Nature’s Power in the Land of the Vikings September 19, 2025

As the global essential oils and aroma industries converge upon Sweden for IFEAT 2025, we find ourselves standing on ground steeped in an extraordinary heritage – the ancient, vibrant world of the Vikings. This land, where fjords carve dramatic landscapes and forests whisper tales of old, was once home to the Norsemen, legendary navigators, fearless warriors, and profound spiritualists. As we gather in Sweden to discuss the sophisticated science and art of natural extracts, we invite you to journey back in time and explore the rich Nordic legacy. Their lives, beliefs, and understanding of the natural world offer a fascinating backdrop to our modern pursuit of plant-derived wellness.

The Viking Spirit: Courage, craft, and the call of Valhalla

The popular image of the Viking is often that of a fearsome, axe-wielding raider. While their martial prowess was indeed undeniable, it tells only a fraction of their story. The Vikings were complex societies of skilled seafarers, astute traders who connected distant lands and innovative craftsmen. Their resilience was legendary, forged in harsh Scandinavian winters. Central to the Viking worldview was a rich tapestry of mythology, a pantheon of Gods and Goddesses who embodied the forces of nature, human endeavours, and the very cosmos itself. They lived in a world where the whispers of the wind, the strength of the forest, and the bounty of the sea were all manifestations of divine will.

At the apex of their aspirations lay Valhalla, the glorious hall of Odin, the Allfather. More than just an afterlife, Valhalla was the ultimate reward for warriors who died bravely in battle. It was a place of eternal feasting, camaraderie, and perpetual training in preparation for Ragnarok, the twilight of the Gods. To reach Valhalla was to achieve ultimate honour. It was a testament to a life lived with courage and purpose.

The Norse Pantheon: A Tapestry of Power and Purpose

The Gods and Goddesses of the Norse pantheon were not distant, ethereal beings. They were vibrant and deeply
relatable figures who interacted with humanity and the forces of nature. Their myths formed the fabric of Viking society, influencing their sagas, their art, and their understanding of the world.

Odin, The Allfather

The supreme God, he is a multifaceted deity associated with wisdom, war, death, poetry, prophecy, and magic. Odin is a seeker of truth, a master strategist, and a keeper of ancient lore. His pursuit of knowledge and mastery over fate speaks to the Viking desire for understanding and strategic acumen, vital for their expeditions and survival.

Thor, God of Thunder

Perhaps the most beloved of the Norse Gods, he is the mighty protector of Asgard and Midgard (the human world). Wielding his enchanted hammer Mjolnir, he defends against giants and monstrous beasts. Thor embodies strength, protection, courage, and vitality. He is a god of the common people, ensuring good harvests and protecting settlements.

Freyja, Goddess of Love, Beauty, Fertility, and War

A stunning and complex deity, she is often depicted riding in a chariot pulled by two cats. However, she is also a formidable warrior goddess, leading the Valkyries and claiming half of the slain warriors for her hall, Fólkvangr. Freyja is also a master of seidr, a powerful form of magic involving destiny and foresight.

Frigg, Queen of Asgard and Goddess of Motherhood

Odin’s wife, she has the power of prophecy, though she rarely reveals what she knows. Frigg represents the nurturing heart of the home, the wisdom of the matriarch, and the unseen bonds that hold families and communities together.

Loki, The Trickster God

A complex and often contradictory figure, he is renowned for his intelligence, cunning, and shapeshifting abilities.
Loki frequently causes trouble for the Gods through his elaborate schemes and deceptions, but also helps them out of predicaments. He embodies unpredictability, quick wit, transformation, the challenging) of the established order.

Freyr, God of Fertility, Prosperity, and Peace

The brother of Freyja, he is associated with sunshine and fair weather, crucial elements for successful agriculture and thriving communities. Freyr rides a boar named Gullinbursti and possesses a magic ship, Skíðblaðnir, that can be folded into a pocket.

Heimdallr, The Watchman of the Gods

The guardian of the Bifrost bridge. He possesses extraordinary senses, able to hear grass grow and see for hundreds of miles. He is ever vigilant, blowing his horn Gjallarhorn to signal the beginning of Ragnarok. Heimdallr represents alertness, acute perception, and unwavering dedication to duty. The Vikings lived in intimate communion with their environment. Their survival and prosperity depended on a profound understanding of the natural world around them. From the timber for their longships and homes to the herbs for their healing remedies, nature was their primary source of sustenance, shelter, and medicine. While the concept of essential oils as we understand them today did not exist in their time, the Vikings were highly adept at utilising plants for their medicinal properties. They brewed teas from willow bark for pain relief, packed wounds with moss for its antiseptic qualities, and used various herbs for their aromatic and therapeutic benefits.

Essential Oils for the Norse Pantheon

In the spirit of IFEAT 2025 in Sweden, we indulge in a little modern fantasy. If the powerful deities of the Norse pantheon were to choose essential oils as extensions of their divine powers, which oils might resonate with their
glorious attributes? This imaginative exploration offers a creative way to appreciate the diverse properties of our beloved oils through a mythological lens.

 

 

Odin’s Enlightenment: Frankincense – For Odin, the All father, tirelessly seeking wisdom and guiding armies with his strategic mind, Frankincense would be his sacred oil. Its deeply grounding aroma promotes mental clarity, focus, spiritual connection and is perfect for contemplation or receiving visions.

Thor’s Vigor: Peppermint – The mighty Thor, defender of realms and embodiment of raw strength, would surely favour Peppermint. Its invigorating, cooling sensation offers an instant energy boost, perfect for pre-battle invigoration or soothing muscles after wielding Mjolnir.

Freyja’s Allure & Balance: Ylang Ylang – For the captivating Freyja, goddess of both love and war, Ylang Ylang would be her enchanting essence. Its exotic, deeply sensual floral notes soothe anxiety, uplift the spirit, and enhance emotional balance, reflecting her irresistible charm.

Loki’s Dynamic Spark: Cypress – For Loki, the unpredictable and clever Trickster, oils that embody change, movement, and a bit of a kick would be fitting. Cypress, with its fresh, clean, and invigorating aroma, can represent transformation and adaptation, much like Loki’s shape-shifting nature.

After a mesmerising journey through the land of the Vikings, we prepare for the inspiring discussions at IFEAT 2025. But the essence of natural power transcends time. The Vikings, in their formidable yet intuitive way, understood the profound connection between nature and well-being. Their resilience, their wisdom, and their very survival were intrinsically linked to the plants and elements around them. Today, our essential oil industry continues this ancient quest, though with the precision of modern science and the sophistication of global trade. From the robust strength of Thor to the serene wisdom of Odin, the properties we seek in our essential oils echo qualities that defined the Norse spirit. This backdrop is sure to inspire us as we innovate, collaborate, and continue to harness the timeless, potent remedies that nature so generously offers.