Asatru / Northern Folkway / Heathenism
Runestone image found here
Ásatrú describes a variety of efforts to revive the indigenous, pre-Christian religions of the Teutonic tribes of Northern Europe. Organizations which identify themselves as Ásatrú usually base their lists of gods on Norse mythology (see below) and the Icelandic sagas as well as other historical evidence. The religions that Ásatrú revitalizes were an integral part of the culture of the region that is today known as Scandinavia, Iceland, Germany, The Netherlands, and parts of the United Kingdom.
Part of the BBC's "Religion & Ethics" series. Has a very nice overview of Heathenry as well as related links about Paganism.
Norse (or Viking/Scandinavian) mythology was a collection of (pre-Christian) beliefs and stories shared by North Germanic tribes, not a revealed religion.
Regia Anglorum - Article Index
Information and articles on Early Medieval Europe in general, and Anglo-Saxon and Viking Britain in particular.
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An attempt to compile, in one list, the thews or virtues that the ancient Heathens followed.
A brief treatment of the "the unknowable" or "Wyrd Rune" that Ralph Blum popularized in his books and sets. Bottom line: It's an add-on with no real use and no actual history.
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In no particular order...
The AFA was formed in 1994 as a successor to the Asatru Free Assembly, which dominated the Asatru scene in the United States from its inception in the 1970's until its dissolution in 1986. These organizations - two incarnations of the same organization, actually - wrote the first Asatru rituals in modern America, formulated a religious calendar, published a periodical named The Runestone, and held annual gatherings called Althings starting in 1980. Read their Declaration of Purpose or visit the site for more information.
The Odinic Rite is an organization whose aims are to promote all aspects of the ancestral religion today called Odinism, the organic spiritual beliefs and way of life of the indigenous peoples of Northern Europe. The watch-words of the Odinic Rite are "Faith, Folk, Family" and this summarizes their ideals well.
Members of the Troth practice the Germanic/Norse religion of Heathenry, commonly referred to as Asatru. While there are many variations, names, and practices in Germanic Heathenry (such as Theodism, Irminism, Odinism, and Anglo-Saxon Heathenry), the Troth maintains that they "all share ... a defining personal loyalty to, or Troth with, the Gods and Goddesses of the Northlands." Their site features introductory information, details about their Clergy Accreditation Programs, and several articles articles among other resources.
AHF (Allgermanische Heidnische Front)
The purpose of the AHF today is to be an institution for the development and reconstruction of what Stephen Edred Flowers calls an integral culture, promoting the morals and ethics of our [Northern European] ancestors that have existed for many thousands of years and developed into the form we know it.
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translated by Olive Bray and edited by D. L. Ashliman
Volsunga-Saga (PDF)
translated by William Morris and Eirikr Magnusson
Translated by Benjamin Thorpes
translated by Henry Bellows
by Rig Svenson (read a review)
by Eric Wodening
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In no particular order...
A Germanic Heathen hearth located in the Walla Walla Valley of Washington. Focused primarily on Anglo-Saxon, Continental Saxon, and Nordic Heathenry.
Kindred Folk of the Odinist Fellowship
Based in the Tampa Bay area, the Kindred Folk was born out of prison outreach work. The above link skips the site's front door, but you might want to check it out.
FolkvangR Kindred is a Teutonic Kindred and specializes in Teutonic, Germanic, Anglo-Saxon, Gothic, Norse, Baltic and Rus, Slavic, Gothic and Hun Traditions, and including the Shamanic, Magical, and Runic pathways of indiginous European Spiritual Tradition. FolkvangR Kindred is a Full member of, and actively supports The Elder Way Inc., an " Australian networking organisation for groups following a Traditionalist Indigenous European Spiritual Pathway."
Woodhenge (Centre for Indigenous European Spirituality)
Woodhenge is the Home of FolkvangR Kindred of The Elder Way (see previous entry). Woodhenge focuses on the practice and preservation of Indigenous European Spirituality, Culture and History. It is also a focus point for other groups and individuals both expressing and exploring their spirituality. It is available for a range of activities and events, including personal development and meditation.
The personal/hearth pages of the Stray-Singer, a self-professed wandering poet/philosopher seeking to expand his knowledge, a student of Hara, and a laeringmann (associate member) of Se Geleafawaer Fyrnsida. The Stray-Singer is Anglo-Saxon Heathen, and his page features some good writing -- much of it personal -- as well as an interesting collection of links.
Great Oak is a folkish, family-oriented kindred. They strive to promote a stronger Asatru community through greater understanding, appreciation and practice of the Asatru faith. Their site features an essay library, as well as a good collection of resource links. Stop by and see pics from their activities.
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Features hand carved wooden plaques, plates and other items. Many of the pieces have a Heathen theme, drawing their inspiration from the themes and images found in Germanic and Celtic Mythology.
Viking Answer Lady - Gifts (@ CafePress.com)
Viking-themed designs from the Viking Answer Lady Website, which is a wonderful resource for information about Viking Age literature, history, and archaeology.
Selling knives, Viking and Celtic jewelry, iron work, feast gear, and other items for the historically minded.
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