The Realm of Midgard.

 Dear Reader,

If we step away from Platonic cosmology, which is the biggest influence upon orthodox Filianism and Déanism, and consider the Norse/Germanic cosmology one can find there is actually a fair amount of overlap between the two. Midgard, in my opinion, is not solely Earth. It is the universe inwhich we exist. When the old tales of Midagard were told, all that we knew was of Earth. Now, our knowledge has expanded and, as a living faith practice, Heathenry and other faiths that adhere to the Norse/Germanic cosmology must adapt to this growth. Failure to do so results in stagnation which only hastens the period of instability that comes before renewal (famously known as Ragnarok).

One may argue that Earth is at the heart of Migard. It may not be the exact center of Midgard but it is where humanity abides and the gods have walked among us. If we take this cosmological view, we are left wondering what of the other nine worlds? We are left wondering where is the World-tree? We must step away from the literal reading of the old stories and consider them as allegorical ones to begin to find answers to these questions.

Midgard is situated somewhere along the center of the World-tree where it runs through the world as an axis. It is a spiritual construct that leads us out to the other worlds upon the tree. The sources that speak of where these worlds are situated upon the World-tree do not clearly state what their relation and orientation are in comparison to Midgard. Asgard is generally understood to be above Midgard and is linked to it by way of the Bifrost (the Rainbow Bridge). The realms of the dead in Helheim and Nifhel are understood to be below Midgard and to the cosmic north, for they are considered by many to be cold and beneath the Earth's surface. Muspelheim is considered to be in the cosmic south  for the icy realms where Yimir and Burri were born are thought to be opposite of them and a gap lays between them. The World tree bridges this gap and has roots that go down into the wells of flowing waters that come from the icy realms that are melted by the heat of Muspelheim.

Between Midgard and Helheim is believed to be Svartalfheim, the realm of the dwarves who live within the earth producing treasures and guarding great wealth within the earth itself. This places the dwarves as part of Midgard, much like the wights who are guardians of places of great holiness and power. Alfheim is considered to be above Midgard by some or considered to be to the east of Midgard by others. It is the realm of the alfar, more commonly known in the modern era as the elves. They are intimately tied with places within Midgard as well, which leads one to conclude that Alfheim is part of Migard in its own way.

How, then, can Midgard over lap with these two realms, if not three (if one considers Helheim as the lowest part one can reach traveling through Midgard). This is where there is overlap with Plato. Alfheim, Svartalfheim, and Helheim are all sublunar realms. The nine worlds, indeed, could be considered sublunar realms nested about and within Midgard. Asgard being the highest and closest to the planetary realms and Helheim considered being the lowest and hidden within Midgard. This nested set of spheres of realms brings the cosmology of Norse/Germanic ancient thought into alignment with the cosmology of Filianism. 

Because the ancient sources are unclear and tainted by the influence of hundreds of years of Christanization before being recorded, we are left to either attempt to rebuild the past (reconstructionism) or revive the essence of the past (revivalism). My education and experiences lean towards the revivalist approach towards Heathenry. I recognize that the world has changed and moved on from what my great ancestors of the Heathen variety would have recognized. Like them, however, I recognize that there are more gods than those of Heathenry and I seek to build a cosmological tale that reconciles the differences as neatly as possible.

The cosmology of Midgard is lost to the mists of time. What we have are but fragments that are colored by the lense of the ones recording the stories. I can not take the Prose Edda or the Poetic Edda as the 'word of god' because they are so far removed from their original sources. For some, this will make me a controversial figure. I already have been the subject of some discussion with my inclusion of Filianism into my worship practices and with my relationships with Loki and Freyr. I'm prepared for others to cast doubt upon my arguments or simply reject them.

It does not change that truth which has been revealed to me by Freyr. It does not change my faith. Let them question and challenge me. I welcome it. An open and free exchange of ideas is how we grow. May our discussions be frithful and prosperous for all.