The History of Initiation - The Masonic Trowel

1S8 HISTORY OF INITIATION.
the symbolical crown, sceptre, and mace, 31
unlimited dominion over the earth and elements ;
showing his
and to
depict his astronomical character, twelve stars were
arranged in a circle round his head.32 And on the left
was placed Frea, 33
represented as an hermaphrodite, 34
and adorned with a variety of symbolical decorations
pointing out her dominion over marriage, conception,
and parturition. 35
The legends of the creation and the Deluge were
rather fanciful, but not more so than those of some other
idolatrous nations. Chaos was described as a vast abyss,
which being gradually tilled up by the formation of successive
strata of congealed vapours, the giant Ymer or
Aurgelmer 36 was formed of icy exhalations melted by a
genial south wind. The copious perspiration which
issued from this monster, produced a corrupt race of
giants called the Hrimthussi; who, at length, rising in
rebellion against their progenitor, he was slain by the
sons of Bore f Odin, Vile, and Ve, who proceeded from
31 Maur. Ind. Ant., vol. v., p. 782.
33 Verst. Rest. Dec. Intel., p. 74.
33
Friga, the Scandinavian Venus, was sometimes confounded with
the moon, because they were equally thought to possess an influence
over the increase of the human species ; and hence the time of the
full moon was considered a most favourable period for marriages.
34 Cudw. Intel. Syst., 1. i., c. 4.
35 Maur. Ind. Ant., vol. v., p. 781. These emblems bore a reference
commensurate with the eastern phallus and linga, but did not lead to
the same scandalous excesses. So chaste were this otherwise barbar-
ous people, that their continence and absolute deference to the weaker
sex, gained the applause of all polished nations. Even Tacitus could
say, that amongst this people the females were safe from personal
insult j
and the sanctity of the matrimonial bond was so devotedly
venerated, as to merit the most unqualified applause. (Tacit. Germ.,
c. 18.) And Salvian says, that these barbarians were worthy of admiration
on account of their continence ; and that they were literally
the reformers of the Roman manners! (Salv. de gub. del., 1. vii.)
36 The giant Ymer was the same with Typhon or the ocean ; and
the drying up of the waters of the Deluge is expressed under the
figure of the destruction of the monster. Mr. Faber thinks it " not
improbable that the gothic name Ymer or Umer is the same as the
Persic name Cai-Umersh; an appellation which is applied to Adam."
(Pag. Idol., vol. i., p. 217, in nota 2.)
37 Or Bo, who, himself, or probably some successor of Sigge who
assumed his name, was represented as a valorous chieftain, and his
name was held in such dread for many centuries after his death as to