Þorrablót - A Thundering Echo

By Shade McCurdy

Tonight, February 2nd 2026, is the second night of the Midwinter Veizla, a holy heathen feast period which historically included Jólablót, Sónarblót, and Þorrablót—which we will take a closer look at now.

In 1873, in conjunction with achieving Icelandic independence from Denmark, students of Copenhagen sought to revive some old traditions from early Icelandic history as a mark of their unique cultural heritage. They cited the Flateyjarbók and Orkneyinga Saga, the latter of which says, “Þorri was a great sacrificer. He held a sacrifice each year at the middle of winter, which they called Þorrablót. From this, the month [of Þorri] took its name.”

According to these sources, the offerings were made to a Finnish king named Þorri, whose lineage traces back to the mythic past—appearing to be a frost jotun. These sources from the 12th to 14th centuries are rather late, though. It’s possible that the surviving Þorrablót was a lingering echo of old Jól customs, which remained at the original midwinter position for centuries. Perhaps its purpose was to appease the forces of winter, but many scholars have inferred that the original recipient of the blót was the god Þórr.

The students at Copenhagen seemed to think so, too. They revived this old occasion into a festivity resembling a sumbel, where guests would recite speeches and poetry to honor the deeds of Þórr.

Þórr is known as a good friend to mankind, especially to farmers. The purpose of “a blót in the middle of winter for a good crop,” as relayed in Ynglingasaga might seem out of season at first, but what bigger foe is there to farmers than the cold? And who better to fend off the frost jotnar than the wielder of Mjölnir? Seed-sowing time is just around the corner, so let us invoke Þórr to hallow our gards, and give him pious praise!

Hail the Son of the Earth!

Hail the Terror of Jotnar!

Hail Þórr!