Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - The Tale of Svipdagr and Menglöð (Norse Myths #9)

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Starting point is 00:02:04 Welcome to Get Sleepy, where we listen, we relax, and we get sleepy. I'm your host, Thomas. Thank you so much for being here. This wonderful series we'll be returning to tonight was written by Frankie, and I've been lucky enough to narrate it all. This time, we continue our exploration of Norse myths, but with a focus on a human hero and a love story. Keep your wits about you, though, for there are gods who walk through the world in many disguises. The hero Svibdagh is fated to find, rescue and marry the maiden Mengluth.

Starting point is 00:03:02 but must seek the assistance of magic on his quest. The journey will take us and the young hero deep into the world of the Norse. So let us take this time to relax our bodies. Sleep comes willingly to a body and mind that are ready to receive it. Relax your muscles. and release any energy built up in your limbs, instill a sense of rest, relaxation, and calm. We spend all the daylight hours tending to the needs of others and the world around us. These moments before sleep are precious, because they are the time we give to ourselves,

Starting point is 00:04:18 by caring tenderly for yourself, you set the tone of restful sleep and a bright day to follow. Once your body is ready, it's time to bring peace to your mind. Fill your head with what calms you. Perhaps it's a beach at sunset or a sun-dapled forest. Maybe it's just the cozy piece of your own living room. Whatever brings you quiet joy. Focus on it now. Allow it to fill your mind and push out any thoughts or demands from the day.

Starting point is 00:05:32 We're now ready to bear witness to a love story that is more than 1700 years old. We start on Midgard, a world that we know, but that looks very different from the one we now occupy. In a beautiful hall, a young man sits in contemplation, while a feast unfolds around him. This is where our story begins. Zvibdharth absent-mindedly swells the golden. liquid in his drinking horn. Not paying particular attention to the activity around him, his father's hall is large and filled with golden light, with a huge bonfire burning at the center. Rather than join in the stories and revelry, Svibdagh is contemplating the blue curls of smoke

Starting point is 00:07:17 that drift up from the fire and out into the night sky, via the large smoke hole in the roof of the hall. Every now and then, the young man can spot the twinkling of silvery stars outside. Svdav is pulled from his thoughts by a childhood friend, who asks him to take part in the game of riddles, that is starting amongst the younger warriors. But Zvipdath waves away the invitation. His thoughts are filled with strange dreams,

Starting point is 00:08:10 unable to wait any longer. He slips out while no one is paying attention to him and wanders into the cool night air. The world outside the hall is very different, where inside it was loud, bright, and golden. Out here, it is quiet, dim, and blue. Svibdav walks away from the sound of the feast, and towards the edge of the settlement where he lives.

Starting point is 00:08:57 His feet know where to take him. And as he walks, he looks up at the stars. The night is clear. There seem to be even more stars than he has ever seen before. They twinkle coily, as if they know some great secret that he does not. Sveedath finds that he has walked to a small pond just beyond the edge of the forest. The stars reflect on the surface of the water. He isn't surprised to find that he has come to this place.

Starting point is 00:09:53 It is a peaceful spot, and he would come here often with his mother before she crossed over. His mother, Groa, was a powerful vulva. Her crossing over was not so much of a mortal ending, but more that her power grew so great that she needed to reside amongst the roots of the world tree itself. Iqdresil. Her business was no longer with Midgard, but with the Viette itself, Svipdarth sits himself on the bank of the pond and stares at the still surface. It's not long before the image becomes interrupted by ripples. Though there is no obvious source of the distinctions disturbance. But then, rising out of the centre of the pool, he sees a figure as it breaks the surface.

Starting point is 00:11:13 It does not appear to be wet. Instead, the reflection of the stars on the water seems to become like a fine cloth that drapes itself on this figure. In just a few moments, the figure is standing on the pond, facing the young man. Svibdarth wonders briefly why he does not feel fear at the presence of this mysterious person. But the answer comes as the figure speaks. He recognizes his mother's voice, greeting him from the star-clad image. She asks him, what dwells so heavily on his mind, that he called for her. Svibdath replies that he did not call for her. He merely came to sit by himself at the pond. She tells him that his mouth may not have made a noise. But his heart called out to her clearly. When she departed this world, she made a promise to always come to his aid. Now she is here.

Starting point is 00:12:52 to fulfill that promise. Svibdarth knows that if there is one person in the nine worlds, to whom he can fully unburden his mind, it is his mother. He recounts to his mother, an interaction he had with his stepmother. His father's second wife told Svibdath that the time was quickly approaching for him to leave his father's hall. and find his fated wife. He must find, rescue and marry a maiden. She told Svibdath only that his maiden's name was Mengluth. Zvdath has not been sure what to make of this information. On one hand, he doesn't know if his stepmother is being truthful. She might merely be sending the son of another woman out of her house, on a dangerous errand that would do him harm.

Starting point is 00:14:18 On the other hand, if this is his true fate, Svipdalf is unsure where to begin or how to venture out on this quest, as he only recently entered manhood. As Svdath talks, his mother listens quietly. making a sound until he finishes. She asks a few clarifying questions and then nods. She reveals that this dream is correct. It is time for him to fulfil his fate. For the Norns, the three vulva that spin and cut the threads of life, have told her that this is true. Svibdath tells his mother that he is unsure about embarking on such a quest. He is young and inexperienced in the ways of the world. Grower tells her son to have faith in his abilities. His most important tool will be his

Starting point is 00:15:44 wit, for that is what her gods will test, but she shall offer him what support she can. She reveals that she will cast nine spells for him here and now, to help him on his journey, but only on his journey. Once he arrives at his destination, he shall have to rely solely on himself, three times, three incantations, will protect and guide him as much as she is able. She warns him that to the rest he must do on his own. Svibdarth thanks his mother and accepts her help. Grower puts her hands together, and it's as if the world slips out of focus.

Starting point is 00:16:55 Svibdath knows that his mother has tapped him directly into the Vird, the mycelium-like thread of magic, that ties together everything in the universe. Only those who practice Seyeth, the special form of magic ruled over by the goddess Freya, can interact with the Vird. Though no one can alter its course, With each spell, Groa seems to weave her hands together, like she's making a great tapestry around her sun. Her eyes, normally dark and hidden, are pure white as she peers into the virid. The first spell imbues Svdharth with a physical strength. If he feels he's carrying a burden on his shoulders, that burden shall lift, and he will carry it more easily. In this way, he can travel for longer and bring with him more supplies. When he travels, should he come across

Starting point is 00:18:33 evil and feel that he is unsafe? Earth, the eldest of the three norns, shall come to his aid. she shall lead the evil away from his path through her manipulation of the threats of life. The third spell manipulates the very world before him, should he come to rivers too dangerous to cross. They will flow out of his way. All rivers lead to the underworld of hell, and they shall make room to ensure that he only ever walks on. dry land. At the end of the three incantations, Groa spends some time weaving these pieces of the Vird together, binding them into one thick cord of glowing light. The next three spells begin with one of friendship, for if he comes across those who would be his enemies, or would do him

Starting point is 00:19:56 harm on the road, their minds shall change. Instead, they shall be eager to assist and help him. Thinking of him, only with the warm glow of friendship, the fifth spell opens any lock and loosens any knot that would hold him. He cannot be fettered, chained, or held, so that his journey might continue without delay or restraint. The final spell of this set assures him safe passage on the sea. For while, grower can ask the rivers to change their course. The sea encircles the whole world and has nowhere else to go. Instead, she assures that storms and dangerous times,

Starting point is 00:21:04 heights shall not befall him on the sea. He shall always have a favourable wind and a calm sailing. This set too, she braids together, twisting and binding the three spells. Now she has two thick cords of pure magic. As she starts on the final set, the seventh spell protects him from the three spells. the cold. He shall not feel the harsh bite of the winter wind, even if his journeys take him to the frozen whilst. The penultimate spell is one of protection. Groa looks into the Vird to find those who might want to prevent Svibdarth from completing his quest. She looks into the heart of his stepmother and sees that the woman

Starting point is 00:22:18 does indeed wish harm to her son. Groa's spell guarantees protection from this woman and any agents she might use to harm him on his way. Groa looks to the end of Svdarth's journey and crafts her last incantation around his destination. He shall come to meet a giant, someone very powerful, in disguise. He shall meet this giant with bravery and wit. The god hidden in this identity shall not dazzle or enchant Svibtarth out of himself. In this way, he shall meet his final

Starting point is 00:23:19 challenge on firm ground and be able to rely truly on his own abilities. Grower again, She then weaves these three spells into a thick court with the three ropes of the Virid that she has made. She creates a net of pure magic as she wraps the spells around her son. She tells him that if he listens to her advice and does not seek out bad luck, he shall be successful in his quest. Svibdath promises to do so and feels bolstered by his mother's gifts to start his journey. The world of Midgard slips back into focus as the spell completes, and mother and son

Starting point is 00:24:31 spend a few moments together. She whispers motherly advice in his ear, the role and responsibility of a great fulver put aside for a moment as dawn begins to break over the eastern sky. They know that their time together is coming to a close. Grower promises to watch her son's journey, and he promises to make her proud. They hug one final time, before the mother slips back below the surface.

Starting point is 00:25:21 of the water, just as the sun breaks over the horizon, with the bounty of his mother's gifts, Svipdarth journeys through many of the nine wards. With each inquiry and each step, he comes closer to finding the secret castle that houses the maiden, Mengruth, Finally, after many months of travel, he finds himself in Jutenheimer, he finds himself in Jottenheimer, the world of the frost giants. Svipdath approaches a castle. He is certain that this is the castle he's been searching for. At its gate stands a huge giant with two large, large wolves at his side. He watches with cold eyes as Svibdath approaches.

Starting point is 00:26:43 He asks the young hero for his name. Svibdath feels that he should conceal his true identity, so he can find out more about this castle and the conditions in which the maiden is being held. If his stepmother knows that he is fated to find Mengluth, perhaps others are aware of this as well and might try to stop him. Svibdath replies that his name is Vincalt, meaning cold wind. The giant simply replies with Vyelsvith, a name that means very wise. Svdavdath pauses for a moment.

Starting point is 00:27:45 to reconsider. The giant told him a name. Though Svipdath himself did not ask for one, the young hero begins to suspect that this giant answers questions. But the asker must find the correct question to complete the riddle. Tentatively, Svipdath asks the giant's name. He gets a nod of approval in return and mentally readies himself for a game of riddles. The giant then says that there is only one person.

Starting point is 00:28:37 Svibdath racks his brain. What would that mean? Perhaps only one person lives in the castle. He glances up at the building, noting its size. That can't be right. Mengluth would need dozens of cooks, servants, cleaners, and so many others to keep a castle like this going. Svibdath looks around, and his eyes fall on the huge gate behind the giant. In its centre sits an ornate lock.

Starting point is 00:29:30 By the looks of it, it was made by the dwarves. Dwarves are the only race that can craft with magic. A question comes to Svipdarth. He asks who can open the lock on the gate, the giant knots again. So there is only one person who can open the gate. It cannot be Mengluth, for she would simply open it and leave of her own free will. Perhaps it is the giant. The giant's voice rumbles out the phrase, Mimir's bones, and then falls silent. Svibdath again casts around for clues. He knows that Mimir was an ancient

Starting point is 00:30:41 being, even older than Odin. He was one of the very first beings and was huge in size. Svibdath looks at the tall walls of the castle. They are white, even against the backdrop of snow, and are perfectly smooth. He asks the giant what the walls are made of, and gets a another knot in return. There is no way that Svibdath would be able to climb the bones of a primordial being to scale the walls. Through more questions and answers, Svibdath learns about the castle. He finds that it is called the Healing Mountain and has a great tree in the courtyard that prevents illness. The hall itself was created not just as a home for the lovely mengluth, but also as a place of restoration and care for mortals of any kind. The hero learns that

Starting point is 00:32:15 there are two roosters who live in the boughs of the tree, crowing not at daybreak, but at the dawning of new life. Svibdath even learns the names of the attendants and companions that Mengluth lives with in her castle. Svibdath is getting to know this place and the maiden who rules over it with each question. Slowly, the castle shifts in his mind, from a strange and mysterious place to a familiar one. Each answered and asked question makes Svibdath feel that he is growing closer and closer to his fated bride. The giant then says two names, Geri and Freiki. Svipgath recognizes them immediately.

Starting point is 00:33:33 They are the names of the two great wolves who sit at the feet of Odin, the old. father and chief of the gods. Sveedath looks at the wolves sitting at the feet of this giant. If his suspicions are correct, this giant is not all that he appears. Unsure if he wants to know the answer. Svibdath asks for the names of these two wolves. In response, the wolves simultaneously lift their heads and give out a crooning howl to the tundra. Svipdath looks more closely at the giant. He is certain that this is Odin in disguise, seeking to challenge him in his fate from under the giant's dark helmet, one eye twinkles. He rumbles one last name. Svibdarth, the young hero casts back his mind over all the

Starting point is 00:35:10 information he's received during this game. He must find a way into the castle. He cannot climb the walls, and he cannot fight his way past to the All-Father in disguise. And yet, there is only one person who can open the lock. Svibdath hears the words, leave his mouth. As his heart beats loudly in his chest, he asks the giant, who is the one that can open the lock? The giant nods one last time. In return, Svipdath announces that he is the one who can open the lock and enter the castle. The giant and his wolves step aside. As the young hero approaches the gates, the lock clangs, and the gates swing open without Sveepdath even having to touch them. In the lock, the lock clangs, and the gates swing open, without Svdath even having to touch them, in the courtyard of the castle is a large yew tree.

Starting point is 00:36:50 Sitting beneath it on a stone bench is the most beautiful being that Svibdath has ever seen. She smiles at him as he approaches. The maiden, Mengruth, tells Svibdath, she has waited a long time. for his arrival, she is a gifted healer and practices saith in her arts. It was revealed to her a long time ago that only one would open the doors. The man fated to be her husband, she holds out a hand to Svipdath, who takes it tenderly. For many years, the pair lived in the cast. where the gates would always remain open. They healed any and all who came to seek their help.

Starting point is 00:38:11 Their still stands as one of the greatest mortal love stories in the Norse world.

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - The Tale of Svipdagr and Menglöð (Norse Myths #9)

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