Something in me has always identified very strongly with England. Whether it is the spelling of my name ("Geoffrey"), or rooting for a power that seeks to wield an influence disproportionate with its size and weight. I also wonder if it is because, as a country, we are a people without a past. We have some pretty clear lines to the goings on here in the 17th and 18th centuries, but we have no medieval stories for ourselves, so I have to borrow from my European ancestors.
Personally, I stick with England back through about the 11th century, about then I switch my allegiance over to the Norse side of things, mostly because I have a greater affinity for their gods. I try to honor the old ways in as far as it is convenient and doesn't anger my newer Christian God, so I will schedule things for Odin's day, Thor's day, and Freya's, day; keep a hammer in my car in case of Ragnarok; and I make it a point to cheat and abuse giants whenever possible (for me this is anyone over 6'2".
But I don't see the current Nordic countries as the continuation of my people. I follow Rollo to Robert I to William the Conqueror and then I stick with England through the revolution. But getting back to my first point, part of my heart is still with the old country especially when it comes to heroic figures and achievements. And so today I mourn the death and celebrate the achievements of Margaret Thatcher.
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