Description:
The Falcon Nettle is a sacred and rarely seen herb said to grow only where the veil between realms thins—windswept cliffs, glacial springs, and groves kissed by the presence of Freya. With jagged leaves and feathers woven into its stem-like spines, the plant carries both the sting of a weapon and the grace of flight. It is considered a plant of passage, love, and fury.
Stems & Growth:
- Grows in narrow, upright stalks that split into feathered, wing-like shapes
- Thin barbs along the stem resemble hawk talons; sharp to the touch but flexible
- Emits a low, whispering rustle when touched by wind, often mistaken for birdcall
- Roots cling to rocky ground or cliffside cracks, often facing east
Leaves:
- Shaped like jagged falcon wings, serrated and veined with pale gold
- Undersides shimmer faintly, like the sheen of a raven's feather
- Bristle when disturbed, delivering a quick-burning sting similar to nettle but without rash
- Said to channel both pain and clarity when applied to skin in ritual or battle rites
Flowers & Seeds:
- Small, star-shaped blossoms in soft rose-gold bloom only at sunrise during spring equinoxes
- Petals fall quickly, leaving behind feather-light seed pods that drift on the wind like dandelion fluff
- Seeds are believed to seek those bound by fate or heartbreak
Folklore:
"Known as Freya’s Breath among forest witches, the Falcon Nettle is believed to mark the paths of her falcon cloak. Warriors once carried pressed leaves into battle to inspire courage and clarity. Others used its sting in love spells—one sharp touch to awaken a heart grown numb. It’s said that when the plant blooms, Freya herself is near, and that dreams beneath its leaves are always of flight."
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