United in grief: Thor von Reichmuth (2007 – 2015)

On April 5, at 2:16am, 7-year-old Thor von Reichmuth died after a two year battle with cancer. He was at his home in the Minneapolis area, with his mother and father and surrounded by his stuffed animals.

Most obituaries in The Wild Hunt are of famous authors, well known teachers, or founders of a Pagan Tradition. They are of adults whose life’s work, spanning multiple decades, impacted hundreds or thousands of people in our collective religious communities. Thor didn’t have decades, but his death and the way he lived his life have deeply affected the Heathen community worldwide.

Robert Rudachyk said:

Even though our community is a fractious one often torn by fighting, we were all brought together in hope that this young child could find the strength to defeat his nemesis. Sadly they were too evenly matched. Like his namesake battling the Midgard Serpent, he was only able to defeat his cancer at the cost of his own life.

Heathens from across the U.S. and beyond had been following young Thor’s battle with cancer on Facebook, cheering him on and marveling at his bright smile and bravery. They watched a family pull together and live the ethics of their religion, placing faith in the Gods, each other, and their community.

As Thor’s health turned worse and doctors said he had but weeks to live, the community prayed for strength for the family. We all witnessed a mother, father, and young child still striving to live the ethics of their religion while facing death; still placing their faith in the Gods, each other, and their community.

After Thor’s father Eduard posted on Facebook that Thor had died Sunday morning, tributes and condolences poured in from all regions of the world. Kindred from South America, Europe, and Australia sent messages and poured offerings from horns. Universalists, Tribalists, and Folkish Heathens, were all united in grief.

As Sunday wore on, Heathens began changing their profile picture to the rune below, as a way to honor the child and stand in support with the family. The rune is Eiwaz, which means yew. It is thought to signify the knowledge of the mysteries of death.

Eduard had this to say about his son:

Thor was a very special boy, and a hardened warrior by the end of his short life.

He came to us on October 17, 2007, prematurely, and had some health issues in the beginning, because of this. He got better in time for his Heathen naming and blessing ritual 9 days after birth, as custom dictates. His placenta was buried within the roots of our Thor Oak in the front yard.

He was a Heathen all his life, Bloting, Praying and making offerings to the Gods, and Hailing them every night in our altar room, before bed. He asked many questions about the Ancestors and the Gods, as he wanted to learn more and more. He would Hail Odin at the top of his voice every time he saw or heard a raven or crow, no matter where he was. He wore his hammer constantly except during scans or x-rays. He will be cremated Thorsday wearing that very same hammer.

He battled a very rare and very aggressive cancer for about a year and nine months. Several surgeries, several HARSH rounds of chemo, several transfusions and hospital stays. But, he was always quick with a joke, smile, and a thumbs-up. He was adored by his clinic staff, radiology staff, oncology staff, and hospital staff. He especially loved the younger, cuter nurses.

Towards the end, he told me not to worry if he passed first…… because he would come visit me, since we were bestest buddies forever.

On his very last night on Midgard, he struggled hard to breathe. I held his hands in mine, told him his body was tired, and it was time to go meet Grandpa. I told him not to worry about Mama or Me, because we would be ok even though we would miss him. I did a hammer sign over his body, and told him it was ok to go, but come visit any time. He lay there for a quick second, and then rolled over and breathed his last.

I carried his little body outside to the waiting funeral home car and placed him inside. I have never cried that hard in my life. He will be missed by many and spoken of for years to come. His memory will never fade, and he will be honored often.

Thanks to all who have shown support with kind words, prayers, donations, gifts, and love. May you all be blessed for all you have done.

Hail the Bavarian Prince
Hail the mighty little warrior
Hail my bestest buddy
Hail THOR!

This morning Eduard is presiding at a simple ritual cremation for his son. Thor is wearing his hammer pendent and tucked next to him is his favorite stuffed animal and a copy of The Theft of Thor’s Hammer. His father will toast his son’s departure with mead and then push the button to start the cremation process.

Below is a sample of the outpouring of grief by the Heathen community at Thor’s passing:

Little Thor passed on this morning and now rests in Helhome with his ancestors. He will be missed by his family. It is amazing how, despite all our bickering, the suffering of this young man did so much to bring our community together. You did your namesake, the friend of man, proud little guy. Truly you are a friend to us all and your family is truly touched by the gods. Hail Thor! Hail Eduard von Reichmuth and all your kin. – Nathaniel Jeffers

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With heavy heart comes a farewell. The son of Karen and Eduard von Reichmuth – Little Thor -passed away after a long battle with cancer. He fought long and brave and showed more awareness, maturity and bravery than most adults and has taught us much about grace. I am sure Little Thor is now welcomed as a hero in his ancestor´s hall and charms the socks off them all. May many horns be raised to his memory and his song of bravery be sung for a long time. As I firmly believe that Valhalla is not the only hall that can be earned, I can see the Prince also running around happily in Bilskinir. Hail Littel Thor! As a sign of honor and support many are changing their profile pics to Eiwaz – to show a bright light has passed from Midgard to the Higher Realms. – Patricia Lady-Asunja

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It is with a heavy heart that I pass on the news that we in the Heathen community have been dreading. Thor Von Reichmuth, son of Eduard von Reichmuth, succumbed to his lung cancer last night. Even though our community is a fractious one often torn by fighting, we were all brought together in hope that this young child could find the strength to defeat his nemesis. Sadly they were too evenly matched. Like his namesake battling the Midgard Serpent, he was only able to defeat his cancer at the cost of his own life. I would like to convey my most heartfelt condolences to Eduard and his family. As a father I can only imagine the pain you are now feeling, and hope that with time it is eased. Your son is now being welcomed into the halls of your ancestors with his name being honoured around the world. Be at peace young Thor, your struggles are at an end. – Robert Rudachyk

I returned home tonight to sad news. Thor, son of Eduard Thorsgodhi von Reichmuth, lost his final battle with cancer. That is the reason so many of us have changed our profile picture for a time to the Eiwaz / Eoh rune, from the Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem.

The yew is a tree with rough bark,
hard and fast in the earth, supported by its roots,
a guardian of flame and a joy upon an estate.

Early this morning Thor drew his final breath. This little warrior passed from Midgard making his way to the halls of his ancestors where his grandfather awaited him. Thor was only seven years old and spent too much of his life fighting against the cancer which struck him down this morning. It seems like for many the fight against cancer is one in which you may win battles, but in time you will lose the war.

His passing was not sudden so his family had time to say their goodbyes and pack as many happy memories into their too-short time together. We all knew his time was soon.

Thor’s struggle, perseverance, optimism, and constant smile have done wonders to bring together people from all over the world. Coming together and setting aside all the petty squabbles of the international Heathen community. His story reminds me better than many of two pieces from history. First,

“I like the northern way –
do not expect more than life gives;
meet good and bad fortune with an equal mind;
treasure life while you have it;
but treasure above it the honour which belongs to a man.
And should there be a life beyond, honour will come to meet you;
and should there be none, honour will rest on the stones of your
cairn and for a while your name will live in the thought of men.”
– Miss E.J.Oswald “The Dragon of the North” 1888

Thor von Reichmuth’s name will surely live on in the thoughts of many for a good long time. It is hard not to think of him when I look at my own little son and be grateful for every precious moment that my boy and I have together.

And from the words of our ancestors,
Hávamál, The Sayings of the High One, Óðinn

81. Give praise to the day at evening, | to a woman on her pyre,
    To a weapon which is tried, | to a maid at wed lock,
    To ice when it is crossed, | to ale that is drunk.

82. When the gale blows hew wood, | in fair winds seek the water;
    Sport with maidens at dusk, | for day’s eyes are many;
    From the ship seek swiftness, | from the shield protection,
    Cuts from the sword, | from the maiden kisses.

83. By the fire drink ale, | over ice go on skates
    Buy a steed that is lean, | and a sword when tarnished,
    The horse at home fatten, | the hound in thy dwelling.

Thor’s journey in Midgard has ended, he goes to his pyre, his strength and virtue tried and tested. He goes to join his ancestors, greeted warmly by his grandfather. His family and friends here to drink to his memory and share stories of his long struggle around many a fire.
Hail Thor! – Anthony Arndt

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