A ritual practice made of a series of toasts.
(Sumbel, Symbel, sumbl, Sumbal, Samal)
“When we think of a heathen ritual, the image that comes first to mind is that of the subel, the rite in which we strengthen our bonds with each other and our gods. We share a horn of mead in blót when a particular deity is being celebrated. We pass the horn to hallow our prayers and oaths, to welcome heroes and ancestors to our fellowship.” (Waggoner, 2021, p. 417)
Here are additional sources and examples of sumbel.
- Northwood’s Kindred made a video talking about modern sumble below.
- For those who want to see a sumbel ceremony. Below is a video of a formal sumbel that was part of a Troth gathering in 2008.
- For a comprehensive look at Norse Drinking Traditions, read an article by the ‘Viking Answer Lady’ Christie L. Ward.
References
Northwoods Kindred. (2022, February 10). Asatru Sumble // Viking Group Therapy // Asatru Ritual [Video recording]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZxTKhE8ouI
Ward, C. L. (2001). Norse Drinking Traditions. Alexandria Company Symposium on Food and Festival in the Middle Ages. Available from http://www.vikinganswerlady. com/resume/worksamples/NorseDrinkingTraditions.pdf
Waggoner, B. (2021). Sumble. Our Troth: Heathen Gods (Vol. 2). The Troth. (pp. 417-436)
TheTroth. (2008, December 1). Grand Sumbel 2008 [Video recording]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nv96tgSk-Rc
