Folksburywoods Story Blog

Gormr knew the journey would be arduous; bringing his grandchildren made it unbearable.

The twins Áskell and Ásta knew nothing of the danger ahead as they entered the forest, hoping to find answers to their grandmother’s sudden illness.

“I need to tell you how serious it is to keep focused on the path and under no circumstances interact with the stones or trees,” their grandfather cautioned.

“Yes, Papa, we understand and will do as you ask,” replied the twins.

Ásta knew what the trees and stones were, prisons for the souls who even Hell refused to admit.

After just an hour, Gormr became disoriented and had to be led down the path by the children. “How long now, Papa,” asked Áskell.

“Soon, can you smell how the air is moist and sweet? That means the cavern is nearby,” answered the man.

Soon, they cleared the trees, and before them were steps carved into the rock leading into a black void. “We should rest before we head into the shrine,” said Ásta.

They drank from a small pool and cleaned their faces with the cool spring water. After regaining their strength, the group descended the steps leading to the shrine.

“How are these torches burning? Is it magic?” asked Áskell.

No, a monk who lives here renews the oil to the lamps and torches each day,” answered Gormr. A light shone ahead, and soon, the three stood at the shrine’s entrance gate.

Gormr placed a silver coin on the head of the shrine’s guardian statue, bowed low, and went through the gate. The twins mimicked his actions and followed close behind. Járngerthr, keeper of secrets and bestower of wishes, stood before them.

“We come to you in search of a cause of my wife’s illness, which no healer can say what is. We beg you for an answer, mighty one,” said Gormr.

Silence and nothing more was his answer. “Please seer of truth and knowledge, please give us the answer we seek,” asked Áskell—only the wind and nothing more.

“Kind and lovely Járngerthr who guides the lost and heals the sick, may you grant us a sign so we may learn the truth ourselves,” asked Ásta.

The torches exploded with flames, causing the party to fall to its knees. “Jealousy drives the stake. Find the one with an evil eye, and you will have your answer,” a voice said.

Gormr bowed three times, then backed away to the gate with the twins following. “We must get back. I know who has done this, and she will not stop until MaMa has passed,” said the man, hurrying up the trail.

With the answer in hand, the three raced through the forest without concern for the stones or trees. That fear was reserved for the one with the evil eye.

Reaching the village, Gormr went to the church, secured a vial of holy water, and then headed to the miller’s home. 

Standing before the house, the old man called out the summoning spell, “One of darkness, I call you out, keeper of evil, I call you out. Stand now before me or suffer the wrath of Heaven’s sword,” said Papa.

The cottage door slowly opens, revealing a lean croan half bent, holding a staff topped with a carved vulture’s head. “You have been to see Járngerthr. You are indeed a brave man,” croaked the croan.

“Release her from your eye, or I shall pour holy water over your head, blinding you in this life and the next,” shouted Gormr. The older woman’s face twisted into a cruel expression, then a demonic grin.

“Go ahead if you think you can overpower the eye,” said the croan. 

Before she could take a step back, the twins rushed her from either side. Áskell grabbed her while Ásta poured a vial of liquid into her eyes.

 “Eeeeeeee fools my eyes, I will destroy you all,” screamed the woman, then fell to her knees and began to convulse violently. 

After a while, her body stilled, and she was found to be dead. “She had used up her power cursing, Mama, and was left unprepared for our attack,” said Gormr.

Upon returning to the family’s cottage, the three were surprised to see Mama out feeding the chickens. When asked how she felt, she said, “Like a spring chick.”

Not wanting any further trouble, Gormr hung a horseshoe on the front of the cottage to ensure no one could ever use the evil eye on his family again.