share it at that time.  Now the cover can be seen on Amazon, Amazon Canada and Amazon UK, as well as right here at AlaricAlbertsson.Com!

The antlers at the base of the illustration hint at the presence of Ing Fréa, Lord of the Elves, who I have long felt a personal connection with.  Above this, silhouettes of branches whisper of the woodlands and wild places.  And beyond the branches, bathed in light, we see a simple but sturdy goblet bearing three runes: Gyfu, Tir and Rad.

Gyfu (gift), the rune of partnerships, describes the very heart of my book.  Much of Travels Through Middle Earth focuses on developing strong, positive relationships not only with the gods and goddesses, but also with our ancestors and with the elves, cofgodas and other natural spirits that dwell unseen around us.

Tir (the north star) is a rune of guidance, direction and, ultimately, victory.  I sincerely hope that my book will serve readers in this way.

Rad (riding) suggests a journey.  And that is what I hope it will inspire in others – journeys through Middle Earth leading to wonder, joy and empowerment.

I am very happy with this cover, which captures the essence of the book so beautifully.  I know that the artwork will attract potential readers, enticing them to drink from the goblet and embark on their own travels through Middle Earth!

CHECK OUT THE EARENDEL WEBSITE!

Saturday, January 3rd, 2009

I am so excited about Earendel Inhíred’s new website, and am proud to host it through AlaricAlbertsson.com.  You can access the website through the Links section here.  Just click on “Links” (in the upper left on this page) and then look for the shining star of Earendel!

On the new Earendel website you can enjoy photos of myself and my fellow híredmenn as we work, explore and celebrate together.  More importantly, perhaps, the site includes numerous links to valuable resources for the Saxon Pagan, including:

Historical Texts.  Through the Earendel site you can access documents such as Beowulf and various Old English charms.

Old English Dictionaries.  From simple to complex, some of these sites even include information about grammar and pronunciation.

The Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem.  Given in its entirety, both in Old English and with a Modern English translation.

Mead Making.  The links here will interest both the beginner and the experienced brewer.

The Earendel site also includes pages of information about the Saxon gods, the holy tides we celebrate, and more.  This website, which can also be accessed directly at http://earendel.alaricalbertsson.com, was constructed by my híredmann Thunres.  So be sure to check out what Earendel has been doing, and enjoy the valuable links and information included on the website.