Álfablót: The Elven Offering
Among the quiet rituals of Norse tradition, Álfablót stands apart as a private, heartfelt offering to the elves and ancestors.
Held in late October during Winter Nights, it marks the turning of the year and the bond between people, land, and spirit.
From its ancient roots in Viking-Age Scandinavia to its modern revival among Heathens today, Álfablót remains a sacred time of gratitude, remembrance, and respect for the unseen.
What is a Blót?: History, Rituals, and Modern Revival of Sacred Sacrifice
Blót, the ancient Norse rite of offering and sacrifice, stood at the very heart of pre-Christian spirituality in Scandinavia and the Germanic world. Far more than a ritual of giving, it was a sacred exchange—a binding contract of reciprocity between humans, gods, ancestors, and land-spirits. From grand temple feasts at Uppsala to quiet offerings at the family hearth, blóts unified communities, sanctified the seasons, and reaffirmed the cosmic order. Today, modern Heathens and Norse Pagans continue this tradition through symbolic offerings, shared meals, and seasonal rites, keeping alive the ancient rhythm of honour, gratitude, and connection.
Complete list of Norse Traditions and Holidays
The ritual year of the Norse and Germanic peoples was deeply tied to the land, the changing seasons, and the cycle of life and death. From the great winter feasts of Yule and Mothers’ Night to the more intimate rites of Álfablót and Haustblót, every festival marked a turning point in survival, prosperity, and spiritual renewal. These holy tides honoured gods, ancestors, and land-spirits alike, weaving together myth, community, and daily life. In this guide, we explore the complete list of Norse traditions and holidays—how they were celebrated in the past and how modern Heathens are reviving them today.
Yule - The Norse Midwinter Festival of Fire and Renewal
Yule, the great midwinter festival of the Norse and Germanic peoples, is far more than a holiday of feasting and fire. Rooted in ancient traditions, it marked the rebirth of the sun and the turning of the year, when darkness began to give way to light. Celebrated with sacrifice, merriment, and sacred rituals, Yule honored the gods, ancestors, and the vital cycle of death and renewal. From the burning of the Yule log to the honoring of Odin in his guise as the Yule Father, these customs carried deep spiritual meaning. Today, Yule lives on in modern pagan practice and even in many Christmas traditions, reminding us of humanity’s enduring reverence for light in the heart of winter.