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The Blacksmith's Art
by Mark Cook

The ceremony involved a blessing by the local gythia, calling upon Thor, the dark elves and Volund for guidance, and the land spirits and Disir to watch over and protect all who use the forge. Then we drank a round of mead, first giving a drop to the forge, and all present (the people who helped build the forge) made a toast or wish of good will, after which I
sang the Blacksmiths Art song. Then I made a decorative ring to hang above the forge for good luck, a sort of talisman to hold the magic of the forge blessing. Then we all made a small project on the forge, followed by a feast.

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The Blacksmith's Art
by Mark Cook

Whistling wind through blackened oak
Glowing coals and billowing smoke
Virgin blade thrust to the heart
Thus begins the Blacksmiths Art

Chorus:
Strike the iron, strike it well
Strike it hot to weave your spell
Volund's craft is your reward
The bog's seed now becomes the sword

The hammer thunders loud and strong
The anvil sings it's ringing song
The sunset caught between their might
Has been transformed from day to night

Chorus

Migard's bane thrust to the sea
There its weakness, forced to flee
Upon its edge the flames all dance
The rainbows hue its strength enhanced

Chorus

The svartalf's art you will obtain
If on the forge you work and train
May Thor his strength in us instill
As on this forge we gain our skill

Chorus