Norse Paganism (Ásatrú) Guide: Norse Gods and Heathen Practices
Norse Paganism — often known as Ásatrú — is a living revival of the pre-Christian spiritual traditions of Scandinavia. Rooted in honor, reciprocity, ancestor worship, and connection to ancient gods like Odin and Thor, it is a path of courage, personal responsibility, and deep respect for the natural world.
Whether you're exploring Norse pagan beliefs for the first time or seeking a grounded introduction to heathen rituals, this guide will walk you through the foundations of Ásatrú with clarity and depth.
What Is Norse Paganism (Ásatrú)?
Ásatrú (pronounced AH-sah-troo) means “faith in the Æsir” — referring to the main tribe of Norse gods such as Odin, Thor, Frigg, and others.
The Historical Roots in Pre-Christian Scandinavia
Before Christianity reached the North, the Norse worshiped a pantheon of gods, spirits, and ancestors. Their practices included:
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Offerings (blót)
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Sacred feasts (sumbel)
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Divination with runes
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Seasonal celebrations
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Honor-based community traditions
The Ásatrú Revival and Modern Heathenry
Modern Ásatrú began its revival in the 20th century, especially in Iceland and North America. Today it includes:
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Reconstructionists (tradition-focused)
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Inclusive Heathens
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Eclectic Norse pagans
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Folk practitioners
Core Values: Honor, Courage, and Reciprocity
Heathen ethics revolve around:
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Honor (keeping your word)
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Fidelity (loyalty to kin, friends, gods)
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Truth
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Hospitality
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Self-reliance
These are inspired by the Nine Noble Virtues often associated with modern Heathenry.
The Norse Gods: Major Figures in the Heathen Pantheon
Odin – The Allfather and Seeker of Wisdom
Odin is the god of:
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Wisdom
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Poetry
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Magic
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War
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Runes
He hung on Yggdrasil for nine nights to gain the runes — a sacrifice of self to self.
Thor – Protector, Thunderer, and Guardian of Midgard
Thor represents:
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Strength
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Protection
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Honor
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Courage
His hammer, Mjölnir, is a widely worn symbol of protection among modern Heathens.
Freyja – Goddess of Magic, Love, and Battle
Freyja is associated with:
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Seiðr (Norse magic)
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Sovereignty
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Beauty
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War and the slain
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Fertility
She receives half of the honored dead, equal to Odin.
Freyr – God of Prosperity, Fertility, and Peace
Brother to Freyja, Freyr governs:
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Abundance
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Agriculture
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Gentle weather
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Peaceful prosperity
He is beloved for his generosity.
Loki – Catalyst of Change and Trickster Force
Loki is:
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Complicated
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Transformational
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A boundary-breaker
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A bringer of necessary chaos
Some Heathens honor him; others do not. The path is personal.
Ancestors, Landvættir, and Spirits
Heathenry includes:
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Ancestors (Disir & Alfar)
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Landvættir (land spirits)
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Household spirits
These beings are honored and interacted with respectfully.
Beliefs and Worldview in Norse Paganism
The Nine Realms and Yggdrasil
The universe is structured through:
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Yggdrasil, the World Tree
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Nine interconnected realms
This cosmology shapes the spiritual worldview of Heathens.
Wyrd, Fate, and Personal Responsibility
Wyrd is the woven tapestry of fate — shaped by:
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Past actions
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Present choices
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Consequences
Heathens believe in weaving their own fate with responsibility and intention.
The Afterlife: Valhalla, Hel, and Beyond
Afterlife possibilities include:
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Valhalla (Odin’s hall for certain fallen warriors)
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Fólkvangr (Freyja’s realm)
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Helheim (peaceful resting place for most people)
Norse afterlife is nuanced — not dualistic like heaven/hell.
Heathen Practices and Rituals in Ásatrú
Blót – Offerings to the Gods and Spirits
A blót is a ritual offering, usually involving:
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Food
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Drink
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Symbolic gifts
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Devotional words
Offerings strengthen the reciprocal bond between humans and the divine.
Sumbel – Ritual Toasting and Oaths
A sumbel is a formal ritual involving:
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A horn of drink passed around the circle
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Toasts to:
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Gods
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Ancestors
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Personal goals or oaths
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This is one of the most powerful rituals in heathenry.
Working With Runes
Runes are the sacred alphabet of the Norse. Practitioners use:
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Stone or wood rune sets
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Casting layouts
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Meditative rune study
Runes can be used for divination, meditation, or magical focus.
Seasonal Festivals and Holy Days
Many Heathens celebrate:
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Yule
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Midsummer
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Winter Nights
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Váblót
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Einherjar Day
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Harvest festivals
Rituals follow the natural cycles of the year.
Tools of the Norse Pagan Path
Rune Sets
Used for:
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Divination
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Spellwork
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Meditation
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Ancestral communication
They’re often carved in stone, wood, bone, or resin.
God Statues
Altars commonly feature statues of:
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Odin
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Thor
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Freyja
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Loki
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Frigg
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Freyr
These figures anchor spiritual focus and devotional practice.
Drinking Horns
Used in:
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Sumbel rituals
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Toasting ceremonies
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Offerings
Mjölnir Symbol
The hammer of Thor represents:
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Protection
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Strength
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Community identity
Many Heathens wear it daily.
How to Begin Practicing Norse Paganism
Building a Simple Heathen Altar
A basic altar can include:
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A candle
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A bowl of water
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A small offering dish
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A rune stone
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A statue of a deity you feel called to
Altars evolve over time; simplicity is enough.
Connecting With the Gods and Ancestors
Start with:
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A candle
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A spoken greeting
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A simple offering (water, mead, bread)
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Regular practice
Daily Practices: Meditation, Offerings, Study
Begin with:
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One small devotional act
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Reading Norse lore
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Honoring ancestors
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Mindfulness of wyrd (your actions)
Learning the Lore (Eddas & Sagas)
The lore is foundational. Beginners often start with:
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The Poetic Edda
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The Prose Edda
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Icelandic sagas
Use them as spiritual inspiration — not literal rulebooks.
Final Thoughts: Walking the Heathen Path With Honor
Norse Paganism is a path of strength, resilience, and deep connection to ancestors, spirits, and the land. It asks you to act with integrity, build meaningful relationships with the gods, and walk your path with courage.
Ásatrú isn’t about recreating the past — it’s about embodying the timeless values that shaped it. Honor, reciprocity, and self-determination form the heart of the heathen way.
FAQ: Norse Paganism & Ásatrú
Is Ásatrú the same as Norse Paganism?
Ásatrú is a form of Norse Paganism focused on worship of the Æsir gods. Not all Norse pagans are Ásatrú, but the terms often overlap.
Do Norse Pagans worship Vikings?
No. Vikings were historical people. Heathens honor gods, ancestors, and nature spirits — not the Viking lifestyle.
Are offerings required?
No, but they are traditional. Offerings express gratitude and build reciprocal relationships.
Can anyone practice Ásatrú?
Yes. Ásatrú is open to anyone called to the Norse gods, regardless of heritage.
