Heathenry

Heathenry is the term most commonly used in the UK to describe the modern practice of the religion of the ancient Germanic peoples. Other names that are also used include
Asatru,
Odinism,
Vanatru,
Theodish,
Northern Tradition.

The Heathen myths state that the universe was created from the body of the first or primordial giant, which was slain by Odin and his two brothers. In other tales a great Yew or Ash tree called Yggdrasil is said to support the universe reaching into each realm of which there are nine. Humans live in the realm called Midgard or middle earth. The Gods in Asgard and Vanaheim and the Giants in Jotunheim. Other realms include Hel, the place of the dead, Nifleheim where the dragon Nidhogg lives, Svartalfheim the home of the dwarfs, Muspelheim the home of the Fire Giants, Alfheim the realm of the elves.

In Heathenry there are two "families" of Gods, and these are the Aesir and the Vanir. There are other beings some with god-like powers and these have a few different names: the Saxons called them Ettins, and the Icelandic/Viking people referred to them as the Jotuns in the translated Eddas they are commonly known as Giants. The Gods and the Giants are generally described to be in a state of open warfare.

Other beings as indicated above also inhabit the world tree Yggdrassil. Two major groupings are the Alf's and Svartalfs or as their more commonly known light and dark elves. There are other creatures as well. Deer nibble at the shoots on Yggdrasill, and a terrible mighty dragon (Nidhogg) chews at one of the tree's roots. In the uppermost branches, sits an eagle with a hawk perched between its eyes. Ratatosk the squirrel scampers up and down the three bearing the insults between eagle and Dragon.

Then there of the Norns. Three sisters Urdhr, Verdhandi, and Skuld. They are the weavers of the web of wyrd to which all wights are bound. What is a wight? It is any being alive or dead.

As for the dead, heathens in general place great importance on their ancestry and believe that some female relatives who have died remain by the family hearth giving guidance. The spirits are greatly revered and are named the Disir. Some warriors who are slain in battle are taken to live with Odin or Freya in Asgard. Everyone else is said to go to Hela's realm - Hel, which unlike the Christian version is not a place of punishment but a place of rest, to be with your ancestors.

Before going into any detail about our gods and the goddesses are known by many names. I will only give the main aims the most people will identify with.

The Aesir

Odin/Woden
The All-father, chief of the gods with his brothers, Vili and Ve, were the creators of the universe from the body of Yimir the primal frost giant. He is the god of the runes and has always seeking knowledge of the present and future. His wife is Frigga and he has many children including Baldur. As a war god he had devotees who would take various substances and fly in to a rage. These warriors called berserkers were also known to tear into their own troops without knowledge. Odin imparts knowledge to those who ask but usually in a way the makes you think. Odin is a seemingly fickle God with tales being told of him getting his own supporters killed. This is not out of any evil intent but because he has his own agenda.

Frigga
She's the wife of Odin. She shares with her husband knowledge of men's destinies. She is also seen as the goddess over the Disir. Mother of Baldur.

Thor/Thunor
Biggest and strongest of the gods and with Mjollnir (Thor's hammer) in hand struck fear into even the greatest of Giants. He is seen as the protector of men and gods and was probably the most widely worshipped of all the heathen gods. His wife is Sif. He rides a chariot, which is pulled by two goats.

Loki
Probably the most misunderstood and feared God by non-heathens (and quite a few heathens for that matter). Seen as a trickster, he keeps the gods off balance forcing them to adapt rather than stagnate. He does this for people to! The lessons learned are sometimes harsh but well worth the effort. He will never tell you lie, but you better be ready for the truth. In the sagas is frequently accompanying Thor.

Tiw/Tyr
The warrior God. Links with the Saxons World column Irminsul. He was instrumental in finding a pot for Aegir to brew beer in! He gave up his hand so that the bear-wolf Fenris could be bound preserving the Gods.

Heimdall
Guardian of Asgard. He watches over the bridge, which leads to the home of the Gods. He is also seen as the father of the cast system, which the Viking society was based upon.

The Vanir

Frey

Freya

Njord

Nerthus