The Organisation and Religion to Re-unite All Religions

 

Wyrd

Wyrd is Anglo-Saxon for All Powerfull Fate or Destiny.  Wyrd was one of three sisters, whose combined name is now unknown apart from those combined similarities in Old Norse myths.  There are some who believe that Wyrd was a goddess in her own right.  It is said that Wyrd and her two sisters were concerned with spinning a web which represented man.  Wyrd in myths and legends is also able  to subject Gods to her powers.

(*Gewif = Fortune or Gewæf = Wove).  This brings forth and shows another representation of what Wyrd and her sisters were concerned with, that of weaving cloth, which is another way of putting Spinning a Web.

In the text Beowulf, which was written in England sometime around 650 - 1000AD Wyrd is mentioned about 9 times.  This is an ancient myth for which most of the subject matter is based more around Norse mythology rather than Old English Mythology.  Even though the two may be linked, as the text suggests due to its English heritage.

Sacred groves and wells were also at times in other parts of the world such as Greek, Roman and Norse associated with their version of Wyrd, so it is most likely that the same applied in the Old English, as their are many sacred groves and wells around.

It is interesting to note that the All Powerfull Fate or Wyrd may have also been used in Christianity as many of the Old English Myths and Legends were converted to suit there needs.  Many of these myths however seem to have kept some sort of originality in maybe an oral tradition due to them being used in later years by such people as Shakespeare (The Weird Sisters in Macbeth).

It is interesting that in the Bible "The Gospel According to John 1.1 it states:  "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  Could this be a representation of the Old English Wyrd, which was taken in when England became Christian in faith.  As it is known that many of the old myths of Ancient Britain were used sometimes in Christian teachings and many sacred places from our pagan past were also used for Christian places of worship.

It is also worth noting that the appeal to Christianity in these ancient legends would be to help convert the local pagans.  It in places would also suit the original Christian texts due to the Trinity as Wyrd was one of three sisters.  Other words in Ancient English also go along with the Biblical Stories such as Eaden or Ead which means Wealth, Riches and Fortune.

So in conclusion there seems to be more to the Wyrd than meets the eye.  I will point out also that Wyrd is where modern day weird originates.

If you have any more information on this area then please let us know at admin@orrar.net

References:

Beowulf Manuscript, British Library.
The Lost Gods of England by Brian Branston - 1974 - BCA Edition
The Holy Bible KJV - Collins
The Library Shakespeare - Mackenzie

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