2014

This year saw the passing of one our founding members, Andrew Kaluza.  We held a viking funeral pyre on the Friday night of our Gathering, and burnt artifacts for him.  We also buried a hammer in our campground to sanctify the grounds for future years. This was a was a big year of growth for us, and marked the first year that we held multiple events, with the introduction of The Odining.

Our first memorial:
In establishing our memorial tradition we adopted many of the old ways.  First we buried a hammer to sanctify the land in the eyes of the Midgard Protector, taking turns in the labor.  Once dark we light the fire and took turns telling of great deeds and stories, each of us drinking from the same horn of Bock.  Next we sent our brother tools for the next life: a shirt so he would have clothes to wear; a rod to battle his favored enemy; a drinking glass, so he would never go thirsty; a dollar, that he may pay the tolls he may face.  Finally we sang songs in his honor, then ate and made merry in his memory.

Sons of Odin 2: The Odining
With our annual Ren Fest Party a success and many members going multiple weekends to TRF, it was time for a second group weekend.  The Odining was billed as a gathering of personal responsibility.  We each brought our own supplies and found there was plenty when shared.  Having a smaller group allowed us to form tighter bonds and many of those who came to the first Odining have become our strongest members.

2015

2015  was the year of rain.  Our main weekend was hit by Tropical Storm Bill and still we had dozens come out.  But as the rains intensified and tents flooded, most packed up Saturday night.  Several brave members partied through the night, making it one of our most memorable events.
After the weekend of the flood there wasn’t much eagerness for the Odining when rain was again the forecast.  Instead we held a house party in a tiny apartment and set our sights on the 2016 season.