Temple

No one was happy for the religious council this time. The members would rather work in their own groups since the hex burning. But they could not claim that this was internal affairs, since one group had executed a member of another. They also had a bad feeling about this meeting since Harald was invited. They all knew that this meeting was not going to be pleasant. Therefore Thorvald started the meeting with presenting a gift for them.

I have made an outline of you temple, he announced. It is a draft and you are free to alter it. There is only one condition though. You are to finish it in this meeting and will not be allowed to leave until then. It should not be too difficult, should it? He put the drawing on the table. The first picture showed the exterior. It simply looked like half a ball on the ground. No one said anything. Its simplicity, symbols the perfection of a circle, he said and let them have time to think about that. He placed the second draft showing the interior floor. As you see the circular floor is divided into twelve sections, just like a pie. These twelve sections should be dedicated your main divine beings. Notice the circle in the middle that is related to all of the twelve slices.  Finally he placed the third draft on the table. It showed the roof of the temple. The roof is much the same as the floor, only three dimensional instead of two. Also the roof was divided into the twelve sections and pointed towards the centre. The center was simply a hole to let the light and fresh air in. The sky outside became the center of it all.

He let the participants investigate the drafts. The floor section was most interesting for them. However, due to its simplicity, they mostly sat back thinking. After a long while, Thorvald said, I suppose you are most interested in who the divine beings should be and how it should look. Well here are a few rules. There are three religions and each are equally important in the temple. Therefore you will have one third, four sections, each. I thought about mixing the sections, but have concluded that it would be wisest not to. There is one exception tough. You might have noticed that there is no door.  It does not mean that I won’t let you in. Thorvald was pleased to see there were smiles on their faces. It simply means that it is up to you to decide. You can choose anything from none to four doors in your part, as long as it is decided at this meeting. Now I think you should make the details of your sections at these papers and present it in an hour.

Thorvald was very please to see their eagerly drafting. There were some peeking at the others drawings, but no one really cared. They were finished within the hour. Please present yours, Thorvald said to Hans. He put the draft on the table and said, I think this outlay will be accepted with maybe some minor changes. It showed the four pieces dedicated to the Asirs Odin, Thor, Heimdal and Balder. The Heimdal’s section was the door to the room. The floor section showed the four Midgard worlds. Any objections, Thorvald asked and got none in return. George put his paper on the table. It showed the four pieces dedicated the Vanirs; Frey, Njord, Kvasir and Gullveig. Gullveig was the door. The floor was full of plants, animals and symbols. There were no objections to this one either. Finally Peter presented his draft. The wall merely showed a white background with a huge red crucifix. They all stared. Thorvald hesitated, is there any objections. Yes there is, both Hans and George said. Why haven’t you made a door? Well, I do not want the Christians to see Heathen gods, when they enter our temple, so the Christians will walk through your doors and see our wall. My gods, you’re a trickster, Hans said. Oh wait a minute, what about I put some antichrist symbols on my door, to keep the Christians away?

I think we make an hour break, now Thorvald said. But one thing first, you all should have a door and no one makes offending symbols on their section. The three priests left the room. Harald stayed. He went to Thorvald when the priest had gone. I know this is not my meeting, but may I make an objection? Thorvald thought it was inappropriate, but wondered what made him even ask. Harald asked, what is your objection? That symbol should not be there; Harald said and pointed at a cross at the Vanir floor. Thorvald had not really noticed all the symbols on the floors, but thought he recognized it. What is it, is it the cross that hex had around her neck? Well, you are quite right and completely wrong. Thorvald looked up at Harald with jaded eyes. It is the opposite, a mirror image of the symbol

Let me tell you about such, Harald said. Yes please do that, Thorvald replied a little tired. The hex had an amulet around her neck. It was not burned because it is of metal. It is a symbol of the second, the Christian, Rome. Usually it is a symbol of prosperity and good fortune. It is called Swastika. Thorvald looked even more confused. I have of cause no objection to that, Harald continued. But this symbol is anti- Swastika and means destruction to Christians. It can be interpreted as anti-Christ. No-one should ever allow such a symbol be attached to themselves. Imagine a worst case scenario, where an army mistakenly uses such a symbol. They will be slaughtered by their own kind.

The amulet is important for another reason too, Harald continued. I suspect the girl was Christian and not a hex. Please no, don’t say that, Thorvald mumbled sadly and exhausted. Unfortunately, the Christians burned an innocent Christian girl, in revenge for the torching of the Christian family. This must never come out, Thorvald said. I certainly agree, Harald replied. The anger and frustration could lead to civil war.

The break was over and the priests returned. They seemed to be in a rather good mood. Thorvald asked; is there any further objection to the drafts? He asked Peter; will you also add a door. He nodded. Well then, there is only one final condition from me. George, can you please remove that symbol. George was puzzled. I do not understand why, but it does not mean anything to me personally, just to some of the members, he added. Don’t bother telling me who. Will you please remove it, Thorvald asked again. George looked up at Thorvald, and looked him in the eyes for a long time. George got the chill, and said very clearly; yes, I certainly will.

Then you have your temple. Harald will see to that your temple is well guarded. There was a mixed reaction to that. George was thinking hard and Thorvald noticed. What troubles your mind, my friend, Thorvald asked. I am not so sure all of the followers will submit to these conditions. There are no alternative, except for atheism, Thorvald said clearly. No other, than these three religions will be allowed here. George looked up again with a serious look and said; then we need help. This caught Harald's interest. He asked; how can we help? Quite frankly, I don’t know. All I know is that there probably will be serious problems in the colony. I think they saw it coming and have prepared for this. Harald was thinking for a while and said to George; let me tell you a secret. Harald leaned forward and whispered something in George’s ear. After that Harald asked: This is only between you and me, agreed? George was puzzled, but agreed.