Nordic Mythology
Asatru: A living history There are many pre-Christian religions, some more well know that others. Within these pages we will explore a lost tradition and its modern day revival. Thousands of years ago Northern Europe was dominated by a religion known today as Nordic Mythology. Many other names have also been associated with this religion such as Germanic Paganism and Odinism, however Nordic Mythology is a more encompassing term. Through the studies of this ancient religion a new practice called Asatru has emerged. The following paper aims to explain the connection between Nordic Mythology and Asatru. The basis for Asatru lies in Nordic Mythology so it is important to understand its origins. We will look at topics including the location and timeframe when this religion was dominant in Europe and the stories behind their belief structure. This includes the creation of the Earth and man kind, the Gods that ruled over them and the inevitable destruction of the world as we know it. Finally the paper will look at modern day Asatru in order to understand the importance of preserving the heritage of Northern Europe.
Asatru is a modern day religion that is based on the belief structure found in Nordic mythology. What we know of the old Nordic traditions was derived from three main sources: the Sagas, the Eddas and the Rune Stones that are littered all across Northern Europe. The Eddas are a collection of poems that are the main source of the legendary stories that define Nordic mythology as we know it today. These poems can be found in a manuscript composed in Iceland during medieval times knows as the Codex Regius. No one is sure who authored the Eddas the common belief however, is that they were passed on through the oral traditions of minstrels and poets. Many scholars try to approximate the author, origin and timeframe of these works but since these are a collection of various stories spread orally for generations; it is commonly agreed that the answers they are
Asatru is a modern day religion that is based on the belief structure found in Nordic mythology. What we know of the old Nordic traditions was derived from three main sources: the Sagas, the Eddas and the Rune Stones that are littered all across Northern Europe. The Eddas are a collection of poems that are the main source of the legendary stories that define Nordic mythology as we know it today. These poems can be found in a manuscript composed in Iceland during medieval times knows as the Codex Regius. No one is sure who authored the Eddas the common belief however, is that they were passed on through the oral traditions of minstrels and poets. Many scholars try to approximate the author, origin and timeframe of these works but since these are a collection of various stories spread orally for generations; it is commonly agreed that the answers they are
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