Norse Paganism Essay

The Old Norse Religion or Norse Paganism were practised traditions by the Norsemen prior to the Christianization of Scandinavia, dating as far back to roughly 793-1066 CE. This religion was separated, and categorized into three different families; the Æsir, Vanir and Jotnar; these were all polytheistic groups. The Æsir tribe contained some of the best-known Norse Gods and goddesses such as Odin, Thor, Frigg, Tyr, Loki, Baldur, Heimdall, Idun, and Bragi1. These Gods represented kingship, order, craft, etc. The Vanir were Gods and Goddesses such as Freya, Freyr, Njord and the Germanic Goddess Nerthus. They represented fertility of the earth and forces of nature. Lastly, there was another group in which Norse Gods differentiated in, the Jotnar. These were the ' giant-Gods' those whom were in

Some traditions were also to roll a flaming wagon down a hill to mark the turning wheel of the year. The Winter Nights festival commemorates the remembrance of family spirits and honoring Disir. Lastly, Einherjar or the feast of the fallen, was a very important holiday for the Asatru. This is held on November 11 of every year , as it honours the fallen in battle and joined Odin's warriors in Valhalla. Totem animals such as the bear, boar, bovine, dragon, eagle, horse, raven, stag, and wolf were common animals you saw in totems, as they were very rich in spiritual symbolism. Other traditional sacred symbols the Asatru followed was the apple, as the goddess Idunna meant eternal spring, immortal youth, and vitality. The footprint, which was found on early bronze rock carvings, symbolized the cult of the Vanir, the emblem of God and the fruitfulness to their land and people. The Fylfot, associated with fire and lighting, is one of the oldest and mightiest power as it symbolizes Thor; the dynamic power, and unstoppable swirling strength of will4. Runes, symbolized the expressions of the cosmic mysteries of the universe, which was discovered by Odin during his shamanic