The Asatru movement began in the 1970's, as a revival of Germanic paganism. Begun in Iceland on the Summer Solstice of 1972, the Íslenska Ásatrúarfélagið was founded recognized as an official religion the following year. Shortly afterwards, a former U.S. Army Airborne Ranger anmed Stephen MacNallen founded the Asatru Free Assembly in the United States. The group later became the Asatru Folk Assembly. An offshoot group, the Asatru Alliance, founded by Valgard Murray, holds an annual gathering called "Althing", and has done so for over twenty-five years.
Many Asatruar prefer the word "heathen" to "neopagan," and rightfully so. As a reconstructionist path, Asatru is very similar in its modern form to the religion that existed hundreds of years ago before the Christianization of the Norse cultures. While many Neopagan traditions consist of a blend of the old and the new, Asatru is based in existing historical records -- particularly in the stories found in the Norse eddas, which are some of the oldest surviving records.
To the Asatru, the gods are living beings who take an active role in the world and its inhabitants. There are three races of gods within the polytheistic Asatru system:
- The Aesir are the gods of the tribe or clan. They represent order and leadership. The word "Asatru" is rooted in "Aesir"; the suffix "-tru" means "belief in". Therefore, "Asatru" means "belief in the Aesir."
- The Vanir are not part of the clan directly, but are associated with it. They represent earth and nature.
- The Jotnar are giants who are always at war with the Aesir, and symbolize destruction and chaos.
The Asatru believe that those who killed in battle are escorted to Valhalla by Freyja and her Valkyries. Once there, they will eat Särimner, who is a pig that is slaughtered and resurrected each day, with the Gods.
Some traditions of Asatruar believe that those who have lived a dishonorable or immoral life go to Hifhel, a place of torment. The rest go on to Hel, a place of calmness and peace.
The Nine Noble Virtues
Modern American Asatruar follow a guideline known as the Nine Noble Virtues. They are:
- Courage: not only physical courage, but also moral courage, and the willingness to stand up for what one believes in.
- Truth: spiritual "truth" should a goal for any seeker, and actual "truth" should always be upheld.
- Honor: honor is not only one's reputation, but also the internal moral compass that makes a person who they are.
- Fidelity: remaining true to the Gods, kinsmen, a spouse, and community
- Discipline: the use of personal will to uphold honor and other virtues.
- Hospitality: treating others with respect and kindness, and being a helpful member of the community.
- Industriousness: hard work is the key to achieving any goal.
- Self-Reliance: finding a way to take care of oneself, while still maintaining a strong relationship with the Gods.
- Perseverance: being willing to continue at something, despite potential obstacles.
Gods and Goddesses of the Asatru
- Odin is the one-eyed God, the father figure. He is a wise man and magician, who learned the secrets of the runes by hanging himself on the tree Yggdrasil for nine nights.
- Thor is the god of thunder, who wields the divine Hammer, Mjolnir. Thursday (Thor's Day) is named in his honor.
- Frey is the god of peace and plenty who brings fertility and prosperity. This son of Njord was born at the time of the Winter Solstice.
- Loki is a trickster god, who brings discord and chaos. In challenging the gods, Loki brings about change.
- Freyja is a goddess of love and beauty, as well as sexuality. The leader of the Valkyries, she escorts warriors to Valhalla when they are killed in battle.
- Frigg is the wife of Odin, and is goddess of the household, who watches over married women.
Structure of the Asatru
The Asatru are divided into Kindreds, which are local worship groups. These are sometimes called a garth, stead, or skeppslag. Kindreds may or may not be affiliated with a national organization and are composed of families, individuals, or hearths. Members of a Kindred may be related by blood or marriage.
A Kindred is usually led by a Goðar, a priest and chieftain who is the "speaker for the gods".
