by RG VolundR Lars Agnarsson

A Sumbel is a formal gathering of friends and family to celebrate the givings of the gods and to toast them, some make oaths, boasts, relate stories and histories, etc. There are traditionally three rounds in a Sumble, however they may go longer. The point of a Sumbel is not to get intoxicated, but rather attain a state of "divine intoxication" if need be.

The first round one speaks, or makes a toast, to their gods. Each does this as the horn is passed deosil (clockwise) to each participant, and each participant takes three sips after they speak or make their toast. The same process follows in each round, however the topic changes.

The second round one speaks, or makes a toast, to their family members now gone or to a hero, or someone who influenced their life in a positive way; they take three sips and pass the horn deosil.

The third round is open for any topic to be spoken of as noteworthy, or a toast is made on an open topic; this topic is for each participant to decide, that is why it is an open topic round. Each makes their statement and takes three sips, passes horn deosil until it reaches the person who began the Sumbel.

If there are no additional rounds the individual who started the Sumbel takes the horn and emties it to the ground.

© 1992-2009 RG VolundR Lars Agnarsson