The heathen faith practiced by the Vikings (which is referred to as Asatru by modern practitioners) was a very diverse and involved religion. For instance, unlike modern Christianity (where you go to heaven, hell or the inbetween), there were dozens of places that you might go after death according to the Norse. Those who died ...
The Goths, during the time just after B.C. became A.D., were just a northern barbarian tribe that had settled along the shores of the Baltic Sea to gather amber and sell it. Though the goths came before the Vikings, both groups came from Scandinavia originally. If Roman writers who first observed this small but war-like ...
The epics of Norse mythology, filled with the tales of ancient gods and Viking heroes, are one of the major windows we have on the society and religion of the ancient Scandinavians. In the heathen mythology (referred to as Asatru by modern day practitioners) there was a great war between the two races of gods; ...
Most religions have some form of trickster god, or at the very least a fall guy like Christianity’s devil. The Norse pantheon, famously worshiped by the Vikings, was no different in this respect. Loki, the god of fire and chaos in the heathen faith, was a handsome, mischievous, charismatic giant who was really too clever ...
Ragnarok, the Viking version of armageddon, is a prophecy that has a number of major players in it. One of the most famous of these is Fenrir, the giant wolf. The first son of the trickster god Loki and the giant Angrboda, and the brother to the goddess Hel and the world serpent Jormundgand, Fenrir ...
Norse mythology, also called Asatru or heathenism by those who treat it as a religion, is incomplete to our modern knowledge. The parts that we do have of this pagan myth cycle are vivid, and they give insights into the ancient world of the Vikings. Perhaps one of the best known myths, and one that ...
Every faith has its traditions and rituals that allow the followers to feel closer to their god or gods. Catholics have confession and the offering of sacrament, for instance. Muslims have their daily prayers for which they face towards Mecca, as well as their pilgrimage to that holy city. By participating in these traditions, followers ...
When judging a mythology there are several ranks and criteria by which the heroes and gods mentioned may be judged. For instance if a god shows up in a number of myths, such as how Loki seems to be in almost every heathen myth. Sometimes gods aren’t mentioned often, like Vidar the god of silence ...
Courage, Boldness, bravery, standing up for what you believe in and know is right. Honesty, Truth – In all things be true to yourself and to others. Honor, Do as you say and act upon your convictions. “Always” honor your oaths! Truth, Loyalty to yourself, family, folk, friends and the Gods & Goddesses. Strength, Self ...