What is Norse Paganism?
Norse and Germanic paganism is one of the most fascinating spiritual traditions of pre-Christian Europe. It is rooted in the myths, rituals, and cultural practices of the ancient Germanic peoples, whose worldview was shaped by kinship, honour, reciprocity, and a deep reverence for the natural and unseen forces of the world. Far from being a rigid, centralized religion, it was a living tradition expressed through seasonal festivals, offerings to gods and ancestors, and stories that explained the cosmos and humanity’s place within it. What survives in the Eddas, sagas, rune stones, and archaeology gives us a glimpse into this vibrant, ancestral faith - a path that sought harmony between humans, the divine, and the cycles of nature.
History
Before Christianity spread through Northern Europe, the Germanic tribes (stretching from Scandinavia to Anglo-Saxon England and across continental Europe) followed a wide range of local pagan traditions. These were not written down in holy books or centralized scriptures. Instead, they were passed from one generation to the next through oral storytelling, poetry, song, and ritual. The old ways lived in memory, in the telling of myths by the fire, in seasonal festivals tied to the land, and in the honouring of ancestors whose spirits were believed to guide the living.
What we know today comes only in fragments, because most of these traditions disappeared or were reshaped after conversion to Christianity. The richest sources are the Poetic Edda and Prose Edda, written down in medieval Iceland centuries after the old beliefs were widely practiced. These texts preserve powerful myths of gods such as Odin, Thor, Freyja, and Loki, as well as poems about creation, fate, and the end of the world in Ragnarök. Alongside the Eddas, the Icelandic sagas, rune stones carved with symbols and inscriptions, and archaeological finds like burial mounds and temple remains provide vital clues.
Other glimpses come from outsiders. Roman historians, such as Tacitus in his work Germania, described the customs and rituals of the Germanic tribes. Although these accounts were written from an outsider’s perspective, they tell us of sacred groves, sacrifices, and fierce devotion to gods of war and fertility. Together, all of these sources paint a picture of a faith centred not on dogma but on lived practice - offerings made to gods and ancestors, celebrations tied to the turning of the seasons, and a worldview shaped by fate (wyrd), honour, and the bonds of kinship.
Early Germanic Beliefs -
Long before Christianity reached Northern Europe, the Germanic peoples (living across Scandinavia, Anglo-Saxon England, and the wider regions of continental Europe) followed their own spiritual traditions. These were not organized religions with a single holy book or church structure. Instead, they were local, family-based, and deeply tied to the land and community.
People believed in many gods and spirits. Some were worshiped across wide regions, such as Odin, Thor, and Freyja, while others were local deities or land-spirits connected to rivers, forests, and mountains. Ancestors also played a central role; they were thought to continue influencing the living, offering guidance and protection if honoured properly.
The beliefs were passed down orally, through stories, poetry, and songs. Elders, poets (called skalds), and ritual leaders kept the traditions alive. Sacred groves, open-air sites, and sometimes wooden temples were used for rituals and sacrifices, where offerings of food, drink, animals, and occasionally weapons were given to gods and spirits in exchange for blessings.
The Viking Age (c. 800–1100 CE) -
During the Viking Age, Norse paganism flourished and spread across new lands. As Scandinavian seafarers traveled, traded, and settled in places like Iceland, Greenland, Ireland, and parts of England, they carried their gods and rituals with them.
The myths of this time reflect both everyday life and cosmic struggles. Thor was called upon for protection against giants and natural disasters. Odin was honoured for wisdom, poetry, and victory in battle. Freyr and Freyja were invoked for fertility, love, and prosperity. Ritual feasts, sacrifices, and seasonal festivals were woven into the cycle of farming, warfare, and seafaring life.
Burial practices also reveal a lot about ‘Viking Age’ beliefs. Some people were buried with weapons, ships, jewelry, and even animals, showing the belief that life continued in some form after death. Runes carved into stones served both as memorials and as magical symbols meant to honour the dead and invoke divine power.
Sources of Knowledge -
Most of what we know today about Norse and Germanic paganism comes from a mix of sources:
The Poetic Edda and Prose Edda: Written down in Iceland in the 13th century, long after Christianity had taken hold, these texts preserve many myths, heroic lays, and poems about the gods.
The Sagas: Prose stories about legendary heroes, families, and events, which often include references to older pagan beliefs.
Rune Stones and Inscriptions: These carved stones found across Scandinavia and beyond often mark graves or victories and sometimes contain magical or religious symbols.
Archaeology: Burial mounds, temple remains, and everyday objects give us physical evidence of rituals and beliefs.
Roman Accounts: Writers like Tacitus (Germania, written in the 1st century CE) described the customs of early Germanic tribes, mentioning sacred groves and sacrifices.
Each of these sources is incomplete and often influenced by later Christian perspectives, but together they provide a picture of a rich, complex spiritual tradition.
Christianization and Decline -
From the 8th to the 12th centuries, Christianity gradually spread throughout Northern Europe. At first, it arrived through missionaries and trade, but eventually, conversion was enforced by kings and political rulers who saw Christianity as a way to unify their lands.
Many pagan practices were outlawed. Sacred groves were cut down, temples destroyed, and rituals banned. Over time, people adopted Christianity, but some older customs survived in folk traditions - seasonal festivals, charms, and respect for ancestral spirits often blended with Christian practices.
Even though the old religion declined, the myths and stories survived in memory and were later written down by Christian scribes, which is why we still know them today. These writings, along with archaeological finds, give us windows into a world where gods, spirits, and humans were bound together in a cycle of reciprocity and fate.
What Is Norse and Germanic Paganism?
At its core, Norse and Germanic paganism was the religion of the people who lived in Northern Europe before the spread of Christianity. It was polytheistic, which means that people worshiped many gods and goddesses, each with their own strengths, powers, and personalities. These deities were divided mainly into two families: the Æsir and the Vanir. The Æsir were connected with war, law, leadership, and order, while the Vanir were linked with fertility, prosperity, and the natural cycles of the earth.
The people also believed strongly in spirits and ancestors. Local land-spirits, known as landvættir, were thought to dwell in rivers, mountains, forests, or even particular stones. These spirits could offer blessings and protection if treated with respect. Ancestors, too, were honoured as part of daily life, with the belief that family members who had passed on could still guide and watch over the living.
The cosmos was imagined as a vast tree called Yggdrasil, the World Tree. Its branches and roots connected the Nine Worlds, each with its own beings and powers. These included Asgard, home of the gods; Midgard, the world of humans; Jotunheim, land of giants; and Hel, the realm of the dead. This vision of the universe showed how everything was connected, from gods and humans to giants, elves, and spirits.
Life itself was thought to be shaped by wyrd, a great web of fate. Wyrd was not a fixed destiny, but rather a weaving together of past actions, present choices, and inherited family patterns. Every deed mattered, and each person’s actions added new threads to the web.
Among the many gods, several stood out as especially important:
Odin, the Allfather, was the god of wisdom, poetry, and magic. He was seen as a seeker of knowledge, willing to sacrifice much in order to gain wisdom.
Thor, the protector, was the god of thunder and strength. He defended both gods and humans from giants and other threats, using his mighty hammer, Mjölnir.
Freyja was the goddess of love, beauty, and seiðr, a form of powerful magic connected to fate and prophecy. She was also a chooser of the slain, receiving half of the warriors who died in battle.
Freyr, her brother, was the god of fertility, prosperity, and peace. He brought growth to crops, wealth to people, and blessings of harmony.
Together with countless other deities, spirits, and ancestors, these beings shaped a religion that was not just about worship but about living in right relationship with the world - honouring the gods, respecting the land, remembering the dead, and acting with honour in every part of life.
What Norse Paganism Is About
Unlike religions that are built on strict commandments or single holy books, Norse paganism was based on values and actions in daily life. What mattered most was how a person lived, how they treated others, and how they upheld their responsibilities. Honour was at the heart of everything. A person’s reputation was their most valuable possession, and it was shaped by their words and deeds. To keep your promises and stand by your kin showed strength of character, while breaking oaths or acting without respect could bring shame not just to you but to your family.
Another key idea was frith, which means peace and harmony within family, tribe, and community. People worked to maintain strong bonds with one another, knowing that conflict and division could weaken the whole group. Balance was also kept through reciprocity - the rule of “gift for a gift.” If the gods or spirits gave blessings, people gave offerings in return. If someone in the community helped you, you were expected to give back when they were in need. Life was seen as a constant exchange, a web of giving and receiving that kept order in the world.
This worldview showed itself in the myths and rituals. Offerings and sacrifices, known as blóts, were made to gods, ancestors, and land-spirits not out of blind obedience, but as acts of respect and exchange. People might pour out mead, offer food, or dedicate animals in gratitude for protection, a good harvest, or victory in battle. These rituals kept the balance between humans and the unseen powers that shaped their lives.
The year was also guided by the seasons and festivals. The most important times of year were marked by gatherings, feasts, and rituals. Yule, at the winter solstice, celebrated light and rebirth during the darkest days. Midsummer honoured the power of the sun at its peak. Winternights marked the beginning of winter and gave thanks to the ancestors and spirits for survival in the cold months ahead. These festivals were not just celebrations but moments to align human life with the cycles of nature.
Runes held a special place in this belief system. They were more than letters for writing - each rune carried deep meaning and magical power. They could be carved into stones, wood, or weapons to protect, to bless, or to bring strength. They were also used in divination, where a person might cast runes to seek guidance about the future. Meditating on runes or carrying them as charms allowed people to connect with the mysteries of the cosmos.
In the end, Norse paganism was about living in right relationship. It was not only about worshiping gods, but about respecting the bonds between family, ancestors, land, and the divine. It asked people to act with honour, give in balance, choose knowledge and live in harmony with the world around them. This way of life made the old religion not just a set of beliefs, but a woven pattern of values, rituals, and relationships that touched every part of existence.
How It’s Practiced in Modern Times
Today, Norse and Germanic paganism is experiencing a strong revival. People all over the world are drawn to the old stories, values, and rituals, and they are rebuilding these traditions in a way that fits modern life. Because the original religion was never written down in full and was shaped by local customs, today’s practice is not the same everywhere. Instead, there are many different versions and approaches. Some try to stay as close as possible to the old ways of the Germanic tribes, while others see it as a living, changing path that should grow with the times.
- Our website Wyrd & Flame focuses on Norse and Germanic Paganism which is solely Norse based rather then eclectic paganism (the use of mixing different forms of paganism together in one practice). -
The most common names you may hear are Norse or Germanic Paganism, Heathenry, and Ásatrú. Sometimes people use these names differently, but they all share the same root in the pre-Christian beliefs of Northern Europe.
Norse and Germanic Paganism usually refers to the broad, original religion of the old tribes - the worship of gods like Odin, Thor, and Freyja, the honouring of ancestors and the respect for land-spirits. This term keeps the focus on the historical traditions as they were practiced before conversion.
Ásatrú, which means “faith in the Æsir” (the main family of Norse gods), is the most widely recognized modern form. It began in Iceland in the 1970s and has since spread worldwide. Ásatrú groups often blend reconstruction of old practices with modern community life.
Heathenry is another common name, often used as a broader umbrella term. It includes Ásatrú but also covers other approaches, such as Theodism (which focuses on tribal structure) or more nature-centered practices like Vanatru (devotion to the Vanir gods such as Freyr and Freyja).
While these versions may differ in focus, they all share the same roots: honouring the gods, ancestors, and spirits, and living with values of honour, reciprocity, and respect.
Rituals and Offerings -
Modern practitioners often carry out rituals known as blóts, just as their ancestors did. A blót is an offering given to the gods, ancestors, or land-spirits. This might involve raising a horn of mead, ale, or water and making toasts in their honour. In larger community gatherings, it may include ritual speeches, shared drinking, and feasting.
At home, offerings can be much simpler. A person might light a candle and say words of thanks, or leave bread, fruit, or drink outside for the local spirits. The purpose is not to worship blindly but to show respect and maintain balance between humans and the unseen powers.
Altars and Sacred Space -
Many modern followers create a vé, or sacred space, within their homes. This may be a shelf, table, or small altar decorated with statues of gods, runes, candles, stones, or items from nature. It becomes a focus for prayer, offerings, and meditation.
Outdoors, some people use natural places such as groves, riversides, or stone circles for rituals. These spaces are often chosen because they feel alive and powerful. Just as in the past, the natural world remains central to worship.
Seasonal Celebrations -
The cycles of nature are celebrated through festivals, much like in the old times. Modern followers often keep a Heathen calendar that includes the major turning points of the year:
Yule (Jól): celebrated around the winter solstice, marking the rebirth of the sun and honoring ancestors.
Midsummer (Summer Solstice): honouring the power of the sun, growth, and abundance.
Winternights (Vetrnætr): marking the beginning of winter, giving thanks for harvests, and remembering the dead.
These festivals bring people together in feasting, toasting, storytelling, and ritual, blending ancient inspiration with modern creativity.
Runes and Magic -
The runes are another important part of modern practice. The Elder Futhark, the oldest runic alphabet, is studied not only as a writing system but as a source of wisdom and magic. Many people meditate on the runes, carve them into objects for blessing or protection, or use them in divination to seek guidance.
Runes are not seen as fortune-telling in a shallow sense but as symbols that connect to deep truths about life, fate, and the web of wyrd. Working with them is considered a way of connecting with the mysteries of the cosmos.
Ancestral Practice -
Just as in the past, ancestors remain at the heart of worship. Many modern pagans set aside a place in their home for ancestor veneration. This might include photographs, heirlooms, or even just names written on paper. Offerings of food, drink, or candles may be made while speaking words of gratitude or remembrance.
This practice keeps alive the belief that the dead are still part of the family and community. They continue to guide, protect, and inspire the living, so long as they are honoured.
Community and Kinship -
A strong sense of community is central to modern Norse and Germanic paganism. Many groups and organizations exist where people gather for rituals, festivals, and study. In Iceland, for example, the Ásatrúarfélagið is a legally recognized Ásatrú fellowship that holds public ceremonies. Internationally, inclusive groups like The Troth provide resources and community for those interested in Heathen practice. Many Clans exist internationally for Norse pagans and finding the right group to settle in can give you a greats sense of community and enjoy the benefits of being around likeminded individuals.
In gatherings, people often share food and drink, perform rituals together, and build bonds of friendship and trust. These modern groups echo the old tribal values of kinship and mutual support.
Diversity in Modern Practice -
It is important to understand that modern Norse paganism is diverse. Some practitioners are reconstructionists, who try to follow the old ways as closely as possible, using historical texts and archaeology as their guide. Others are adaptationists, who believe the tradition should evolve to fit modern life and values.
There are also different branches:
Ásatrú, focusing on the Æsir gods.
Vanatru, emphasizing the Vanir gods and nature spirituality.
Rökkatru, centered on gods like Loki, Hel, and others often seen as darker powers.
Theodism, which seeks to revive ancient tribal structures.
Old Norse/Germanic paganism, focuses on keeping to the old ways as much as possible, celebrating all the deities.
Unfortunately, Norse symbols like the runes or Thor’s hammer (Mjölnir) have sometimes been misused by extremist groups. But many modern pagans work actively to reclaim these traditions as symbols of community, reverence, and respect, rejecting hate and exclusion.
A Living Tradition -
Modern Norse and Germanic paganism is not about perfectly copying the past. Instead, it is about keeping the old values and practices alive in a way that speaks to people today. Whether through lighting a candle for ancestors, celebrating the seasons, carving runes, or gathering with others, people are finding ways to honour the gods, spirits, and the land.
It is a living tradition - one that grows, adapts, and continues to connect people with the sacred, just as it did for their ancestors many centuries ago.
Norse and Germanic paganism is not a religion that asks us to run away into the past or try to live exactly as our ancestors once did. Instead, it invites us to look at the wisdom they left behind and bring it into our own lives today. At its heart, this tradition is about living well, with honour, respect, and awareness of the world around us. It gives us tools to grow as people, to strengthen our communities, and to find balance in a world that often feels disconnected.
One of the most powerful lessons of this path is the importance of values. In the old days, your reputation was everything. A person’s word and actions shaped how they were remembered, both in life and in death. This same teaching applies today: our choices matter, not just for us but for the people we care about and the communities we belong to. Norse paganism reminds us that honour, honesty, and responsibility are not old-fashioned ideas - they are timeless values that help us grow into stronger and better people.
This tradition also teaches the value of kinship and community. Our ancestors believed that no one stood alone. Family, tribe, and community were the foundation of life. To care for one another, to support one another, and to work toward harmony - this was called frith. In modern life, where loneliness and disconnection are common, these lessons can be deeply healing. Practicing Norse paganism today can mean building strong bonds with family and friends, working to keep peace in our relationships, and remembering that our strength comes not only from ourselves but from those around us.
Another key value is reciprocity, the idea of “gift for a gift.” The gods gave blessings, the land gave harvests, and in return people gave thanks through offerings and rituals. This was not just about worship; it was about balance. Life is an exchange, and everything we do adds to the great web of connection. In our time, this value teaches us to live with gratitude. When we take from the earth, we give back by protecting it. When someone shows kindness, we repay it with kindness of our own. This way of thinking shapes us into people who live with awareness and respect, always mindful of how our actions ripple out into the world.
Norse paganism is also deeply tied to nature and the cycles of life. The seasons were celebrated through festivals like Yule, Midsummer, and Winternights, marking the rhythms of light and dark, birth and death, growth and rest. These celebrations remind us that we, too, are part of these cycles. They teach us patience, acceptance, and respect for change. By honouring the turning of the year, we learn to flow with life instead of always fighting against it. This connection to nature is not only spiritual but also practical - it calls us to care for the world we live in and to remember that we are guests in a much larger web of life.
On a personal level, Norse paganism offers a path of growth and self-discovery. The myths are not just old stories; they are lessons about struggle, courage, wisdom, and fate. Odin’s search for knowledge, Thor’s fight to protect, Freyja’s strength and beauty, Freyr’s gift of peace and abundance - each of these reflects values and challenges that we face in our own lives. When we study these stories, we are not only learning about the gods but also learning about ourselves and the qualities we want to grow.
Most importantly, Norse paganism shows us how to live in relationship. Relationship with the gods, with the land, with our ancestors, with each other, and with ourselves. It is not about blind obedience but about partnership - giving and receiving, listening and speaking, acting with respect. This way of life encourages us to find the sacred not only in grand rituals but also in everyday acts: pouring a simple offering of water, lighting a candle for our ancestors, or walking outside and feeling the presence of the land-spirits.
In the end, Norse and Germanic paganism is more than a set of old rituals - it is a religion of values, growth, and connection. It asks us to live with honour, to nurture our bonds with others, to respect the cycles of nature, and to see the sacred in all things. Whether we are reading the myths, raising a toast to the gods, or simply choosing to act with kindness and honesty, we are living out the lessons of this ancient path.
Norse and Germanic paganism is more than history, and it is more than myth. It is a way of life built on deep values — honour, reciprocity, kinship, and respect for nature.. values that can still guide us today. This tradition is not about escaping into the past or copying it word for word. It is about drawing from ancient wisdom so that we can live more meaningfully in the present.
If you are beginning this journey, start small. Read the old myths in the Eddas and sagas. Light a candle for your ancestors and speak their names. Step outside and notice the land around you (the trees, the wind, the stones) and honour them as living powers. Celebrate the turning of the seasons in your own way, whether through ritual, feast, or quiet reflection.
What matters most is not perfection, but practice. Each act of respect, each choice made with honour, adds to your growth as a person and strengthens your connection to the wider web of life. Norse paganism is a path of becoming - becoming someone who lives with balance, wisdom, and courage, and who will be remembered well by those who come after.
It is not just about remembering where we came from, but about becoming the kind of people who will be remembered well..
So take the first step.
The old path is still here, waiting to be walked.