Legends of the People

Hrolf Sigvidsson/Bloodbeard

Tribe: Iron Master
Auspice: Rahu
Pack: Nidr of Donar (Sons of Donar/Thor)

For centuries the Northman was a constant threat to Europe, and to the North East of England especially. Bloodbeard was one of the last of the raiders, or the first of the settlers and little is known of his deeds. It is thought that he was called Bloodbeard because the mighty Rahu rarely cleaned his beard after battle, preferring to let the blood of his enemies remain as a warning to others.

What is known is that Bloodbeard took for his bride a princess from overseas (either France, Brittany or Ireland being the most likely), marrying her rather than making her his slave. He established a settlement around 850, probably in the area of the Wolds, which lasted for at least 30 years before being destroyed by Pure tribes. He fell holding the main gateway to Hrolfsborg allowing his people and at least one of his Pack to escape. His hammer, the mighty fetish Jafnadhr (Justice) was said to have been sent with the Omega of the Sons of Donar and has appeared in other stories throughout the ages.

Death of Bloodbeard

• Hero/Villain: Hrolf Sigvidsson (called “Bloodbeard”) is the protagonist, the antagonist is a Pure often called “Doom-bringer”
• Setting: Hrolfsborg, a settlement probably somewhere in the Wolds (off the East Coast) which had been founded by Bloodbeard in about 850. The tale takes place in the 880’s.
• Events: Doom-bringer leads an attack on Hrolfsborg whilst the majority of its defenders have been drawn off (sometimes this is his doing) leaving only 2 Uratha in the walled town. Bloodbeard meets Doom-bringer and his forces in the gateway and fights until nightfall before meeting death – he throws his magic hammer (Jafnadhr -Justice) away as he is falling. In some versions of the tale it is carried away by his remaining Packmate. In all versions of the tale Bloodbeard is able to hold the attack long enough to allow his people to escape.
• Moral: A wolf wins every fight but his last, but in death there can be victory (Rahu). A territory can be more than just a place, and honour can be demanding indeed (Iron Master).

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