Nerthus, goddess of fertility, earth, and nature, was worshiped as the protector of crops and the cycles of life, ensuring abundant harvests and peace among her followers. It was believed that when she was among the people, all conflicts ceased, and the land yielded plentifully.

Each year, during sacred rituals, priests would carry her statue in a procession around the island where she resided. The statue was placed on a flower-adorned cart, drawn by white cows, symbols of fertility. This ceremony was meant to secure the earth’s abundance for the coming summer. After the procession, Nerthus’ statue was ritually cleansed by slaves, who were then sacrificed, symbolizing her purification after the sacred rites.