"My Death comes without Apology." Ragnar Lothbrok

  Ragnar speaks to the Seer:  " I guided my fate! The gods were created to give answers to men that are afraid to give themselves!  " The Seer cries: " I may have been wrong! I have groped for meaning!"

  Ivar is returning home...while King Ragnar remains in chains. In the eyes of Ragnar, it is far more important for Ivar to remain alive. Why? Because Ivar has become Ragnar's most powerful son. Why? Because Ivar does not think like other men ( much like Ragnar.) Why? Here then is their bond: they are Unpredictable! Because of this trait, the world will fear the clan of Ragnar Lothbrok once more!

  Here is another concept Ragnar shares in his parting: Ragnar himself does not believe in Valhalla, BUT his sons and people DO! Therefore, " Faith is important to all people."

  Ragnar's eyes gaze on the young boy Alfred, the son of Athelstan. Later to be hailed Alfred the Great, Ragnar yields the necklace given him by Althelstan and says: "Here, take this, in the end, people will choose...your kind."

  Religion can be a horrible thing. The unknowing feeling at death...Is there nothing more sacred?

  In the end, with Ragnar in a cage with poisonous snakes below, speaks: " It gladdens me that Odin prepares a feast. Soon I shall be drinking ale from curved horns...there I shall want for my sons...soon to join me! There I will bask in their triumph! My death comes without apology, and I welcome the Valkyries...to summon me home!"

  The question lies: Did he say that because he believes that, or did he say that for the love of his people? Personally, I believe the latter.

  King Ella of Northumbria, what a horrid future ahead for you! Although you speak of doing God's work by stating: " Before you die Ragnar, you will atone for your sins against my countrymen," the hollow thoughts of his logic give greater credence to the words of Ragnar!

  Ragnar gives final instructions to his son Ivar concerning King Ecbert of Wessex: " Ivar, Be Ruthless!" Why? Because King Ecbert gave up Ragnar to King Ella of Northumbria...to advance his own cause...and to do so in the name of Religion! Besides, King Ella will meet his Maker...in due time!

  As in the skaldic poem known as Krakumal, a line of poetry composed to a tribute to a Viking King:

" We swung our swords, that was ever long ago. I stabbed the spear...into the loop of the earth!"  Long live King Ragnar!

Forever we will miss you!

Ragnar Lothbrok! "Two Journeys" December 14th, 2016.

  As the enjoyment continues on the latest episode of The Vikings on The History Channel, the character "Ragnar Lothbrok" becomes more fascinating.

  I am intrigued how King Ragnar has become so disliked by many of his own, yet seemingly ignores all the rejection and proceeds forward.
  Ragnar's conversation with his crippled son Ivar is personal and appears to be one that will have an all but hopeless end, yet King Ragnar is unpredictable. I love his statement " I didn't come here to go back." (Both King Ragnar and his son Ivar were now back in England, knocking on the door step of King Ecbert of Wessex.)
  Ragnar informs Ivar they must separate from the rest of the men who came with them to attack King Ecbert , the largest kingdom in all of England known as Wessex. King Ecbert is a visionary, well versed in hierarchy, and is motivated by a "moral journey" in life.
   King Ecbert is deceptive in diplomacy,  numerous selfish intentions, and yet harbors a deep fear.  His fear?...Ragnar Lothbrok! King Ecbert is fully aware Ragnar Lothbrok is no ordinary man, he is not "just a man."
  Upon the discovery of Ragnar's banner "the Raven," King Egbert proclaims Ragnar has finally returned...illegally.

  In a deep conversation between Ragnar and his crippled son Ivar, the producer Michael Hurst sprinkles humor in the midst of a seemingly tragic scenario. Surviving a terrible storm, both men are found on the shores of England...alive! Ragnar is asked a question by Ivar stating his father has never considered him a strong son. In fact, Ragnar would have preferred Ivar be put to death at birth. Ragnar then answers in a humorous tone, " Only when you talk." Later Ragnar explains to Ivar how his judgment was wrong, stating " Your legs have given you a strength... a strength even your brothers do not have. You are like a deaf man whose eyesight is better than anyone else's. You are special, not in spite of your legs, but because of them." Ivar than responds that this may be the first time Ragnar has admitted he was wrong. Again, humor is injected as Ragnar responds " It will never happen again, so...enjoy it!"
  Later Ivar speaks of the "verdict of the gods" in reference to their lots in life, and once again Ragnar responds in humor " You give the gods too much credit."

  Equally, Rollo has returned! When Bjorn ( son of Ragnar,) asks for safe passage through territories ruled by Rollo and the French, Rollo responds "No....unless I come with you!" After all the bloodshed, the killing of Vikings by the French led by Rollo, and the animosity of Rollo's betrayal to his native countrymen...he now wants to join them? What a twist. Rollo identifies with our present day culture mentioning to Bjorn of a Muslim caliphate awaiting their journey. As Rollo explains his decision to join his native countrymen on this journey to his wife Princess Gisla, she is not so receptive to such a decision. Rollo in defending his decision, explains to her " There is a part of me still Viking. When you hear thunder, it is only thunder. For me, it is Thor beating his hammer!"The viewer is left with a thought...Rollo longs to see and be with his brother, Ragnar!

  Lagertha returns to Kattegat, this time to gain control and remove Queen Aslaug. And Margretha, the slave girl which all the sons of Ragnar seem to enjoy, becomes more visible in each episode.
  This Viking series is becoming intense and leaves one on the edge of their seat....

"Skol!"


  

"Ivar the Boneless"...The Vikings on the History Channel

  As the historical fiction series The Vikings on the History Channel returns, the producer Michael Hurst continues to keep this saga relatively close to actual history records. It is a difficult task to accomplish as real Viking history has been passed down in fragmented segments.
  Ivar the Boneless is an interesting character both in this series and in the real history of the Vikings.

  Ancient historical documents reveal there was a Viking leader known as Imar. He is thought to have a dynasty around the mid-9th century to the 10th century A.D. This Viking dynasty ruled Northumbria of England with its capital city being York.
  The Vikings TV series has introduced a main character Ivar the Boneless, who does have similarities to the historical Imar.
  Ivar, or "Ivarr hin Beinlaus" in the ancient Norse language, is presented as the son of King Ragnar and Queen Aslaug. Some historical manuscripts say this was Ragnar's 3rd wife, while others claim it was Ragnar Lothbrok's ( referred to as "Lodbrok" in history) as his 2nd wife.
  Norse legend writes this son of Ragnar was named Ivar the Boneless because he lacked bones in his lower extremities as a result of a curse. Queen Aslaug was thought to have powers in sorcery. Legend dictates Ragnar and Aslaug were to wait 3 nights before entering the marriage bed. Ragnar ignored warnings from the gods and the result was Ivar was cursed physically.

  Although Ivar is described of his physical disabilities in numerous ancient Norse sagas, his upper body strength is equally told. Ivar has been deeply admired in both song and stories through the centuries for his great wisdom. He was particularly known for his knowledge and insight in battle strategy and tactics.
  This Viking leader in history known as Imar was a leader in both Ireland and Scotland. He was the son of a king named Lochlam. Further information is found in the Fragmentary Annals of Ireland.
  Viking history does tell of a "Great Heathen Army" invading England around the year 865 A.D. This invasion is led by Imar ( possibly Ivar,) attacking 7 kingdoms within England including Sussex, Wessex, Northumbria, East Angilia, Essex, Kent, and Mercia.
  This invasion is recorded in history was organized by the sons of Ragnar. It is thought Ragnar had been executed by the king of Northumbria in 865 A.D., being thrown into a snake pit.

  This king of Northumbria, a King Ella, is thought to have been overtaken in 867 A.D. and was the recipient of the infamous Viking execution known as the Blood Eagle. The city of York then became Ivar's home.
  Ivar seemingly disappears from historical records around 870 A.D. Although the death of the historical king Imar is uncertain, it is thought he passed in 873 A.D. in Dublin, Ireland.

  The Viking series on the History Channel is remarkable! As the producer Michael Hurst said, " It's really about a family that really...existed." It is a culture brought back to life that influences our lives today.
  The real question remains: How did they get there? That seems to be the real challenge!

Woo-hoo! The Vikings are back!..season 4, episode 11

  The gaps between episodes of The Vikings on the History Channel were beginning to challenge my interest as the series sailed into the 11th episode of season 4. Then, I heard him!...It is Ragnar! "Who....Whoooo wants to be king?!" Okay, forget the gaps, I'm here already! Ragnar has returned to Kattegat!
  Although Ragnar is out to seek revenge with the English king of Wessex, King Ecbert, his heart still dreams. He desires to go to Rome and discover new shores of the known world.
  Floki!...love the new look. While Ragnar and Floki have an older, well-seasoned warrior physical appearance, the joy of adventure still gleams in their eyes. Floki is at work doing the very same work he did when Ragnar first visited him in season one...creating the infamous Viking longboat. In this episode, Floki is building a new state of the art longboat for Ragnar's son, Bjorn. The reunion was extremely heart warming.
  Then Floki heard the "magical words" he had yearned for since the day their bromance began. " I love you Floki." For many Viking fans, we felt a tear or two running down our cheek, Almost keeling over from Ragnar's words, Floki emotionally responds " I love you too Ragnar Lothbrok!," a deeply moving scene.
  The scene concluded with Ragnar making it clear to Floki if he does not come with Ragnar, they will never see one another again. Floki reminds Ragnar how they will see their friends and participate in the great eternal party in Valhalla, Yet, Ragnar was not so sure...he would be at that party.
  Then Ragnar moves on and visits Lagertha, the beautiful Viking goddess. Ragnar asks for her forgiveness and then came... "the kiss." Viking fans had longed to see this much like Floki had longed for the love of Ragnar. Lagertha's wisdom-like statement was deeply thought provoking: " All our journeys are in the mind."
  The more recent characters of The Vikings series now begin taking center stage. The slave-girl Margrethe is quite dynamic. Her personality as a Viking character certainly received high marks in my opinion with her life saving statement to Ivar the Boneless: " Sex is easy, greatness is hard."
  Ragnar's other sons Huitserk, Sigud, and Ubbe have all but lost hope in their legendary father. All of them think Ragnar is no longer loved by anyone...including the gods. Yet, there is still one who loves his father. It is "the cripple," Ivar the Boneless!" I love the ending of this episode when Ivar lets Ragnar know he had not even asked Ivar to go with him. As Ragnar begins to ask him, Ivar jumps in and says "Of course I will!"
  Oh, and Lagertha's new lover "Astrid,"....cool hair!

  What's going to happen next? I am not sure. I keep hearing those words in my head "Shield Wall!" echoing from ear to ear.
  'Love them Vikings!

Thanksgiving...a time to be thankful. It has a richness to it!

Prologue: As an amateur historian, I love looking at the "whys" in history. Why did this event happen?...Why did people at a particular time decide to do that?...Why were people so committed to pursuing such an undertaking?...etc.

Suddenly, one day I stumbled onto a meaning of Thanksgiving!

                                                  -------------------------------------

  Do you remember the saying in the book of Ecclesiastes? There are even songs about it..." For everything there is a season, each moment has a purpose under Heaven. There is an appointed time to be born, an appointed time to die, an appointed time to plant, and an appointed time to harvest. There are right times to weep, other times to laugh, and still, there are times we mourn, and yet other times designated to celebrate and break into dance..."
  History is full of all theses moments, and more! The human race is truly a resilient creation, able to overcome the greatest adversity against the most horrible scenarios.

How is man/woman able to do that?

  As I follow this train of thought, I came across a stark realization. Having an attitude of gratefulness coupled with the heart being thankful, allows the message of Thanksgiving to permeate the soul.
  How? Because it drives us to Him. When we allow our hearts and mind to turn to Heaven, whether it be a good or bad situation we might be presently in, the "magic" begins. We invite His Presence, His Peace, to enter our daily scenarios with enough power to have supernatural results.

The crazy part?

  It is impossible to spend too much time thanking and /or praising the One who rules in Heaven. In fact, by practicing this unique exercise allows my friendship with Him to adjust to a healthy and proper perspective.
  Suddenly, the First Thanksgiving makes more sense to me. Although the Mayflower had brought from the shores of England 102 passengers, the Thanksgiving table had only 51 still alive. Sickness and calamities had taken its toll, yet the Pilgrims were determined to set aside a time to be thankful. ( Actually, it was a Harvest Festival.. Thanksgiving was actually a day given to fasting and prayer. Look up Washington's 1789 "official" Thanksgiving Day. But hey, this story works...lol.)

So, what is my point?

  Designate a time this season to allow the heart to take in the meaning of being thankful, which will culminate in being grateful. It really is a rich experience. As for me, history begins to make sense.
  I do need to issue a warning however. If you would decide to practice this art, history does write of things that could possibly happen...to you!

Luke 24:36: " As these men were talking about what they had heard going on in Jerusalem, having a sense of gratefulness for this Teacher who had been cruelly crucified. Suddenly...He stood right there!...among them! He spoke and said to these men " Peace be with you."

Matthew 28:20 (b):  " ...And you can be sure of this; I Am with you...always! All the way...to the very end!"

  

A Journey with Dietrich Bonhoeffer: "He considered being a Christian is a joy! How odd is that?"

Prologue: Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a Lutheran pastor, theologian, and a key figure regarding the true ideals of Christianity during the WWII era. He was an anti-Nazi dissident who met his end in 1944, hanged at the young age of 39.
               
                      His influence on Christianity has grown steadily since his day...

Here then begins this unique journey.

                                                    -----------------------------------------

  Bonhoeffer found becoming a disciple of Christ Jesus something to be excited about. He went as far as to write it is a joy to be one of His disciples.
  He commented on this "yoke question," claiming the yoke Jesus speaks in Saint Matthew 11 is  really quite light, not originally intended or designed to be heavy. The key to carrying a yoke is not to resist. That is where our joy in life is found.

  I have heard the word "yoke" used in Christian jargon and rhetoric. The "Yoke of the Law" is an example where becoming a Christian puts emphasis on legalistic ideals which quickly become burdensome. The result from my observance is instead of finding joy in the Christian faith, a person ends up in some sort of self-righteous behavior, worse off than simply not starting the search in the first place.
  I have read of the "Yoke of Sin and Death," where there is so much emphasis on how terrible the heart of man is, there simply is no joy in this life until we are dead...or have suffered extensively in this life, physically or mentally ( an "us against the world" promotion) to experience it. I have noticed a number of "martyr complexes" soon develop, or "Christian cult doctrines" are expressed through this type of belief.

   In days gone by farmers would put a younger ox shoulder to shoulder with an older experienced ox under a yoke to learn how to work together. The objective was the younger ox would simply watch and learn what the older ox did, and begin to imitate the older. The younger ox was not focused on the weight of the task at hand, rather on the expertise of the older ox to make the day's task easier and enjoyable.

  I have found life to be quite strange in relation to the yoke analogy and the true hearts of men ( and women) as defined in Scripture.  For example, it is difficult for me to give something belonging to me, to someone else simply because they are in need of it. It becomes even more difficult to allow someone to acquire which is mine, and not remind them I want it back at some point and time (lol.) My result from this personal discovery is similar to the young ox learning from the more experienced ox sharing a same yoke together. The true meaning of "Christian Joy" is found by watching Him and learning to enjoy life His Way. It is quite fascinating to see how my part in helping another has brought joy to them...and now brings joy to me!

Here are a few Gleanings of the Sacred Scripture which seem to identify with train of thought:

                                                           Matthew 11: 28-30

"Do you find yourself tired...continually? Are you worn-out or weary with life? Has religion only added to your burn-out?
Then listen-up! The time has come to change...and He has made a way!
First you must hear the words of the Master: 'Come, get away with Me! I know the way you can find the joy of life and recover from your present dilemma! Furthermore, you will experience the joy of entering into My rest. You will understand, identify, and feel what this really means. It does require a yoke, one we are under together. As we begin our daily task, you on one side and Myself on the other, we will move with an unforced rhythm of Grace. I will do the work while you just simply do what I do. Walk with Me, Work with Me, and Watch how I do it. This yoke is light and easy to maneuver.
  I Am gentle and humble of heart. You will find the rest you seek. You will experience a renewal and a quiet...charged with My Presence! Keep company with Me. This shared yoke will bring you...Freedom!"

Concinnity Writing and Critique: Thanksgiving... Broken Home and Hope

Concinnity Writing and Critique: Thanksgiving... Broken Home and Hope:   As Thanksgiving approaches, I have always been intrigued by the real stories of how this event took place. I enjoy researching this time ...

Concinnity Writing and Critique: The Joys of Debate!

Concinnity Writing and Critique: The Joys of Debate!: Prologue:  Debating! I love it. It can be a lot of fun. Yet, I have found it is most imperative to have basic rules in place...otherwise pe...

" My Mother in the midst of Turbulence"

Still working on my book...hope to have it completed by Christmas.Here is an excerpt from chapter, "When I was a child, I thought as a child."
                                             -----------------------------------------
Prologue: I have found some peace living in the shattered pieces of a broken family.
I sort out things, kind of like prose mixed in with poetry. The poetry is raw, the prose includes heartache. Yet, as my eyes look into the rear view mirror, long broken, the value in each person's heart, is dearly missed.

                                              -----------------------------------------

Although our family was a broken one,
We shared our feelings freely.
Not always understanding the other
We spoke things quite revealing.

  We seemed to build our dysfunctional family on two principles from The Godfather: 1. " A man who doesn't spend time with his family can never be a real man." 2. " Never tell anybody outside the family what you are thinking, again." What we failed to include were certain conditions had to be met in order to follow these 2 main rules.
  As a result, we experienced some brutal words between us. We sometimes "put locks on our doors and if need be, alarms at our gates." We lived apart, we lived close by, and there were times many of us did not really understand why. Some tried to control while others dismissed another because they were named after the wrong relative. Emotions ran high, causing discomfort and pain. Still, family ties remained strong, at least for a time. Yet, time did take its toll.
  Divorce was always an option, regardless of religious preferences. Everything and everyone had limits. Some did choose this road out of necessity. Sometimes the same 2 remarried, other times we were introduced to new spouses with the same first name ( Cindy 1 and Cindy 2), and still other  divorcees never remarried, but lived together for the rest of their lives. At times teeth were sharp, growls were heard, and victims left stranded in the dark. Yet, in all this confusion, our celebrations continued...everyone coming together for a magical gathering during the holidays.
  My family did not always play well together, yet no one could ever...permanently leave.
So, one by one, they died.

Mom read to us bedtime stories
Nursery Rhymes not included.
Too dark and too abhorrent,
Hidden in mysterious seclusion.

Her passion were the mystery novels
Agatha Christie favorite of all.
In an oversized rocker she would read
Wrapped in a soft lined prayer shawl.

Christie's novels all leather bound
Gently displayed for any folk.
Reading to us the very latest
Her eyes sparkling as she spoke.

It wasn't long after our questions
We began to grow quite dreary.
She would kiss, tuck us under cover
As we drifted off too weary.

  Mom did not care for nursery rhymes because many were written in reference to human suffering. "London Bridge is Falling Down" was an example of such rhymes she would point out to defend her action.
  Mom did teach us a few "fundamental principles" as she called them. For example, she thought there were two basic appearances one needed in life:
1. Always have a smile on your face when greeting someone. She would instruct our brother and I in detail, demonstrating a proper smile to use in public. Then we would practice, having us curve each end of our lips upwards, but just a smidgen! She was not in favor of a "Cheshire" grin. Mom would quote from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland  "Please would you tell me" said Alice, "Why your cat grins like that? It's a Cheshire cat," replied the Duchess. Mom thought when one smiles too much or too big, it made others uneasy and often suspicious.
2. Mom would insist we open our eyes just a little more, in any initial greeting. Her rationale was it gives to others a nonverbal message we have interest in what a person is about to say, even if we do not. She stressed sublimity in doing so. We should never project an image our eyes so enlarged like we were scaring the hell out of someone, but rather a soft, yet mysterious look that translates respect in what a person is about to say.

  Another aspect of my dear Mom was the emphasis she gave to our home life. She pointed out our home should be a place each of us as core members should be free to "let our guards down." We must allow our real selves to find freedom in sharing various thoughts, whether those thoughts be quite raw or polished.  Our expressions or feelings could be joyous, happy, sad, or sometimes depressing. We should always feel free to reject another's opinion provided we do so respectfully. After all, many have houses to go to each night, yet few have homes. Amidst the daily turbulence we face, a home allows our dreams to give birth and the fears from the turbulence diminished.
  Mom loved the literary works of Charles Dickens and would quote "Charity begins at home, and justice begins next door."

She seemed to see for miles,
Bringing harmony coupled with peace.
Her advice a fresh drink of cold water
Refreshing as a summer breeze.

She knew of a secret in laughter
In the midst of deep personal pain,
Divorce had struck her own heart
Yet her love for him remained.

Inter-family ties had grown too bitter
Dad just had to go.
We were told their love was over
Yet their eyes still had a glow.

Mom did not have the courage
To overcome the dark and grim,
Told their love was over
Make your choice---us or him?

Mom had been sheltered
Dad now forced to go.
As I look back and ponder
She needed help you know.

  Later in life, I had the honor of introducing a friend of mine to my dad. His name is Christ Jesus. Dad and Him seemed to really hit it off. My dad changed alot the last 10 years of his life. He seemed to really love Him as a true friend. He taught Dad how to love, forgive, and dad expressed at times how he missed my mom...even to the end. My Dad died in my arms on the early morning of March 31st, 1995.
  I was equally honored to assist my mom in rededicating her heart to Him a few years before she passed away. I was with her, in a nursing home, the night she lay sleeping in her bed. She rolled over on her right side, opened her eyes and looked at me one more time. She never awoke.

Yea, you bet I wonder if dad was there to greet her.....


" With a love that the winged seraphs of heaven coveted, her and me."

                                                                                "Annabel Lee" written by Edgar Allan Poe