Torsten Hammer-Blessed
Torsten is a priest of Thor and former apprentice of Hallvard Rune-Eye. He stands between several kinds of knowledge: Norse faith, runes, old magic, foreign languages, and the practical demands of battle. His chosen weapon is the warhammer.
Torsten’s Old English allowed him to understand Abbot Aldwin’s plea for mercy at Saint Bega. He translated between the Christians and the raiders, guarded the surrendered monks, and later joined the final attack on the royal guards. His hammer crushed through one defender’s helmet.
Hallvard once taught Torsten to seek truth in books, runes, and spells. Torsten left that path for Thor. After the raid Hallvard gave him an old iron helmet and asked whether killing men and watching friends die had brought him closer to the truth he sought.
At the burial mound, Torsten lit the first pyre and asked Thor to guide the dead across whatever road waited beyond this world.
Known Deeds
- Interpreted Aldwin’s surrender.
- Helped destroy the remaining royal guards.
- Carried Aldwin’s writings home.
- Led the prayer at the funeral pyres.
- Brought the papers to Hallvard and began the search for Oswin.