Nerthus

Oxen drew Nerthus in a covered wagon among her followers, while the people greeted her with solemn processions and public rejoicing. At intervals, the goddess was believed to desire departure from her sacred island in the ocean. Her grove there contained a consecrated wagon, which no one except the priest was permitted to touch. No human was allowed to enter the island.

When the priest brought Nerthus forth, she travelled among the Germanic tribes on festal days. Joy spread through the communities, and warfare ceased while she was abroad. Peace prevailed wherever she went. Her passing was also believed to bring fertility to the fields. The people welcomed the wagon and took part in the celebrations as long as the goddess remained among them.

When her progress ended, the priest conveyed Nerthus back to her holy island. He then took the wagon to a sacred lake. There he washed the wagon, the goddess, and her garments before restoring them to the sanctuary. One account describes the cart as drawn by cows rather than oxen.

The attendants who had accompanied Nerthus were then put to death by drowning. The reason given is that no one could be allowed to live after seeing the goddess. Once the washing and the deaths were complete, Nerthus returned to the protection of her sacred grove. The island remained closed to human entry until the goddess again desired to leave it and travel among her followers.