Frequently Asked Questions

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Heathenry, also known as Asatru, or Norse and Germanic paganism, is a contemporary revival of the pre-Christian religious traditions once practiced by the various Germanic-speaking peoples of Northern Europe. These include the Norse of Scandinavia, the Anglo-Saxons of early England, the continental Saxons of what is now Germany, and the Gothic peoples of Eastern Europe, each of whom observed distinctive yet interrelated expressions of a polytheistic and animistic worldview deeply rooted in custom, community, and the cycles of the natural world. Modern Heathenry seeks to reconstruct and revitalize these ancient beliefs through the careful study of surviving mythological texts, archaeological discoveries, historical documents, and comparative scholarship, all in service of creating a living tradition that resonates with contemporary practitioners while remaining grounded in ancestral memory.

The term “Heathen” originates from the Old English hǣðen, a word used in early Christian writings to describe non-Christians, particularly those who dwelled in the heath or countryside, where traditional beliefs often persisted long after the cities had converted. In Old Norse, the equivalent term is heiðinn, which appears in medieval Icelandic literature with similar connotations- denoting one who follows the old gods and customs rather than the Christian faith. Both terms reflect a historical reality in which rural communities, more isolated from the influence of centralized religious authority, tended to preserve older rites, values, and cosmologies well into the Christian era. Thus, the modern use of the word “Heathen” not only serves to describe a particular set of reconstructed spiritual practices, but also calls forth an enduring ethos of rootedness, independence, and fidelity to the ancestral ways.

Heathenry is not a centralized or uniform religion but rather a diverse collection of beliefs and practices rooted in the pre-Christian traditions of the Germanic peoples of Northern Europe. While specific interpretations and areas of emphasis may vary among individuals and communities, there are several core elements that are widely recognized within modern Heathen practice. These beliefs are drawn from historical sources, mythological texts, archaeological evidence, and lived spiritual experience. Together, they form a worldview that is relational, polytheistic, and grounded in the cycles of nature and personal responsibility.

1. Polytheism:
Heathens typically honor a pantheon of gods and goddesses found within the mythologies of the Norse, Anglo-Saxon, and other Germanic peoples. These deities, such as Odin, Thor, Freyja, Frigg, Freyr, and Tyr, are viewed not as all-powerful or morally perfect, but as distinct spiritual beings with complex personalities, individual domains, and particular relationships with the human and divine worlds. Worship of the gods often includes offerings, prayer, storytelling, and ritual observance. The foundation of these sacred bonds lies in mutual respect and reciprocity rather than submission or unquestioning belief.

2. Animism:
A strong animistic perspective is present in Heathen belief. The natural world is understood to be filled with spiritual presence. Many Heathens recognize and honor a variety of non-human wights or spirits, including landvættir (land spirits), husvættir (house spirits), and other entities associated with specific places, objects, or natural forces. These spirits are not viewed as metaphors, but as living presences deserving of respect and care. In many cases, offerings are made to these spirits, especially during rituals involving land-taking, home-blessing, or seasonal observance.

3. Ancestor Veneration:
Honoring one’s ancestors is a central and ongoing practice in Heathenry. Ancestors are seen as active and guiding forces within the community of the living, offering protection, wisdom, and a sense of continuity across generations. Veneration may involve maintaining ancestor altars, making offerings of food and drink, telling family stories, or performing rituals on significant dates. This practice reinforces the importance of lineage, obligation, and memory, and it helps root the practitioner within a larger tapestry of kinship and identity.

4. Reciprocity and Gifting:
At the heart of Heathen ethics is the concept of reciprocal exchange, expressed through the practice of gifting. Offerings are given not as sacrifices in a punitive sense, but as part of an ongoing relationship of mutual respect between humans and the gods, ancestors, and spirits. Whether given in prayer, ritual, or communal feasting, these gifts form what is often called the gifting cycle. This sacred pattern binds all beings together in networks of trust, responsibility, and shared benefit.

5. Community and Ethics:
Heathenry places great importance on community, both among the living and across generations. Ethical behavior is shaped not by abstract ideals but by one’s actions in relation to others. Concepts such as honor, frith (peace and social harmony), hospitality, loyalty, and rightful shame play essential roles in maintaining a well-functioning and honorable society. Responsibility is understood in terms of one’s place within the web of kinship and one’s ability to uphold oaths, fulfill duties, and maintain personal integrity.

6. Urðr and Personal Responsibility:
The concept of urðr, often translated as fate, is a fundamental part of Heathen thought. Urðr is not seen as a fixed or predetermined path. Instead, it is understood as an unfolding pattern shaped by past actions, present choices, and the accumulated consequences of both personal and ancestral deeds. Heathens believe that while certain circumstances may lie beyond one’s control, each person bears responsibility for shaping their own strand within the larger web of existence. This worldview encourages careful decision-making, moral accountability, and the strength to face life with courage and intention.

7. No Single Sacred Text:
Unlike many world religions, Heathenry does not rely on a single authoritative scripture. Instead, practitioners draw from a wide array of historical, literary, and cultural sources. These include the Poetic Edda, the Prose Edda, various sagas, early legal codes, runic inscriptions, and archaeological findings. Folklore and oral tradition also play a significant role, especially in local or regional expressions of the faith. In addition to these sources, many Heathens recognize the value of personal experience, shared insight, and knowledge gained through ritual practice, study, and participation in the community.

These foundational elements together form a worldview that emphasizes relationship, responsibility, and reverence. Heathenry honors the divine as living and complex, affirms the presence of the sacred in nature and kinship, and seeks to carry forward the wisdom of the ancestors into a meaningful and honorable present.

1. Heathenry is a "neo-Nazi" or white supremacist movement:
This is one of the most harmful and persistent misconceptions surrounding modern Heathenry. It is true that racist and extremist groups have attempted to co-opt Norse symbols and mythology for their own hateful agendas, and it must be acknowledged that these elements do exist within some corners of the broader Heathen community. This is a serious and ongoing issue that has caused considerable harm to the reputation and integrity of the tradition. However, the vast majority of Heathens strongly reject these ideologies and work actively to create inclusive, respectful, and welcoming spaces. Many organizations have issued clear statements denouncing racism, bigotry, and the misuse of sacred symbols, and a growing number of practitioners are committed to reclaiming their faith from those who seek to distort it for political or exclusionary purposes. Heathenry, at its core, is based on honor, reciprocity, and loyalty to kin and community, not hatred or supremacy.

2. Heathenry is about pretending to be a Viking:
While Heathenry draws inspiration from the mythology and cultural traditions of the Norse and other Germanic peoples, it is not about dressing up in costumes, play-acting historical battles, or adopting a fantasy persona. The emphasis in modern practice is on living out the values of the ancestors in a meaningful and grounded way. Although some Heathens may enjoy historical reenactment as a separate hobby, this is distinct from religious practice. Heathenry is a serious and thoughtful spiritual path focused on the cultivation of relationships with the gods, the ancestors, and the spirits of the land, as well as the embodiment of virtues such as honor, courage, and hospitality.

3. Heathenry is about "living in the past":
Although Heathenry is deeply rooted in ancient traditions, it is not an attempt to escape modern life or recreate a bygone era in exact detail. Rather, it is a living and evolving faith that seeks to carry forward the spirit of the old ways into the present. Practitioners study historical sources in order to understand the worldview and values of the pre-Christian Germanic peoples, but they also recognize that the world has changed and that the tradition must adapt in order to remain meaningful. Heathens strive to live in accordance with ancestral principles while engaging responsibly with modern realities, creating a practice that is both rooted and relevant.

4. Heathenry is "devil worship":
This misconception often arises from a lack of understanding, especially among those influenced by Christian frameworks that view any non-Christian religion as inherently demonic. In reality, Heathenry has no concept of the devil or Satan, and such figures play no role in its beliefs or rituals. The gods, spirits, and cosmology of Heathenry belong to an entirely different tradition, one that developed independently of Christianity and reflects a unique understanding of the sacred. Accusations of devil worship are based on misinformation and have no basis in the actual practice of Heathenry.

5. Heathenry is hyper-masculine and focused on war and death:
Although Norse mythology includes tales of warriors, battles, and heroic sacrifice, it would be a mistake to assume that Heathenry is dominated by aggression or masculine ideals. The tradition places equal importance on community, kinship, hospitality, and the sacred responsibilities of home and land. Female deities such as Frigg, Freyja, and Sif are revered not only for their power but also for their roles in maintaining order, fertility, and wisdom. Modern Heathenry includes people of all genders and backgrounds, and it values a wide range of virtues, including compassion, generosity, foresight, and balance. Strength is honored, but so too are care, responsibility, and the ability to maintain harmony within one’s family and community. 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.

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.:
Although Norse mythology includes tales of warriors, battles, and heroic sacrifice, it would be a mistake to assume that Heathenry is dominated by aggression or masculine ideals. The tradition places equal importance on community, kinship, hospitality, and the sacred responsibilities of home and land. Female deities such as Frigg, Freyja, and Sif are revered not only for their power but also for their roles in maintaining order, fertility, and wisdom. Modern Heathenry includes people of all genders and backgrounds, and it values a wide range of virtues, including compassion, generosity, foresight, and balance. Strength is honored, but so too are care, responsibility, and the ability to maintain harmony within one’s family and community.1

In Heathenry, religious leaders are commonly known by the Old Norse titles gothi (for men) and gythia (for women), terms which historically referred to chieftains or community figures who also held religious authority. These individuals serve as facilitators of ritual, keepers of tradition, and spiritual guides within their kindreds, hearths, or local communities. Rather than functioning as intermediaries between humans and gods in the way that priests do in some hierarchical religions, gothar (the plural of gothi) act more as ritual specialists and organizers of sacred practice, ensuring that rituals such as blóts, sumbls, and seasonal celebrations are conducted with respect, accuracy, and meaning.

Becoming a gothi or gythia is not the result of a formalized priesthood in the conventional sense, but rather a role that emerges from demonstrated wisdom, personal integrity, and earned trust within a group. Some may receive informal recognition from their local community through years of service and leadership, while others pursue ordination through larger organizations such as The Troth, which offers training, education, and formal credentials. Regardless of how the title is attained, those who take on this responsibility are expected to lead with honor and maintain the bonds between the gods, the ancestors, the wights, and the living folk who seek to honor them.

In Heathenry, ancestors hold a place of profound reverence, forming an essential part of the spiritual and moral fabric that binds individuals to their kin, both living and departed. Far from being distant memories, the ancestors are regarded as active and enduring presences whose wisdom, strength, and foresight continue to influence the lives of their descendants. Their spirits are often believed to dwell near the home or within the land itself, particularly in places of burial or in areas closely tied to family heritage, and are seen as sources of guidance, protection, and identity.

Honoring the ancestors is not merely an act of remembrance but a sacred duty, carried out through the tending of altars or shrines, the offering of food and drink, the telling of family stories, and the observance of rituals that mark important life events and seasonal cycles. Such practices affirm the unbroken thread of lineage and uphold the values inherited through blood and shared memory. In doing so, ancestor veneration reinforces a worldview in which family is not confined to the present generation but is understood as a continuum that stretches backward through time and forward into the future. This enduring connection between the past and the present serves to root the practitioner within a larger whole, fostering a deep sense of belonging, loyalty, and responsibility to those who came before and to those yet to come.

Heathen communities are typically organized into small, close-knit groups known as kindreds, hearths, or tribes, each of which operates with a high degree of autonomy and emphasizes strong personal bonds among its members. These groups serve as the core of religious and social life, gathering for rituals, seasonal festivals, shared meals, and mutual support. The structure of each community often reflects the values of reciprocity, frith, and shared responsibility, with leadership arising from demonstrated wisdom, integrity, and the ability to maintain harmony within the group. While some kindreds remain entirely independent, others choose to affiliate with larger national or international organizations that provide resources, guidance, and a broader network of support. Examples include the Ásatrúarfélagið in Iceland, which is officially recognized by the state and maintains a public presence in Icelandic religious life, and The Troth in the United States, which offers educational materials, clergy training, and a framework for those seeking greater structure within their practice. Despite differences in size and affiliation, Heathen communities consistently emphasize the importance of local relationships, shared tradition, and the cultivation of honor-bound bonds that mirror the values of pre-Christian Germanic society.

Heathenry is officially recognized as a legitimate religious tradition in several countries, though the degree and form of that recognition differ depending on national and regional frameworks. In Iceland, the Ásatrúarfélagið has held formal recognition since 1973 and enjoys the same legal rights and responsibilities as other registered religious organizations, including the authority to perform legally binding marriages, access state funding, and conduct public rites. Norway similarly grants official status to Heathen groups under its laws for registered faith communities, ensuring their legal protection and participation in national religious life.

In the United States, recognition is more decentralized and typically involves registration as nonprofit religious organizations at the state or federal level. Many Heathen groups operate under this structure, which allows them to perform legally binding marriages, hold religious property, and qualify for tax-exempt status. Notably, Heathenry has also been recognized within the U.S. military. In 2013, the Department of Veterans Affairs approved the use of the Mjölnir (Thor’s Hammer) as an official emblem of belief for gravestones and memorial markers, a significant milestone for public recognition. In 2017, the U.S. Army formally added Heathenry as an officially recognized religious preference, enabling service members to identify as Heathen and receive appropriate accommodations for religious observance. These developments mark important steps toward broader acceptance, affirming Heathenry’s place as a viable and respected spiritual path within both civilian society and institutional settings.

Heathenry does not possess a formalized or universally prescribed process for conversion, as one might find in more institutionalized religions. Instead, the path into Heathenry is typically one of personal exploration, gradual immersion, and the deliberate cultivation of relationships with the gods, ancestors, and spirits of the land. Those drawn to the tradition often begin by engaging in serious study of its core texts, such as the Poetic and Prose Eddas, as well as by learning about the history, cosmology, and values of the pre-Christian Germanic peoples. This intellectual foundation is usually accompanied by the development of personal spiritual practices, which may include making offerings, observing seasonal festivals, maintaining altars or ancestor shrines, and adopting the ethical principles that underpin the Heathen worldview.

The Nine Noble Virtues (NNV) are a set of moral and ethical principles often associated with modern Heathenry. Originally codified in the 1970s by members of the Odinic Rite, the virtues were intended to express qualities thought to be consistent with the values reflected in Old Norse and Germanic literature, including the sagas, Eddas, and historical accounts of pre-Christian societies. While the list itself is a modern creation, the virtues it highlights are drawn from recurring themes within the surviving lore and have been embraced by many contemporary Heathens as a framework for ethical living and character development.

The Nine Noble Virtues are often listed as follows:
1. Courage- The willingness to face fear, danger, or hardship without retreat.
2. Truth- The commitment to honesty, sincerity, and the pursuit of what is right.
3. Honor- The cultivation of integrity and the steadfast maintenance of one's moral reputation.
4. Fidelity- Loyalty to kin, community, and sacred bonds.
5. Discipline- The practice of self-restraint, focus, and personal accountability.
6. Hospitality- Generosity and respect shown toward guests and strangers.
7. Industriousness- Diligence in one's work and contributions to the greater whole.
8. Self-Reliance- The ability to meet one’s own needs and navigate life with independence.
9. Perseverance- The strength to endure setbacks and remain committed to a just cause.

For many practitioners, these virtues serve as a foundation for personal ethics, communal responsibility, and spiritual practice. They offer a set of values that can guide behavior in both sacred and everyday settings, allowing individuals to measure their actions against ideals rooted in ancestral tradition, even if not directly quoted from historical sources.

It is important, however, to understand the modern origins of the Nine Noble Virtues and the context in which they were developed. Although they are widely respected in many Heathen communities today, the virtues were first introduced by the Odinic Rite, a group that has since become associated with racialist and exclusionary ideologies. Because of this, some Heathens choose to distance themselves from the NNV or approach them with critical awareness, preferring to derive ethical guidance directly from the historical texts or from localized community traditions. While the virtues themselves are not inherently problematic, the origin and use of such frameworks must always be considered in light of both their modern authorship and the intentions of those who promote them.

Heathenry encompasses a rich and meaningful visual tradition, drawing upon the symbols, motifs, and sacred imagery found in Norse and broader Germanic mythology, archaeology, and cultural heritage. These symbols are not merely decorative but serve as powerful representations of cosmological ideas, divine powers, and spiritual relationships. Whether carved into stone, etched into metal, worn as jewelry, or invoked in ritual, such symbols connect practitioners to the myths, gods, and ancestral traditions of the old ways.

1. Mjölnir (Thor’s Hammer):
Perhaps the most widely recognized symbol in modern Heathenry, Mjölnir represents the hammer of the god Thor and is a potent emblem of protection, strength, and sacred blessing. Historically found in archaeological contexts as amulets, often buried with the dead, the hammer has long been associated with consecration and the defense of the community against chaos. Today, it is frequently worn as a pendant to signify one's faith and devotion to the gods, especially Thor, and to mark oneself as a follower of the old ways.

2. The Valknut:
Comprised of three interlocking triangles, the Valknut is often linked to the god Odin and appears on a number of Viking Age memorial stones and artifacts. While its exact historical meaning remains uncertain, it is commonly interpreted in modern Heathenry as a symbol of death, transition, and the power of the god who governs fate, battle, and wisdom. The Valknut is frequently associated with warriors who have fallen in battle and with the mysteries of life, death, and the afterlife.

3. Runes:
Runes are the characters of ancient Germanic alphabets used across a range of regions and time periods, including the Elder Futhark, Younger Futhark, and Anglo-Saxon Futhorc. Each rune carries not only a phonetic value but also a symbolic and esoteric meaning, making them central to both writing and divinatory practices. In Heathenry, runes are often used in ritual, carved into talismans, and employed in the practice of rune casting to seek wisdom, guidance, and insight. They also serve as symbols of ancestral knowledge, magical power, and sacred language.

4. Yggdrasil (the World Tree):
Yggdrasil, the immense ash tree that stands at the center of the Norse cosmos, is a powerful symbol of the universe’s structure and the interwoven nature of all existence. Its roots stretch into the deepest realms and its branches span the heavens, connecting gods, mortals, and spirits across the Nine Worlds. In Heathen iconography and meditation, Yggdrasil serves as a symbol of cosmic order, spiritual endurance, and the ongoing cycle of life, death, and renewal.

5. The Web of Wyrd:
A relatively modern symbol inspired by ancient concepts, the Web of Wyrd visually represents the interconnection of all events and the unfolding of fate. It is composed of lines that incorporate all the runes of the Elder Futhark, reflecting the idea that past actions shape present conditions and future possibilities. Although not attested in historical sources, it is often used by contemporary Heathens to illustrate the dynamic and interconnected nature of wyrd, or fate, as a living web constantly woven by choices and consequences.

These symbols, whether ancient in origin or modern in interpretation, serve to anchor Heathen practice in both mythic memory and living tradition. They act as points of focus for devotion, tools for understanding, and visual expressions of the complex and multifaceted worldview that defines Heathen spirituality.

No, according to the cosmology preserved in Norse mythology and understood by most modern Heathens, Ragnarök has not yet occurred. Often translated as the “Twilight of the Gods,” Ragnarök refers to a prophesied sequence of events that includes the breaking of cosmic bonds, the onset of a devastating battle between the gods and the forces of chaos, widespread natural disasters, and the eventual submersion of the world beneath the sea. These events are detailed most prominently in the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda, which serve as foundational sources for our understanding of Norse myth and eschatology.

Although the tone of the prophecy is apocalyptic, Ragnarök is not interpreted solely as an ending. Rather, it is part of a larger cycle that includes both destruction and renewal. After the world is consumed by fire and water, the lore foretells that the earth will rise again from the sea, green and fertile. A handful of gods will survive the cataclysm, including Baldr and Höðr, who will return from the realm of the dead, and two human beings, Líf and Lífþrasir, will emerge from the sheltering woods to repopulate the world. In this way, Ragnarök reflects a cyclical worldview, emphasizing the inevitability of death and loss, but also the promise of rebirth and continuity.

Most modern Heathens regard Ragnarök as a mythic event that lies in the future, poetic symbolism, or a late Christian addition, not as a historical moment that has already transpired. Its themes serve as both warning and wisdom, reminding practitioners of the impermanence of all things and the importance of living with honor, courage, and loyalty despite the certainty of hardship and eventual death. The gods continue to be honored in the present, not as figures of a vanished world, but as living powers still engaged in the ongoing unfolding of fate.