Essential Asatru: A Modern Guide to Norse Paganism

by Diana L. Paxson

Overview

With a brand new foreword from the author and other updates, this classic guide to Norse mythology has been given a fresh look for a new generation of readers in the widespread Wiccan and Heathen communities, as well as fans of TV shows like Vikings and The Last Kingdom, the hit Marvel movies featuring Odin and Thor, and authors such as Neil Gaiman, Rick Riordan, and Joanne M. Harris who incorporate legends of the Norsemen and pagan lore into their novels.

A journey to fulfillment and renewal.

In Essential Asatru, renowned author and priestess Diana Paxson demystifies an ancient, rich, and often misunderstood religion, and offers a practical guide for its modern followers.

Filled with clear, concise instructions on living Asatru every day, this truly accessible guide takes you on a journey from Asatru's origins in Scandinavian and German paganism through its acceptance as an official religion in the 1970s and its practice today.

Essential Asatru also includes:

A complete history of Asatru gods and goddesses, including Odin, Thor, and Ostara

The life values, such as honor, truth, fidelity, and hospitality, that shape Asatru's tenets

Indispensable information on rituals, rune casting, ethics, and divination

Essential Asatru is an elegant and splendid introduction to a centuries-old religion that continues to enrich and fascinate its followers today.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780806541129
Publisher:	Kensington
Publication date:	02/23/2021
Pages:	208
Sales rank:	202,585
Product dimensions:	8.10(w) x 5.50(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Diana L. Paxson, a founder of the Alliance for Inclusive Heathenry, is a noted author, teacher and leader in the Heathen community. A consecrated priestess since 1982, she has led Hrafnar kindred in Berkeley, California, since 1990, and has been an Elder in the Troth since 1993. She currently serves as Coordinator of Clergy training and editor of the Troth's journal, Idunna. She is a popular presenter at conferences and festivals and a bestselling author of fiction and nonfiction books on the Pagan religion. Visit her at Hrafnar.org, and Diana-Paxson.com.

Table of Contents

Foreword vii

Introduction ix

Acknowledgments xv

Prologue: Feasting the Gods at Raven Hammer Hall 1

Round 1 Heroes and Ancestors

1 Before History: The First Heathens 7

2 Barbarians at the Gates: The Great Migrations 17

3 From Vikings to Vinland 27

4 Conversion 35

5 The Roots of the Revival 45

Round 2 Gods and Goddesses

6 The Gods 55

7 The Goddesses 76

8 Ways of Devotion 96

9 Germanic Magic 116

Round 3 Toasts, Boasts, and Oaths

10 Living Trú 131

11 Questions and Conflicts 145

12 From Hearth to Hof: Heathen Organizations 161

Resources 174

Bibliography 178

Index 181