The Nordic religion was the primary belief system in Scandinavian and Germanic countries before the spread of Christianity. We know about this faith due to oral histories, written accounts, artwork, and archaeological excavations.
The Norse religion thrives today. As with many modern pagan religions, there are various branches that people follow such as Asatru, Vanatru, or Heathenry among others. For the most part, they all embellish the following beliefs which come from the ancient Nordic people.
Polytheism
Belief in multiple Gods and Goddesses as well as mythical creatures.
A unique trait in Nordic deities is that they are not immortal and could die. They were real people with families, emotions, strengths, and weaknesses. Today we put them in three groups.
The main Gods are part of the Aesir tribe or the deities of justice or wisdom (Odin, Frigg, or Thor) Read more about Odin.
Gods of natural forces, fertility, magic, are the Vanir group (such as Freyja and Freyr)
The giants, Jötunn, represent chaos and destruction and are at war with the Aesir Gods.
The Norns are not goddesses but three women who represent the past, present, and future. Their job is to care for Yggdrasil.
2. No Dogma or Written Scripture
Dogma is a set of beliefs that all members of a religious or even a political group believe and practice. An example of dogma is the Bible.
The Nordic religion like most pagan faiths does not have a dogma or a written code.
3. End of the World
Belief in Ragnarok, the end of the world which comes after a final battle between the Aesir and Jotuns. During the battle, many of the Gods die and a new world is born.
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Press photos - VIKING exhibition - the National Museum of Denmark
4. Afterlife
The afterlife has two forms. Valhalla and Helheim. They are not equivalent to heaven and hell and your behavior does not earn you a place in one or the other.
Valhalla is located in Asgard and is where Odin lives. It is the meeting place for slain warriors.
Helheim is for everyone else and is ruled by Hel.
We have a great article, Norse Afterlife By Goði Anlengðarclan. Check it out to read more on this subject.
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Read Erik’s new book and you will be on your journey to become a Norse Pagan! Available in paperback on Amazon and PDF in our store.
5. Honor
There is honor in being a warrior and fighting for what you believe in. There are many Norse men and women, in the US Armed Forces, that desire to protect our country and help during national disasters.
This is not necessarily a call to violence. Ásatrú, as it has been practiced in Iceland, is a religion of nature and life, stressing the harmony of the natural world and the search for harmony in the life of individuals.
6. Ancestral Deities
Many Nordic cultures had local deities. Your ancestors played a big part in your family and clan life. Communication with the ancestors assures the well-being of everyone. Ignoring them can bring bad luck.
7. Sacred Animals
These animals had a connection to the Gods or were in the presence of the Gods. Common animals included cats, eagles, goats, ravens, and wolves.
8. Yggdrasil
Yggdrasil is the universal tree that connects the realms. An evergreen ash tree, it stands in the middle of the world.
270 Year Old Weeping Ash Tree 270 year old Weeping Ash tree in the grounds of Seaton Delaval Hall.
9. Blot
The blót is a traditional “blood sacrifice”. Obviously, today an animal or human sacrifice would be illegal as well as immoral. We can still celebrate a blót as communal worship time with food and drink.
During this time we can communicate with the Gods, offer gifts, and ask for help from them.
10. Community
The Ancient Nordic people did not separate their daily life from their “religious” life. The community was important and the divine is present in all things.
Today Norse pagan communities may be referred to as Kindreds, Hearths, or Garths.
WYRD
Wyrd has to do with the connectivity of everything in the universe. So your actions (or inactions) become very important.
11. No Proselytizing or Missionary Work
Unlike in Christianity where followers are called up to try and convert others, the Norse religion does not try to preach to other people.
Source of Knowledge
You may wonder - how do we know all of this?
Norse religion does not have a tenet like Christianity has the Bible. However, there are several texts that give us information on how the Nordic religion was practiced by our ancestors.
Snorri Sturluson was an Icelandic historian who wrote profusely during the early 1200s. He wrote a Saga called The Prose Edda.
Sagas are written prose that tells the history and life of the Scandinavian and Germanic peoples. Beowulf is a famous saga.
Tacitus was a Roman historian who wrote about the religion of the Germanic peoples in 100 AD.
Archaeologists have unearthed numerous pieces of art, jewelry, furniture, and other symbols of religious life.
Controversy
In a few modern groups of Norse pagans, racists have incorporated elements of ancient Nordic religion because they believe it reflects their worldview. This has created controversy with the majority of Norse and Heathen pagans who state that the Nordic belief system doesn’t teach any one race is superior to another.
Here at Celebrate Pagan Holidays, we are open to all people who want to learn more and pursue a pagan lifestyle. As stated in our mission: We are inclusive of all pagans and welcome persons from different ethnic, cultural, and racial backgrounds, and embrace persons of all genders.
Continued Growth
Norse paganism never really went away with the conquering of Christianity. In fact, it was incorporated into many Christian beliefs. Read “Do Pagans Celebrate Christmas” to learn more.
An Icelandic farmer and author, Sveinbjörn Beinteinssn, co-founded the Æsir Norse Religious practice in 1972. This group grew quickly in Iceland and has spread to North America and Great Britain, especially among people with Scandinavian heritage.
As a whole, pagans are gaining in population in the USA and Great Britain where they are counted in the census.
Author, Erik recently graduated with a degree in Anthropology and is working as a museum curator. Erik desires to be a Viking when he grows up and has worked in Outdoor Adventure leading hikes and rafting trips. He is the author of The Complete Guide To Become a Norse Pagan.
This is a question that many religious people have been asking themselves lately. In the past, it was commonplace for religious individuals to wear beards as part of their religious attire.
But now, with so much attention being focused on workplace safety and company image, more and more companies are starting to say no to religious facial hair in the workplace.
Should pagans be allowed to wear a beard in the workplace? Let's take a look at some of the arguments for both sides!