Chapter 100: The Turning Of Years

''Yule: Traditional term for the Norse holidays marking the beginning of the Winter season, as well as to the general early winter months. The holy days proper begin with the Winter Solstice in late December and run for a period of one week in total, although preparations and lead-up activities occupy many of the weeks beforehand. During the Yule-time, numerous feasts, sacred meals, and sacrifices are made in the hope of a good harvest in the following year. Of primary focus are the deities Frigga, Freyja, and Freyr, with some traditions also paying homage to Sif. These gods, in their roles of fertility, growth, and prosperity, are petitioned for their aid, and in the cases of Frigga and Freyja, for intercession with their husband Odin as he rides at the head of the Wild Hunt. It is specifically noted that one does not invoke Odin during Yule, for fear of drawing the attention of him and his hunting party.''

''The Yule traditions are rich in symbolism, with ham and boar served for Freyr and Freyja's honor, an entire log burned for Frigga's hearth and hanging mistletoe in remembrance of her son Baldr, and a straw goat for Sif and her husband Thor, among others, including traditions which honor specific Valkyries. All in all, the holy days are a bright, festive time, a celebration of light and life in the midst of the darkest winter…''

—From Aesir To Yggdrasil: A Norse Primer

Foreshadowing
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Epigraph Tie-In

 * The epigraph explains what the Yule celebrations are. The chapter shows Berk celebrating Yule.

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