Heathenry vs Asatru: Understanding Norse Paganism Paths

Important Note

This article discusses the religious and spiritual aspects of Heathenry and Asatru. It's important to note that these traditions have unfortunately been appropriated by some hate groups. The vast majority of Heathens and Asatruar explicitly reject racism, white supremacy, and hate. Inclusive Heathenry welcomes all who are called to the gods, regardless of ancestry. This article focuses on the legitimate spiritual traditions, not their perversions by extremists.

What is Heathenry?

Heathenry is an umbrella term for modern polytheistic religions that reconstruct or revive the pre-Christian religions of Germanic peoples—including Norse (Scandinavian), Anglo-Saxon (English), and Continental Germanic (German, Dutch, etc.) traditions. The term "Heathen" comes from Old English "hǣthen," meaning someone who lives on the heath (countryside), and was used to describe non-Christians. Modern Heathens reclaim this term proudly, honoring the gods of their ancestors and reconstructing ancient Germanic religious practices.

Heathenry Characteristics:

• Scope: Umbrella term for all Germanic paganism
• Geographic focus: All Germanic cultures (Norse, Anglo-Saxon, Continental)
• Deities: Germanic gods (Aesir, Vanir, Anglo-Saxon, Continental)
• Approach: Varies (reconstructionist to revivalist)
• Inclusivity: Ranges from universalist to folkish
• Terminology: Broad, encompassing term

Heathenry is the big tent that includes Asatru, Theodism, Fyrnsidu, and other Germanic pagan paths.

What is Asatru?

Asatru (pronounced "AH-sah-troo") is a specific form of Heathenry that focuses primarily on Norse (Icelandic/Scandinavian) gods and practices. The name means "faith in the Aesir" (one of the two main families of Norse gods). Asatru emerged in Iceland in the 1970s and spread internationally, becoming one of the most well-known forms of Heathenry. Asatru practitioners honor the Norse gods (Odin, Thor, Freyja, etc.), celebrate Norse holidays, and draw primarily from Icelandic sources like the Eddas and sagas.

Asatru Characteristics:

• Scope: Specific tradition within Heathenry
• Geographic focus: Norse/Icelandic/Scandinavian
• Deities: Aesir and Vanir (Norse gods)
• Approach: Reconstructionist, based on Eddas and sagas
• Inclusivity: Varies by organization
• Terminology: Specific, Norse-focused

Asatru is one branch of the Heathenry tree, specifically the Norse/Icelandic branch.

Key Differences Between Heathenry and Asatru

1. Scope and Specificity

Heathenry:

• Umbrella term for all Germanic paganism
• Includes Norse, Anglo-Saxon, Continental traditions
• Broad and inclusive of various approaches
• Can focus on any Germanic culture
• General term

Asatru:

• Specific tradition within Heathenry
• Focuses on Norse/Icelandic tradition
• Narrower and more specific
• Norse gods and practices
• Particular term

2. Geographic and Cultural Focus

Heathenry:

• All Germanic cultures:
  • Norse (Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark)
  • Anglo-Saxon (England)
  • Continental (Germany, Netherlands, etc.)
• Practitioner chooses cultural focus
• May blend or focus on one

Asatru:

• Specifically Norse/Icelandic
• Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark
• Primarily Icelandic sources (Eddas)
• Norse-specific practices

3. Deities Honored

Heathenry:

• Any Germanic gods:
  • Norse: Odin, Thor, Freyja, etc.
  • Anglo-Saxon: Woden, Thunor, Frige, etc.
  • Continental: Wodan, Donar, Frija, etc.
• Depends on cultural focus

Asatru:

• Norse gods specifically:
  • Aesir: Odin, Thor, Tyr, Frigg, etc.
  • Vanir: Freyja, Freyr, Njord, etc.
• Norse names and forms

4. Primary Sources

Heathenry:

• Varies by tradition:
  • Norse: Eddas, sagas
  • Anglo-Saxon: Beowulf, charms, place names
  • Continental: Tacitus, archaeology, folklore
• Multiple source traditions

Asatru:

• Primarily Icelandic sources:
  • Poetic Edda
  • Prose Edda
  • Icelandic sagas
• Norse-specific sources

5. Terminology

Heathenry:

• "Heathen" (general term)
• Encompasses all Germanic paths
• Neutral, inclusive term

Asatru:

• "Asatruar" (practitioner)
• Specific to Norse tradition
• Identifies Norse focus

Other Forms of Heathenry

Theodism:

• Anglo-Saxon focused Heathenry
• Emphasizes Anglo-Saxon gods and culture
• Tribal structure
• Oath-based community

Fyrnsidu:

• Anglo-Saxon reconstructionism
• "Old custom" in Old English
• Focuses on pre-Christian English religion
• Academic, reconstructionist approach

Urglaawe:

• Pennsylvania Dutch/German Heathenry
• Continental Germanic focus
• Blends German paganism with folk practices
• Regional and cultural specific

Forn Siðr:

• "Old Way" in Old Norse
• Danish Heathenry
• Recognized religion in Denmark
• Norse-focused

Core Heathen/Asatru Concepts

The Nine Noble Virtues (NNV):

Common in Asatru (though debated origins):

1. Courage
2. Truth
3. Honor
4. Fidelity
5. Discipline
6. Hospitality
7. Self-Reliance
8. Industriousness
9. Perseverance

Note: Some Heathens reject NNV as modern invention; others embrace them.

Wyrd:

• Fate, destiny, or personal ørlǫg
• Web of cause and effect
• Actions shape future
• Not predetermined, but influenced by past

Frith:

• Peace, harmony within community
• Social bonds and obligations
• Maintaining right relationships
• Community cohesion

Gifting Cycle:

• Reciprocity with gods and community
• "A gift demands a gift"
• Offerings to gods
• Mutual obligation

Heathen/Asatru Practices

Blót (Sacrifice/Offering):

• Ritual offering to gods
• Food, drink (mead, beer)
• Historically animals (modern: symbolic or food)
• Community feast after offering

Sumbel (Ritual Toasting):

• Ceremonial drinking ritual
• Three rounds of toasts:
  • To the gods
  • To ancestors
  • To personal oaths or boasts
• Sacred and binding

Holidays (Asatru/Norse focus):

• Yule: Winter solstice (12 days)
• Disting: Early February
• Ostara: Spring equinox
• Midsummer: Summer solstice
• Freyfaxi: First harvest
• Winter Nights: Autumn, ancestor veneration

Personal Practice:

• Daily offerings to house wights (spirits)
• Ancestor veneration
• Rune study and divination
• Meditation and prayer

Universalist vs Folkish Debate

A major division in Heathenry/Asatru:

Universalist Heathenry:

• Open to all who are called to the gods
• Ancestry not required
• Explicitly anti-racist
• Inclusive communities
• "The gods call who they will"

Folkish Heathenry:

• Emphasizes Germanic ancestry
• "Religion of our ancestors"
• Ranges from cultural focus to exclusionary
• Controversial and debated
• Some folkish groups are racist (rejected by mainstream)

Important: Most Heathen organizations explicitly reject racism and white supremacy. Inclusive Heathenry is the mainstream.

Major Organizations

The Troth:

• International Asatru/Heathen organization
• Explicitly inclusive and anti-racist
• Educational focus
• Clergy training

Asatru Folk Assembly (AFA):

• Folkish organization
• Controversial for exclusionary stance
• Rejected by many Heathens

Ásatrúarfélagið:

• Icelandic Asatru Association
• Recognized religion in Iceland since 1973
• Inclusive
• Performs weddings, funerals, etc.

Which Term Should You Use?

Use "Heathenry" when:

• Referring to all Germanic paganism
• You practice Anglo-Saxon or Continental tradition
• You want inclusive, umbrella term
• Discussing the movement broadly

Use "Asatru" when:

• You specifically practice Norse tradition
• You focus on Icelandic/Scandinavian gods
• You identify with that specific tradition
• You're part of Asatru organization

Both are acceptable:

• Many Norse Heathens use both terms
• "Asatru" is subset of "Heathenry"
• Personal preference matters

Common Misconceptions

About Heathenry/Asatru:

• Myth: All Heathens are Vikings or reenactors
• Truth: Modern religion, not historical reenactment

• Myth: Heathenry is racist
• Truth: Mainstream Heathenry explicitly rejects racism

• Myth: Heathens worship Satan or demons
• Truth: Polytheistic, worship Germanic gods, no Satan

• Myth: You must have Scandinavian ancestry
• Truth: Inclusive Heathenry welcomes all (though some debate this)

Which Path is Right for You?

Choose Heathenry (general) if you:

• Are drawn to Germanic paganism broadly
• Want to explore Anglo-Saxon or Continental traditions
• Prefer umbrella term
• Are still discovering your specific focus
• Want flexibility in cultural focus

Choose Asatru (specific) if you:

• Are specifically drawn to Norse gods
• Love Icelandic sagas and Eddas
• Want to focus on Scandinavian tradition
• Identify strongly with Norse culture
• Want specific, defined tradition

Getting Started

Study:

• Read the Eddas (Poetic and Prose)
• Study Norse/Germanic mythology
• Learn about historical practices
• Read modern Heathen authors
• Join online communities

Practice:

• Set up altar or shrine
• Make offerings to gods and ancestors
• Celebrate holidays
• Study runes
• Find local kindred (group) or practice solo

Connect:

• Find inclusive Heathen communities
• Attend events and gatherings
• Join The Troth or other organizations
• Avoid racist or extremist groups

Final Thoughts

Heathenry and Asatru are related but distinct terms within Germanic paganism. Heathenry is the broad umbrella encompassing all Germanic pagan traditions—Norse, Anglo-Saxon, and Continental. Asatru is a specific tradition within Heathenry, focusing on Norse/Icelandic gods and practices. Think of it as: all Asatruar are Heathens, but not all Heathens are Asatruar.

Both paths offer meaningful connection to Germanic gods, ancestors, and traditions. Whether you honor Odin or Woden, Thor or Thunor, celebrate Yule or Modraniht, you're part of the broader Heathen community reviving and honoring ancient Germanic spirituality in the modern world.

Choose the path and terminology that resonates with you, study deeply, practice with integrity, and stand firmly against those who would pervert these traditions with hate. The gods call who they will, and the Heathen community is richer for its diversity. Hail the gods, hail the ancestors, and hail the Heathen community!