Are there any Norse pagans left?

The religion of the original Viking settlers of Iceland, the old Norse paganism Ásatrú, is not just still alive and well in Iceland, it is undergoing something of a renaissance. Here is our quick guide to the current state of Ásatrú, the ancient religion of the Vikings, in Iceland.

What do the Norse believe?

What did the Viking believe in as a religion? The Vikings had their own belief system, Norse mythology, prior to Christianisation. Norse mythology centered on gods such as Odin, Thor, Loki and Frey. Dying in battle was the most prestigious way to depart life.

What religion are the Scandinavians?

In Scandinavia, Evangelical Lutheran is the most prominent religious group. Yet other expressions of Christianity, the ever-expanding Muslim population, and the revitalization of traditional Norse religion, has created a diverse array spiritual communities in the region.

Who are the Nordic gods?

There are twelve main gods in Norse mythology: Odin, Thor, Balder, Vidar, Vale, Brage, Heimdall, Ty, Njord, Froy, Ull and Forsete, – where Njord and Froy are not Aesirs, but Vanirs living in Asgard. Sometimes, Age and Loki is also considered Aesirs. The female gods in Norse mythology are called Asynja.

Are Norse and Nordic the same?

A further difference is that norse only refers to Scandinavians and people of Scandinavian origin (not Norwegians especially, as far as I know) while Nordic refers to something originating from one of the Nordic countries (thus also including Finland and Greenland ).

How old is Asatru?

Asatru is thousands of years old. Its beginnings are lost in prehistory, but it is older than Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, or most other religions. The spiritual impulses it expresses are as ancient as the European peoples themselves – at least 40,000 years, and perhaps much older.

What is the Asatru pagan tradition?

Asatru is a Pagan tradition based on old Norse beliefs. Also called Heathenism , Asatruans believe in the Norse pantheon that includes Odin, Loki, Freya and Thor and follow a set of guidelines known as the Nine Noble Virtues. These virtues are courage, truth, honor, fidelity, discipline, hospitality, industriousness, self-reliance and perseverance.