Sól and Honey

In the following we will delve into the history and legend behind two of our award-winning meads, Sól Jera and Sól Wynn. When I had entered both of these golden elixirs into the 2024 Mid-state fair homebrew competition I was anticipating at least one of them would receive 1st place. I was secretly rooting for Jera honestly. This mead uses an orange blossom honey, which is also award-winning, in my opinion this is a large contributing factor to Sól Jera’s unbelievable characteristics. I was very happy to see that Sól Jera did in fact come in 1st, and following in 2nd was Sól Wynn which also uses local honey that has incredible definition and flavor. Clearly, if it came in 2nd. Both libations are fit for any hall in Asagrd, and are given the names they have because they truly reflect the glory of their name sakes. A small recipe for both can be found in the correlating summaries.

Sunna (Sun) and her brother Máni (Moon) are charged with the task of driving their chariots across the sky, to not only provide light to the world but to give us the awareness of time. Sunna’s chariot carries the blazing fire of Múspeslheim, a reminder of her unwavering duty to light the skies, a concept mirrored in the radiant glow of Sól Jera and Sól Wynn, named in her honor. Needless to say, this is a very important task and yet it still comes with greater challenges. In their eternal flight from the wolves Sköll and Hati, Sunna and Máni represent perseverance, a characteristic embodied in these Godly drinks, a tribute to joy earned through resilience. The 16th rune in the Elder Futhark, named Sól, is that of a lightning bolt or “s” configuration. The esoteric meaning of this rune is to be one of happiness, hope, and guidance in a world covered in ice, darkness, wolves, and blood.

Jera, the 12th rune in the Elder Futhark, signifies the cyclical nature of harvest, a perfect metaphor for Sól Jera, whose flavors capture the richness and reward of a bountiful season. Harvest time to people like the Norse is more important than most places given the habitual inhospitable environment in which they live. A successful harvest isn’t the only factor to consider during this time of the year, there’s also good hunting, ice free waters to sail and fish, a time of sacrifice and feasts, and a time of preparation for a long winter. This rune is not only closely connected to the actions of the Sun, but also gives the sense of responsibility and causation. This gorgeous mead uses: Apples, raisins, 3 types of local honey (buckwheat, orange blossom, oak honeydew), 2 types of sugar, and oak aging. The finished product took a total of 3 months to produce and is 14.3% ABV.

Wynn appears as the 8th rune in the Elder Futhark and takes the shape of something much like the letter “P”. The joy and harmony symbolized by Wynn shine through in Sól Wynn, evoking the sweet reward after enduring life’s trials, a sentiment mirrored in its refined, local honey notes. To earn happiness, or endure unpleasant events, and appreciate the joys of life is true happiness. As bright as the sun, this mead uses: Apples, raisins, 3 types of local honey (wild flower, black sage, superbloom), 2 types of sugar, black tea, and allspice. The finished product took a total of 2 months to produce and is 11.6% ABV.

Below I have listed the main ingredients with some fascinating information surrounding them, including health benefits and even magical purposes. The FDA does not regulate herbs and dietary supplements. The following was collected through multiple online and literary sources.

Honey

Health benefits: There is said to not be enough modern scientific research to back up the claims made about the beneficial qualities of this substance, but many cultures for centuries have sworn by them and their possible benefits. One of the most common and well known uses for honey is for coughs and colds. Honey many other benefits such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antioxidants which can help neutralize reactive oxygen species in the body. ROS can build up in cells causing damage, this can contribute to conditions like premature aging, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Polyphenols, a plant compound, also plays a part in honey’s health benefits. Some studies have found that honey can be effective when administered to partial-thickness burns and wounds that had become infected after surgery.

Magical applications: All honey is the product of good weather from the Sun and hard work from bees. So understandably, honey has a strong connection to solar energies, and the earth from which all other nutrients are gathered.

Apples

Health benefits: There is said to not be enough modern scientific research to back up the claims made about the beneficial qualities of this herb/spice, but many cultures for centuries have sworn by them and their possible benefits. Apples are approximately 85% water and have antioxidants, as well as fiber. These fruits have higher fiber than sugar which makes them a useful food to keep glucose at a good level. High cholesterol can be reduced by 5-8% by eating 3 ounces of dried apples a day. Apples contain not only fiber but quercetin, both of which help reduce inflammation. That latter has also been linked to help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

Magical purposes: Apples are said to be useful in love magic, and to leave the last apple of harvest on the tree will bring about good harvest the following year.

Black Tea

Health benefits: There is said to not be enough modern scientific research to back up the claims made about the beneficial qualities of this herb/spice, but many cultures for centuries have sworn by them and their possible benefits. Studies done on black tea have shown that it has no known negative side effects but numerous positive ones: Less calories than coffee, a multitude of polyphenols the help protect against several chronic disorders, antioxidants, regular consumption can reduce chances of cardiovascular issues, inhibits obesity, reduces complications caused by hypertension, improved blood pressure, black tea polyphenols are more effective than green tea polyphenols.

Raisins

Health benefits: There is said to not be enough modern scientific research to back up the claims made about the beneficial qualities of this herb/spice, but many cultures for centuries have sworn by them and their possible benefits. A little know fact about raisins is that there are three specific kinds: Raisins, sultanas, and currants. Although they each undergoes a slightly different drying process that renders them different colors and sizes, the nutrients are very similar. Raisins contain antioxidants, iron, potassium, copper, fiber, manganese, high in sugar and calories. Compared to grapes they may have less vitamin-B6 and C, and completely lack vitamin-A. Raisins can help lower blood pressure and blood sugar, digestive function, and may even help reduce plaque through oleanolic and linoleic acid, they also have prebiotic content.

Magical purposes: Not so much a magical fruit but rather seen as a form of symbolism in many cultures, Grapes and raisins have been view for different reasons in such places as India, Middle East, Greece, and Africa; As a form of prosperity, abundance, fertility, and power.

Allspice

Health benefits: There is said to not be enough modern scientific research to back up the claims made about the beneficial qualities of this herb/spice, but many cultures for centuries have sworn by them and their possible benefits. This spice is harvested from the unripe berry of the Pimenta dioica tree and contains glycosides and polyphenols, which have antibacterial, hypotensive, anti-neuralgic, and analgesic properties. Two other important compounds found in allspice are Eugenol and Gallic acid which have selective anti-proliferative and antitumor properties.

Magical purposes: Allspice can be used many types of magic including Health, prosperity, protection, love, and energy.

Oak Aging

Magical purposes: Associated with many gods, including Thor, the Oak is a powerful and useful tree in many cultures. This tree also produces mistletoe which is still used today, like during the winter holidays and in Norse mythology in the story about the death of Baldr. This tree helps to invoke magic with weather, earth, and especially gods of thunder.

Disclaimer: As a reminder, all things in excess can be dangerous. Even drinking too much water can cause severe side effects or death. In the United States, all herbal remedies are listed as a dietary supplement by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Therefore, it is not subject to strict scrutiny for safety and efficacy. Unlike standard pharmaceutical drugs which are required to pass (Clement et al. 2006). The FDA mandates that all herbal remedies contain a disclaimer informing the consumer that any claims about the medicine’s therapeutic value have not been evaluated by that agency… Ironic, I know… The information contained in this article is comprised of multiple online sources, including but not limited to NIH and other government sources, WebMD, Heathline, and others. 

Sources:

Vegvisir

The Prose Edda

Editorial consultation by Rúnic Works.