A Message from the National Event Responsible of the Nordic Asa-Community
The Summer Blót 2025 is now behind us, and this year we once again broke records – not just in one or a few areas, but across the board!
More people, young and old, even animals, a larger camping area, more activities, and so much more.
It brings me immense joy to see how this weekend continues to grow among us asatruers, and how others also find their way to us, allowing us to show how wonderful we and our faith truly are.
More and more of us are able to spread the word across the world, which helps us reclaim the place in society that we once had and rightfully deserve today.
It may begin with a visit to the Summer Blót, which leads to conversations at home, and that in turn leads to more people coming or finding their spiritual home in Ásatrú.
This year, the Summer Blót weekend took place from July 11th to July 13th, with Saturday, July 12th, being the day of the grand Summer Blót, all competitions, and activities.
We were honored this year by guests from all over Sweden, and to my knowledge, also from Denmark, Norway, Germany, the Czech Republic, and the USA.
There are likely more I didn’t have the chance to meet and speak with, but regardless, it is truly powerful to meet people from so far away who come specifically to be among like-minded kin.
No matter where you came from or how long or short your journey was, everyone was warmly welcomed, and I sincerely thank each of you for your presence during the weekend.
Thanks to you, this gathering becomes as fun and meaningful as it is every year.
Preparations
As most of you now know, planning for the Summer Blót takes quite a while, and that time only grows as we expand and add more elements that need to be brought or booked. Summer Blót 2026 was already in planning before this year’s event took place.
Unfortunately, there was no work group this year, but I had the help of a truly strong warrior – Rasmus – who was with me from Wednesday and ensured we had everything set up in time.
Early mornings and late nights, but we got it done in the end.
Our NBR Thommy Vähäsalo and Lucas joined us on Thursday with tents, tables, and benches, so we could all work together to set everything up.
A huge thank you to Rasmus for all your help along the way, and to Thommy and Lucas for the support.
Hail to you and your tireless efforts!
Friday
At 12:00 PM, the campsite finally opened for this year’s Summer Blót.
A flood of cars, caravans, and motorhomes began pouring in – never before had so many arrived already on Friday.
The camping area filled up so much that I thought we might have to expand into our reserve spots, but we managed – though it was close.
All the work and every step is absolutely worth it when I get to meet you, hug you, and welcome you – to see all the smiles and hear all the laughter.
Absolutely wonderful!
In the evening, we lit the grills so those who wanted could bbq and enjoy some social time.
Our little pre-guild before the big one on Saturday isn’t so little anymore, but judging by all the laughter and cheerful noise, it was a very cozy and fun evening.
New this year was a campfire lit at 9:00 PM, allowing participants to gather around and enjoy a nice moment together – and it seems it was a success.
Saturday
The Big Day – everything had to be just right. The schedule was tight, and nothing could go wrong.
The morning crew was up early to prepare breakfast for those who had booked it; the scent of coffee spread across the campsite.
Gradually, the camping area came alive. New participants arrived and filled the remaining spots.
At 10:00 AM, most of the competitions and activities, along with the annual market, opened.
New this year was a bouncy castle, which was a big hit with many of the children who spent the entire day jumping with joy.
Many dressed up in beautiful outfits and garb – the happy faces were even happier and full of anticipation.
The Blót altar was set, and final checks were carried out under the skilled leadership of our NBR Thommy Vähäsalo.
Market
This year, we had eight vendors on-site, and as always, the quality of the offerings was excellent.
I love seeing what you bring to sell and hope you had a good weekend. Naturally, we hope you’ll return next year – you are warmly welcome!
I also hope all the visitors had time to explore and, hopefully, brought something home.
The Blót
At 1:30 PM, it was time to gather for the communal walk to the Blót site.
A large group gathered outside the feast area where NBR Thommy Vähäsalo and the officiants were waiting.
Old and new participants chatted about what was to come and how the ritual would unfold.
Old friends reunited and embraced – a beautiful moment on many levels.
At 1:45 PM, led by NBR Thommy Vähäsalo, the drums began to sound, and the communal procession set off.
Everyone walked together toward the Rök Runestone, just under a kilometer away, where the Blót would be held.
Once there, the officiants took their places, and participants formed the largest Blót circle in modern times.
To be part of this was something truly special – together, we made history and showed that we are indeed alive and present.
The founder of the Nordic Asa-community, Stenar Sonevang, spoke first, explaining the customs, what is allowed, what is not, and what might happen.
Then, NBR Thommy Vähäsalo took over, and the Summer Blót began.
I’ve said it many times, but hearing our NBR speak is something special – clear, thoughtful, and full of wisdom that strengthens one’s thoughts and belief.
This year, what stuck with me was: “Without water, there is no ox” – a reflection on the blood sacrifices of the past and how water is the source of life.
Thommy Vähäsalo was assisted by seven skilled officiants during the Blót.
Some were positioned at the cardinal points, others helped complete the circle and manage the toasts.
Once again, it was a powerful Blót, and one reason it becomes so, in my opinion, is the personal toasts – when one speaks before kin about what matters most to them.
Strength, trust, and love.
This year we also witnessed and took part in an ceremonial officiants oath ceremony.
Peter Karlsson and Uwe Pötter advanced from blót officiants to ceremonial officiants.
Not only did they complete the ceremonial officiant training – it also strengthens our community.
Congratulations to both of you, and best of luck on your path – may the powers stand by your side.
This year, a total of 236 people participated in the Blót.
144 stood in the circle, of which 27 were our wonderful children – our bright future!
A heartfelt thank you to NBR Thommy Vähäsalo for all your hard work planning and executing this year’s Summer Blót.
Thanks also to the officiants who helped make the Blót possible:
- Lena Salomonsson
- Lena Svensson Hildebrand
- Pontus Arthursson
- Magnus Andersson
- Emil Klangeryd
- Peter Karlsson
- Uwe Pötter
You are all incredibly skilled, and your contributions to NAS/NAC, to me, and to all members are greatly appreciated.
To all participants – thank you for coming and making the Blót what it became.
Hail to you all!
Initiation Rite
After the blót, the participants made their way back down to the campsite.
There, a new table was prepared – this table was set up for the initiation rite, which was scheduled to begin around 3:30 PM.
This is a rite offered by the Nordic Asa-community for those who wish to leave behind their former faith and step into Ásatrú.
This year, the rite was led by Uwe Pötter, who calmly explained to the participants what would happen and the seriousness of the occasion.
A total of 22 people chose this year to officially, through this rite, leave behind their old faith.
A big thank you to Uwe Pötter, and also to Susanne Rutfält, who assisted during the ceremony, for creating a meaningful moment for those who wanted to have their initiation this year.
To all of you who took part in the rite – I wish you all success and honor in your future adventures. May you live long and happily.
Hail Ásatrú!
The guild and Competitions
Some of the competitions opened already at 10:00 AM, such as the quiz walk for adults and children, and the children’s drawing contest.
Other competitions kicked off after the initiation rite, such as the Blót Kindred Challenge and the mead competition.
At 6:00 PM, the doors opened for this year’s guild, and the grills were ready for participants to use.
A strong wave of hungry people gathered around the grills to bbq their food.
The tents quickly filled with those who had come to participate in the guild – a pleasant problem, having so many wonderful people wanting to share the evening with us!
We’ll probably need to arrange more seating next year so we can welcome even more fine folks.
It was a very enjoyable evening that ended around the new fire circle with speeches, drumming, horn-blowing, much laughter, and many new memories.
Blót Kindred Challenge
This year’s edition of the Blót Kindred Challenge featured seven competing teams, including one Danish team named Dannevang.
- Yggdrasil Småland
- Ymer Mälardalen
- Sleipner Östergötland
- Draupnir Småland
- Gungnir Västra Götaland
- Idavallen Värmland
The blót kindreds were tested on their skills in accuracy, throwing, and cleverness, as the competition unfolded.
Cheers echoed across the grounds as participants scored crucial points for their respective blót kindred.
But in a noble competition where honor and bragging rights for an entire year are at stake, there can only be one winner.
This year’s podium placements were:
- Draupnir, Småland
- Idavallen, Värmland
- Sleipner, Östergötland
A huge thank you to all the teams and their brave competitors who took part this year, and big congratulations to Draupnir for the victory.
Everyone gave it their all!
Special thanks to Ida Marketeg, who served as the judge and kept track of all the numbers and scores.
An enormous thank-you also goes to Fredrik Axelsson and Anders from Färgboll for organizing and managing everything to make this challenge possible – you’re amazing!
If you’re interested in paintball or many other fun activities, we highly recommend visiting their park – it’s well worth a trip: https://www.fargboll.se
Prize: A challenge trophy in the shape of a gilded horn.
Hail to the winners and to everyone who made it happen!
Mead Competition
A recurring and much-loved contest is the mead competition. This year, no fewer than 13 entries were submitted!
A panel of judges sampled all the entries to select the best, which were then offered to the feast guests for tasting and voting.
The panel was overseen by quality control officer Emil Klangeryd, who ensured fair and proper judging.
This year’s panel consisted of:
- Kicki Bogren
- Ulfva Yr
- Malena Svensson
Many were likely a bit envious of them, getting to taste so many delicious brews from our skilled participants.
After both the panel and the people had cast their votes, the results were:
- Peter Karlsson
- Björn Ludvigsen
- Sven Wolf och Susanna Bjurenholt
Congratulations to you all, and a big thank-you to everyone who entered the contest.
Keep brewing and come back next year to challenge for the title again!
Special thanks also to Peter Karlsson, who runs and organizes the competition, and to the panel – Kicki Bogren, Ulfva Yr, Malena Svensson, and Emil Klangeryd – for all your work throughout the weekend.
Prize: A fine diploma and official recognition from the competition committee.
Hail to you all!
Quiz Walk and Drawing Contest
This year’s quiz walk for both adults and children was created by Peter Karlsson and Jeanette Karlsson.
Their clever questions tripped up many of us – but some sharp minds managed to figure them out and win.
- Adult winner: Henrik Andersson, 9/9 correct
Prize: Wooden plate with spoon/fork, donated by Grumpy Ol’ Heathen.
- Child winner: Elvis Strandberg, 7/9 correct
Prize: Sweets and drinks from local producers Cloetta and Brunneby, donated by the Nordic Asa-community.
Congratulations on the wins, and keep sharpening those minds – your knowledge is truly important!
This year’s drawing contest brought in ten wonderful and creative drawings from our children.
The jury, consisting of Ymer’s artist Elise Lövqvist and Olivia Karlsson, had a tough time choosing from all the beautiful submissions – but finally, a winner was decided.
- Drawing Contest Winner: Flora Stödby
Prize: Sweets and drinks from Cloetta and Brunneby, donated by the Nordic Asa-community.
Big congratulations on your win – and take good care of the artist within you.
I want to thank everyone who participated in these competitions, and all of you who helped organize, judge, tally scores, and manage logistics.
Thank you Peter Karlsson, Jeanette Karlsson, Ida Marketeg, Elise Lövqvist, and Olivia Karlsson for all your hard work.
Hail to you!
Closing Words
Finally, I just want to say that it is truly an honor to organize this event for you – such kind and wonderful people – not only in your kindness to me but to each other.
Year after year, you show that we heathens are loyal friends who are always there for one another.
I heard many conversations over the weekend about how people helped each other, even though they had never met before.
It’s beautiful to see and hear.
Now, it’s time to submit some reports to our wonderful board after the blót. Then we start planning for next year – and yes, maybe a little rest too, I promise… maybe.
All jokes aside – take care of yourselves and your loved ones until we see and hear from each other again.
Hail the Powers!
Hail Ásatrú!
Hail NAS/NAC!
Hail to you!
Honor and Peace,
Kristian Svensson
National Event Responsible
Nordic Asa-community
