Frequently Asked Questions

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What is Heathenry?

Heathenry, also known as Heathenism or Germanic Neopaganism, is a contemporary revival of the ancient pre-Christian religious traditions practiced by the Germanic peoples of Northern Europe. These include the Norse, Anglo-Saxon, Saxon, and Gothic cultures, among others. Heathenry seeks to reconstruct these traditions through historical research, archaeological evidence, and the study of old texts, creating a living religion that resonates with modern practitioners. The term "Heathen" historically referred to people living in rural areas, as people living in the countryside were more hesitant to give up the old religion and traditions during the conversion period.

What Do Heathens Believe In?

Heathenry is not a monolithic faith but rather a diverse collection of beliefs and practices rooted in ancient traditions and mythology. However, some common elements include:

1. Polytheism: Heathens typically honor a pantheon of gods and goddesses from Germanic mythology, including Odin, Thor, Frey, Frigg, Tyr, and many others. These deities are not seen as omnipotent or infallible but rather as powerful beings with their own personalities, strengths, and weaknesses.

2. Animism: Heathens often view the natural world as imbued with spirits and other non-human entities. These may include land spirits, ancestors, house wights, and many others. Respect for these entities and the environment is often emphasized.

3. Ancestor Veneration: Honoring one's ancestors is an important aspect of Heathenry. This may involve offerings, rituals, and storytelling to maintain a connection with those who have come before.

4. Reciprocity and Gifting: Heathens often engage in reciprocal relationships with the gods, ancestors, and spirits. This may involve offerings of food, drink, or other gifts in exchange for blessings, guidance, or protection.

5. Community and Ethics: Heathenry places a strong emphasis on community building and ethical behavior. Values such as honor, kinship, shame, and taking action are often highlighted.

6. Wyrd and Personal Responsibility: The concept of "wyrd" (fate) plays a significant role in Heathenry. While wyrd is often seen as a powerful force, Heathens also believe in personal agency and the ability to shape one's own destiny through choices and actions.

7. No Single Sacred Text: Heathenry does not have a single sacred text like the Bible or Quran. Instead, practitioners draw wisdom from a variety of sources, including the Eddas, Sagas, archaeological evidence, folklore, and personal experiences.

Are there Priests in Heathenry?

In Heathenry, religious leaders are known as gothi (for men) or gythia (for women). These individuals perform ceremonies, offer guidance, and serve as spiritual leaders within their communities. Becoming a gothi or gythia typically involves gaining experience and recognition within the community or through ordination by national organizations like The Troth. Their responsibilities include leading rituals, providing spiritual counsel, and fostering community connections.

What is the Role of Ancestors in Heathenry?

Ancestors are deeply respected in Heathenry, and their spirits are believed to offer guidance, wisdom, and protection. Honoring ancestors involves maintaining shrines, performing rituals, and upholding family traditions that celebrate the legacy and influence of those who have come before. Ancestor veneration reinforces the importance of lineage and the continuity of family and community across generations.

How Do Heathens Organize Their Communities?

Heathen communities, often called kindreds, hearths, or tribes, are usually small and autonomous, gathering for rituals, festivals, and communal activities. These groups may affiliate with larger organizations, such as the Ásatrúarfélagið in Iceland or The Troth in the United States.

Is Heathenry a Recognized Religion?

Heathenry is recognized as a legitimate religion in several countries, including Iceland, Norway, and the United States. Recognition can vary by region and may affect legal rights, such as the ability to conduct legally binding weddings.

How Does One Become a Heathen?

There is no formal conversion process in Heathenry. Individuals interested in the faith typically start by studying its myths, history, and practices. Engaging with community events and developing personal spiritual practices that honor the deities and spirits are also common steps. Many newcomers join kindreds or hearths to learn from experienced practitioners and participate in group rituals. Personal exploration is highly encouraged, allowing individuals to find their paths within the faith.

What Are Common Misconceptions About Heathenry?

1.Heathenry is a "neo-Nazi" movement: Although some extremist groups have misappropriated Norse symbols, the vast majority of Heathens strongly reject these ideologies and actively promote inclusivity and tolerance. Many Heathen organizations explicitly denounce racism and work to ensure their communities are welcoming to all.

2. Heathenry is about pretending to be a Viking: While Heathenry draws inspiration from Norse mythology and history, it is not about dressing up as Vikings or reenacting historical events. Modern Heathens respect their heritage but focus on applying the values and principles of their ancestors in meaningful ways today. It's about spiritual beliefs, cultural traditions, and ethical practices, not role-playing or fantasy.

3. Heathenry is about "living in the past": While Heathenry draws inspiration from ancient traditions, it is a dynamic and evolving faith that adapts to modern contexts and challenges. Practitioners often integrate ancient values with contemporary life, making Heathenry relevant and meaningful today.

4. Heathenry is “devil worship”: Heathens do not believe in the Christian concept of the devil, and such ideas have no place in their beliefs or practices. Heathenry is a distinct religious tradition with its own cosmology and spiritual framework.

The Nine Noble Virtues

The Nine Noble Virtues (NNV) are a set of moral and ethical guidelines frequently associated with Heathenry. These virtues were first articulated by the Odinic Rite in the 1970s as an attempt to encapsulate the values found in ancient Germanic societies. The virtues are:

1. Courage: Facing challenges with bravery.

2. Truth: Being honest and authentic.

3. Honor: Maintaining personal integrity and respect.

4. Fidelity: Being loyal and trustworthy.

5. Discipline: Exercising self-control and responsibility.

6. Hospitality: Being welcoming and generous.

7. Industriousness: Working hard and being diligent.

8. Self-Reliance: Being independent and resourceful.

9. Perseverance:nPersisting through difficulties.

These virtues can serve as a useful framework for ethical behavior and personal development within the context of contemporary Heathenry for some practitioners. But while the NNV are respected and followed within some Heathen communities, it's important to note that they are a modern interpretation rather than an ancient tradition. Another important note is that the Odinic Rite is a problematic organization that promotes racist terms and ideology.

What Are Some Common Heathen Symbols?

Heathenry features a rich tapestry of symbols drawn from Norse and Germanic mythology, history, and culture. Some of the most recognizable include:

1. Mjölnir: Thor's hammer, symbolizing strength, protection, and consecration. It is often worn as a pendant to signify one's faith and connection to the divine.

2. The Valknut: A symbol made of three interlocking triangles associated with Odin, often interpreted as representing the slain warrior and the transition between life and death.

3. Runes: Ancient Germanic letters used for writing and divination, each with its own symbolic meaning. Several runic alphabets exist, such as the Elder Futhark, Younger Futhark, and Anglo-Saxon Futhorc, each reflecting different periods and regions. Runes are also used in divination practices to seek guidance and insight.

4. Yggdrasil: The World Tree, representing the cosmos and the interconnectedness of all things, serving as a symbol of the universe's structure and the relationship between different realms.

Has Ragnarok Happened Yet?

No, according to Heathen belief and mythology, Ragnarok has not yet occurred. Ragnarok, often referred to as the "Twilight of the Gods," is a prophesied series of events that includes a great battle, natural disasters, and the eventual submersion of the world in water. This event is described in the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda, which are primary sources of Norse mythology.

Ragnarok is seen not just as a cataclysmic end but also as a cycle of destruction and rebirth. The prophecies state that after these events, the world will resurface anew and fertile, and surviving gods will meet, and two human survivors will repopulate the earth. As such, many Heathens view Ragnarok as a future event that has not yet come to pass and continue to honor the gods and live in accordance with their values.