Customer Reviews (19)

Good Intro to Norse Paganism
I found this book to be an excellent intro to the Norse path.The section on the virtues is especially helpful.

Seems A Good Introduction

As the title says, seems a good introduction.It is the first book on Asatru I've read.I can't say anything about how it compares to other intro books that I have not read.So now I'm browsing reviews here on Amazon of other books on the topic and the ones mentioned in this book.

The book has done it's job quite well, I'd say.

Fluffy crap presenting itself as fact.
This book is a nice read, too bad it is NOT based on real lore. It uses too much personal interpretation on the authors part and not enough actual research from the available lore. If you are into modern revisionism it may help you, if you want to actually learn the ways of our ancestors don't waste your money.

Great introduction
A great introduction into the Norse Pagan path. I especially like the section in the book that discusses the Gods and Goddesses in detail. Very insightful-thanks Diana!

New to Asatru? Look no further!
When trying to find a book to give me the basic rundown of the Asatru faith, our folkways, our religious practices, our lore, history and magic, I found that there were many options and I had no idea which book or books to choose. I happened to pick this one up (along with a few others) and I have to say that this is my top pick for the new Asatruar seeking information about their native faith.

If you are new to Asatru, solitary and confused about the folkways, holy days and rites, or just wanting to feel more connected and become more knowledgeable, this is the introductory Asatru book for you! What really sets Paxson's book aside is in its warmth, and the very real imagery she creates of a Heathen gathering. Her fictional entries which are used to represent the feel of a real kindred and a real heathen gathering, are truly splendid. They help you to understand what to expect, and they introduce you to the spirit of the faith. She gives all of the necessary information including history and Sumble etiquette, and even an excellent rundown of the many international organizations available to Asatruar.

Paxson's writing style is very warm and easy to read. The book is engaging and enjoyable, even making the general history of our folk into a very interesting read without feeling like a college lecture!

Upon finishing the book, I felt that this one was the most complete introductory guide to Asatru that I have seen to date. I highly recommend it for new Asatruar and those who want to share information about the faith with friends and family. ... Read more

Product Description
A concise personal perspective on how to bring the beliefs and ethics of Asatru to life on a day-to-day basis, written by a founding director of Asgard Troth (an Asatru "Church") and the Texas Asatru League (an association of Asatruar in Texas).Known to most as Dux, Greg is an ordained Gothi, and continues to serve today as a Director of Asgard Troth. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

For a newcomer
As a newcomer to Asatru I found this book a great introduction to the aspects and beliefs in Asatru, A great bibliography at the back is also included which has spurred me on to making even more amazon book purchases.

But most importantly it is well written, well worded and very informative!! :)

Good little book
After exploring different Wiccan and pagan paths for the past few years, I found myself drawn to Asatru. I don't have a lot of spare cash these days (who does, right?) but I wanted to get something new to read (you can only read the same things over so many times before wanting to read a new perspective). This is a small book, but it's a good reference book and exactly what I was looking for. It will definitely hold me over for until I can afford to get a new book.

Nice Little Book
Living Asatru is an excellent little handbook and/or reference guide on Asatru.I consider it a definite purchase for one's library given the contents (particularly ethics section) and price.I can see myself referring back to the book on occasion to brush-up on knowledge bits.Ethics is extensively covered - the best I've seen in Asatru books.

Has potential, but needs more
When I ordered the book Living Asatru I expected much more than what I got for my money.I wouldn't even consider it to be a book to be honest.It's more like a hand held small reference. There was some good information in the book, but I feel it could have been expanded quite a bit more.

The book does provide the reader with a good idea of how the author interprets the way an Asatrur should live.He never says that his work is an authoritative book on the works.He merely states that the book is a reflection of how he interprets his own path.It seemed to me that the book has more potential if it was expanded into a longer book (it's only about 60 pages, if that)

One of the things that this "book" had going for it was the description of the ethical code of Asatru.Unlike other books I have read on Asatru this book actually gave sample situations with an answer for the question of is that behavior ethical.The book also included the 6 fold Goals, which the author considered more behavioral goals than ethical standards.

I did like how the author gave a brief overview of Orlog and how ones Orlog is important for the future of their kith and kin.I do wish he had elaborated a bit further on the issue of Wyrd, Orlog and the soul in general.Still his work was intended to be small, and you can't cover everything in a few pages.The book barely covered the basics.

The most disappointing thing about the book was the information on the Gods.Each God only had about a paragraph on them.Now for a book on Asatru I would have expected at least a page for each God giving examples from the Lore about that God and how they interacted together.Even then not all of the Gods were covered. So in general this book left a lot to be desired in regards to the information on the Gods.

Another disappointing area of the book was the information regarding the holidays and how the Gods were honored.The book gives a deity for the festival, when it happens, and that was about it.No information about exactly what the rites would have included, nor does it offer any information about how to worship these Gods.While there were two samples of rituals, those rituals were written with a Gothi in mind.There was no information about how a nonmember of the clergy could worship.

All in all if this was someone's very first book on the subject they could get something out of it.If however you are familiar with Asatru your money would be better spent on books of Lore or even other books on the topic.I will not be reading this book again.I intend to sell it and hope that some one else will get more out of it than I did.

Good footnotes
This book is sort of like a footnotes book.It's a very brief overview of Asatru.It's decent in this way. ... Read more

Product Description
Ásatrú (AH-sa-troo), also called Odinism, is the native religion of the Teutonic peoples as embodied in the fundamentals of their cultural expressions. Much more than just a belief system, it encompasses every aspect of ancient Northern European society. This book is an attempt to explain the basic philosophic and moral ideals of this ancient way of life, while seeking to eliminate many of the misconceptions surrounding it.

Customer Reviews (25)

Absolutely fantastic book! Insightful and well written.
This book is an absolutely perfect book for those interested in in true Asatru and Odinism. It clearly explains the natural inner calling of the gods to their people. It calls on its folk to embrace their heritage without the need to place themselves above or below any other cultures heritage. It shows Asatru/Odinism in its true perspective in the same light as the Native Americans reviving their tribal religions and heritage. A lost soul going back to the rightful owners/creators of that soul can only be a good and beneficial thing. Doing what is natural for ones spirit through their own peoples traditions/beliefs adds a balance/harmony and peace for ones self that can only be experienced to be understood.

Best basic Foundation Book for Asatru I have read in Years
I received this book on May 27 along with The Asatru Edda. This book is one of the best I have read for a basic foundation on Asatru. It cuts through the so-called Pagan reputation and Judeo-Christian misnomers of
Our Heathen Ancestral religion and gives an excellent introduction to those searching as well as those of us that hold Asatru/Odinism as our Tru Faith. HTR.

Garbage
Where in the Sam-hill is this author getting this stuff?This book is so absolutely full of mis-information.I can't finish it...I just cant finish it (throws it against the wall in disgust).

Review of 'The Nature of Asatru'
A thought provoking book given in concise form. Taken from Mark's more than 20 years of experience and research, here is a fresh look at ther ancestral traditions of Northern Europeans. I am a black man, a simple student of world religions, and to me, this book was 'to the point' about the Teutonic faith. Sources such as Dr. Viktor Rydberg's work (one of the many used here) can be debated ad infinitum, but but Mark lets the men and women of this heathen faith know that "interpretation is for the individual", as he presents his own. He also presents a few modern analogies, like giving one's life during a famine, or the martyrdom mentioned in other faiths, to give a more objective view of the so-called "barbaric" practices among the early Teutons. Thanks also for the catalog of terms section, which is always helpful to a lay-person. Great job!!

Teutonic Fantasia!
There are by far many more notable academic works on heathenry than this particular submission by the author. The term Asatru for instance is an ambigious one as no such practice called Asatru existed during heathen times in Northern Europe. Reconstructions of the Germanic pagan traditions began during the early part of the 19th century within what was coined then as the Romantic Movement. Varying sources suggests that the wording Asatru or Ásatrú is taken from the Old Norse language, derived from the Danish word Asetro. This it seems came out in an article in 1885 in the periodical "Fjallkonan". Other claims suggest that 'Asatru' has its origins in the late 19th/early 20th century C.E. This primarily derives from the assertion that the Nazi-affiliated "Thule Society" incorporated, or at least was similar to, more recent 'Asatru' ideals and beliefs. This is unproven, and the evidence is against such an association since the term itself is of much more recent provenance, and the Thule Society does not even vaguely resemble any modern northern European reconstructed faith system in any way, ideologically or otherwise.

Other than that dubious idea, people sometimes attempt to use shoddy points of 'evidence' directly derived from nationalist propaganda common in the 19th century within northern Europe by those seeking a National Identity; again, this is not a real connection nor a viable lineage with modern 'Asatru'. The next recorded instance was in "Heiðinn siður á Íslandi" by Ólafur Briem (Reykjavík, 1945). The title means "Heathen traditions in Iceland ."Throughout Scandinavia the religion is known as Forn Siðr (which means the Ancient way or tradition), Forn sed (the Old custom), Nordisk sed (Nordic custom), or Hedensk sed (Heathen custom). The religion's origin is lost in antiquity. At its peak, it covered all of Northern Europe . In 1000 CE, Iceland became the second last Norse culture to convert to Christianity. Their prime motivation was economic. Ásatrúarmaður (plural Ásatrúarmenn) is the Icelandic term used to identify those who practice Ásatrú. English speakers have coined the term Ásatrúar as a plural form, however it is properly the genitive of Ásatrú. Some Scandinavians have adopted the similar Asatroere (with the normal forms Asetroende/Asatroende, meaning "believers in the gods"). Contrary to what is clearly non academic reviews by others here, this book is a long way from being anywhere near developed, it lacks by leaps and bounds any critical thinking and is devoid tottally of any valid references making it the author's own personal misguided gnosis based on Nationalist racial propaganda dating back to the 19th century mixed in with the author's own personal biases and misinterpretations of the futhark runes? The problem as I see it that exists today in re-constructions of heathenry is that we have so little to go one as regards the original practises or beliefs of the Elder folk. The information that we do know about traditional heathens was not written or preserved in English and translations were based on 13th century medieval chronologers. A form of heathen can be found in every Germanic language (for example: Icelandic heiðenn, German heiden, Gothic haithno).

The word literally means "dweller on the heath." Amongst the Germanic pagans, it came to have connotations of "wild" as opposed to "domesticated" or "civilized" (Gothic haithiwisks, wild; Anglo-Saxon hæðen, a wild creature.) During the era of conversions, the church was able to exert the greatest political pressure on Germanic peoples living in towns or centres of trade. Therefore, these were the first to be Christianized. The church had a difficult time maintaining control over people in rural areas. The heath dwellers had a habit of submitting to baptism under threat and then returning to their wild pagan ways as soon as the missionaries were out of sight. Thus, the term heathen took on the meaning of "one who practices the old, pre-Christian, religion." Of course, the word heathen also quickly took on negative connotations amongst medieval Christians who associated any practices not sanctioned by the church with Devil worship. Therefore It is also my suggestion that the church remains a major player by default in the mindset of modern pagans who have decided to embrace a veneer of heathenry whilst yet retaining all the primary teachings and moral codes of the Christian Church including the racial attitudes towards non whites. In the main I find that every now and then another load of old garbage gets regurgitated as Teutonic Religion (Fantasia) in various guises particularly from the lesser read authors on Northern Mythology. This work "The Nature of Asatru" by Mark Puryear fits well with those who support bloodline and race as pre-requisites to becoming an Asatruer? If you havent got a brain, than this work certainly is for you. There are glaring errors throughout regarding heathenry but I also have several issues with this work ranging from the author's continual dogmatic evidenceless arguments throughout down to its endorcement by the "Odinic Rite" a known right wing racist organisation as well as its connection to the Noreanna Society. And besides the Noreanna Society actively supports the works of Vicktor Rydberg as true "Germanic Lore".

The "author," so far as I can tell, is a complete beginner with little if any exposure to serious modern scholarship on Norse/Germanic religion. He swallows the bilge put out by 19th century Nationalist seeking a "Germanic Identity" as absolute truth, and regurgitates it more or less randomly throughout this text. He's also big on the "Niall Philosophy," which essentially involves receiving brain signals from gods in outer space, and the Oera Linda Book, a 19th-century racist fraud which is palmed off on white supremacist and racist sites as a source of ancient mythological wisdom. For the record and something that the author of "The Nature of Asatru", omitted was that the genesis of racist Heathenism took place during the dying years of the eighteenth century, within the Sturm and Drang movement. Sturm and Drang expressed a shared German identity of folk songs, customs, literature, and an idealized medieval history. Furthermore, the notion of a shared past was used to support the belief in a spiritual union between German speakers and the urge for German unification. Around this time the concept of the so called "Aryan" developed whilst the idea was founded in the work of Fredrich Schlegel. Schlegel was not an extreme nationalist; he was an academic and diplomat who hypothesised the existence an unnamed civilisation of gifted individuals that he believed moved west from India as far as Scandinavia. Heathenry per se was not nor ever has been a racist culture and that leads me to conclude that you clearly have not researched the literature and archaeological works pertaining to this but rather that your petition appears to reflect and strongly support (guilt by association/ad hominem fallacy) the racist and Nationalist biases that was 19th Century National Romaticism which lead to the horrors of the Nazi movements. Neither does Vicktor Rydberg represent the ancient way of life or the Old Religion, Rydberg's material is very much in dispute and not acknowledged by any modern academic scholarship due mainly to the fact that 19th century scholarship is way outdated and based on very flawed to completely inaccurate Nationalist racial philosophies. What amazes me about the UPG of "The Nature of Asatru" is the general ignorance about Norræn trú (The Old Norse Religion) and truarbrögð (religion) itself based during those times. Instead so many invented presumptions are made throughout without any validation or referencing at all? "The Nature of Asatru" is a very poorly written work based on seeking a so called "National Identity" but for the sake of clarity, I would like to have seen explanations on:
1) What is religion (truarbrögð)?
2) What is difference between religion and belief as concepts?
3) What is the difference between Sacred and Profane (heilagleiki og veraldleiki)?
4) What is the difference between magic (galdur), ritual (helgisiðir) and sacrifice (fórn)?
5) How is myth (goðsögn) related to these?
But instead we have uneducated burnt offerings on a very narrow minded tangent of what is essentially Volkish Asatru based on race and the author's unverified personal gnosis? Modern heathen groups are divided by what has come to be seen as a "political" rather than a religious issue, usually summed up in one word: race . Organisations which describe themselves as folkish believe that people of Northern European genetic heritage are naturally suited to the ancient Germanic religion and that people of other "races" should seek inspiration within the religion of their own ancestors. Most folkish groups (either explicitly or tacitly) do not accept members who are clearly "Non-Germanic" -- in practice this can mean turning away perspective members based on the colour of their skin or the origin of their surname. Representatives of folkish groups will state that they are not racist; they believe that people of all races, cultures, and religions are equally worthy of respect. However, they also tend to believe that, like Yahweh, Oðin champions a "chosen people" and that his choice is genetically based. Folkish heathen groups often defend their stance on the "race issue" by comparing themselves with other indigenous tribal religions which shun "outsiders". Mattias Gardell in his disturbing book Gods of the Blood, defines these groups:
1) Radical Racists who claim Asatrú/Odinism is an expression of race soul and exclusively Aryan. This group is usually unapologetic for their racism, even proud of it. Radical racists tend to be open about their agenda, although unlike their Nazi predecessors they tend to be interested in the notion of `white' rather than that of `Aryan'. Usually, it is claimed that these groups are Odinist, although not all use this nomenclature.
2) Ethnic Asatrú who believe Northern European ethnicity is needed to understand Heathenism. Both the radical racist heathens and the ethnic Asatrú see spirituality as biological, with access to, and knowledge of the gods and goddesses somehow transmitted genetically and existing in the `folk soul'.
3) Anti-racists, those people that argue if you are sincerely interested in Heathenism you are welcome to join them, and race is no bar to understanding.
I recommend these five works for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the roots of modern racialist/racist heathenism within National Socialist White Supremacists and Volkish "Asatru" groups. It is especially useful to understand that the racial element in "Wotanism/Odinism" neither began nor ended with the Nazis, but has been present in one form or another since the days of Grimm and the onset of the modern heathen revival. Volkish Asatru USA are more than often based on social-political or neo-pagan/secular ideals to include racism rather than the genuine Northern world-view or ethics.
1) Hitler's Priestess: Savitri Devi, the Hindu-Aryan Myth, and Neo-Nazism:(Paperback)
2)Black Sun: Aryan Cults, Esoteric Nazism, and the Politics of Identity: (Paperback)
3)The Occult Roots of Nazism: Secret Aryan Cults and Their Influence on Nazi Ideology (Paperback) by Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke
4)Aryan Idols: Indo-European Mythology as Ideology and Science (Hardcover)by Stefan Arvidsson (Author), Sonia Wichmann (Translator)
5)Léon Poliakov, THE ARYAN MYTH: A HISTORY OF RACIST AND NATIONALIST IDEAS IN EUROPE (Edmund Howard, trans., 1974).




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Product Description
From the ashes arises the sacred lore of the North, the ancient stories and proverbial wisdom of the Ásatrú religion. Mighty Gods and fierce Giants battle in the never-ending struggle between order and chaos, while men seek honor and glory in the eyes of their beloved deities. After many years of research and piecing together sources, now comes the first known holy text ever presented for the Ásatrú faith. Giving these ancestral accounts in their true, epic form, The Ásatrú Edda is designed as a religious work by and for the men and women of this path. In reconstructing this sacred epic, the idea is to create a living storytelling tradition that will honor the legacy of the ancient Teutonic peoples, while providing an in-depth source of Ásatrú wisdom for our modern world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Asatru Edda
I bought this book for my son. He loved it and itgot to him in a timely manner with no problems. He is in a correctional facility and has problems receiving books from other book stores. Amazon seems to have no problems getting him his books. I will continue to use Amazon for my future pruchases. I know if I use amazon he will get his books and will not be disappointed. Tammy Morton

Add this book to your library!
The Asatru Edda is phenomenal! I would highly, highly recommend it to anyone, from Odinist or Asatruar to those who just love our lore. I find myself referencing this book constantly. You can learn myriads from the index alone. Honestly.

A few facts to consider...
Before one takes this book seriously, consider these red flags:

1.) SERIOUSLY, THE OERA LINDA BOOK
The fact that this book even entertains the notion that the Oera Linda Book may have any merit is red flag number one; scholars universally accept the Oera Linda Book as an outright hoax.


2.) BEWARE THE HIJACKING OF THE NORROENA SOCIETY NAME
The publisher of this book falsely claims a link to scholar Rasmus Bjørn Anderson's (January 12, 1846 - March 2, 1936) defunct publishing house, the Norroena Society. Anderson was the founding head of the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Department of Scandinavian-Studies, and largely responsible for Leif Erikson Day in the United States (a federally recognized yet little-known holiday). Anderson's Norroena Society published reprints of various works handling Germanic paganism. The result is that much of this material was more available to an American audience.

One of these reprinted works was that of the 19th century scholar Viktor Rydberg, a figure whose theories this book essentially rotates around. Although to this day celebrated for his masterful poetry and brilliant writing in his native Sweden, Rydberg's scholarship in the area of Germanic mythology has met with little, if any, acceptance in scholarship since the 19th century. Notable scholars Hilda Ellis Davidson and Urusula Dronke both felt the need to take the unusual move of dismissing his methods as essentially useless. The only areas in which it surfaces in modern times are far outside of the realms of academia. Actually, it seems, mainly just through this modern "Norroena Society".

It's simple to conclude that a fan of Rydberg got a hold of a Norroena Society Rydberg reprint (digitally or otherwise) and took the name as their own, attempting to hijack the prestige associated with it. This dubious book is the result.

In short, there is no link between Anderson's Norroena Society and this modern "Norroena Society".


3.) "THE" ASATRU EDDA
The title of this book is "The" Ásatrú Edda. That's right folks, this is *the one*! The title of this book automatically places it on a pedestal, waiting for any unsuspecting individual to walk by and take it at face value.

If you weren't already aware, the Odinic Rite, a self-described "Odinic" organization connected to this "Society", is just one of many Asatru strains out there. Then there are the two historical Eddas themselves, the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda. Quite a lot of our information regarding Norse mythology derives from these two works. At best, this is a pathetic attempt to cash in on search results, and at worst a shameful attempt to speak for us all while pushing extremely dubious theories.

I would, in fact, compare this to the hijacking of the word "god" by Christians. The term, indigenous to the Germanic peoples, originally referred to gods of both genders. Along came Christianization and suddenly we had *THE* god with a capital G, referring to Yahweh, a male Semitic sky deity, rather than our many native ones.

Artificial. Beware!

presumtious garbage
This is a poor attempt to knit together existing Norse sagas and literature. It is an arrogant, presumptious book written as if the author was qualified to somehow fill these gaps in the lore with his own imagination. I would not recommend this book for any Heathen, let alone someone new to Heathenry. The worst $40 I ever spent.

The Asatru Edda: a labor of love and honor
It's not often one can call the gathering, translation, and arranging of the Norse Sagas a labor of love. Often in relation to the gods of the North , love is not a word often used. Devotion is also a word often tainted with the cultural odor of subservience, which is the base of all Abrahamic religions. Within the teachings of the gods of the North, Odinism, Wotanism, Asatru, etc one does not kneel but stands with the gods to honor them, to face life and death and destiny together. The authors of this volume understand that. They have endeavored to create, not a bible for their faith, but a text which tells the tales of the gods of the North, their gods: a text folks can draw on and learn from with a new courage and perspective in confronting both their lives and their deaths.
I have recently purchased a copy of The Asatru Eddas. It is a scholarly and detailed presentation of the core texts of the sacred writings of the Northern gods. It is not an easy read though I think worth both the price and the effort. Many words are in the original language with referrals to both footnotes and appendices. There will be a follow-up book of notes and explanatory texts that were not included in this edition to make the volume more affordable and less expensive to print (and purchase).
In my studies I have found myself with several translations and editions of the Eddas, reading them in relation to each other and am finding this methodology actually enhances all the translations. I very much value the effort and intent as well as the scholarship involved in the years of effort to produce this book. I think it is a valuable edition to any Odinist's personal library. But don't think you're going to hunker down for a quick read on a rainy night. You'll take awhile to read and study this text. ... Read more

Product Description
A clear, accessible guide to the different paths within the flourishing modern Pagan movement, including Wicca, Druidry, and Shamanism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

CONFUSED BY THE "NEW" (OLD) RELIGIONS?THIS BOOK CAN HELP
Pete Jennings is the "High Gothi" of Odinshof (an "Odinist" organization) as well as the retired President of the Pagan Federation; he also comments on BBC Radio at times.So he is evidently well-qualified to write this very helpful overview (published in 2002) of a variety of Pagan practices.

A variety of spiritual paths may nowadays be called "Pagan": Gardnerian and Alexandrian Witchcraft, Wicca, Druidry, Asatru, Shahmanism, and others.Jennings has separate chapters on all of these paths, as well as chapters summarizing "common features" among many of these traditions, such as "Festivals and Rites of Passage," 'Sacred Sites," Using Magic, etc.Most chapters end with a "Things to Do" section, with ideas for practicing such ideas and rituals.

Jennings is a very clear expositor of a wide variety of viewpoints, and treats all viewpoints fairly.

At the end of the book, Jennings provides a Glossary, a helpful Bibliography, along with helpful websites and organization names.

The book is highly recommended for anyone with an interest in a general overview of alternative spiritualities. ... Read more

Product Description
An introduction to the heathen religion of Asatru. By Erin Lale, a gythia (priestess) of Asatru since 1989.Includes a FAQ file, and chapters on History, The Gods, Other Beings, Beliefs and Morality, Rituals, the Three Types of Magic, and Resources.

The first edition of this ebook was published in 2002.This is the second edition, newly updated in 2009. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great Intro! Short and concise with no flowery writing.
I wish I had come across this book years ago. Not only is it a good read, but surprisingly short and detailed. A great crash course for anyone interested in Asatru.

An Excellent Primer! I Wish I Had Had This Book Five Years Ago.
A tip of the hat to Erin Lale for her most excellent book, "Asatru for Beginners".

In 94 pages, Lale boils down information that is digestible, direct, and clear to newcomers, those casually interested in Asatru, or those on the Northern Path who have friends or relatives with whom they'd like to share more about their path but may not be sure where or how to start.She combines a succinct FAQ section, a section on the Lore of Asatru (also known as Heathenism), a history of Asatru from Ginnungagap to the present,the Gods and Goddesses are covered, social, political, and moral/ethical questions are addressed, and she does it all carefully, succinctly, and thoroughly in a very brief space.Also provided are book, internet, magazine, and group resources.

"Asatru for Beginners" is a not substitute for reading the Lore or a substitute for reading more deeply in history, archaeology, runology, linguistics, metaphysics or philosophy. This is a first-rate primer that can put the reader on the road to finding more information for him/herself rather than (as many of us have had to do in the past) coming across books and, without any guide or pathfinder, hoping that they were neither New Age nor right wing.

That's exactly what this book is: a pathfinder.

This is truly a remarkable accomplishment, and a book that newcomers or the casually interested will find of immense value. I wish I had had access to this title five years ago; it would have saved me a great deal of time and money and confusion. If the Gods have called to you or if you're seeking Them, if you have a friend on the Northern Path and would like to know what it's all about, or if you're interested in one of the many polytheistic traditions now alive and well in the United States, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Iceland, continental Europe, Australia, and other parts of the world, this is certainly a book to consult.

Amazon is offering the Kindle version of this title. This review is based on the paperback version of this title, which can be ordered from [...]

Many thanks, Erin Lale, and congratulations on a book that conveys so much so briefly.

BEGINNING ASATRU REVIEW
A good overall synopsis and a very informative view of the Asatru religion.The book is well-written and provided new insights into a beginner's search.I'm just now learning this new view and this provided a good place to get started.The information provided good explanations and help to sort through myth and legend.

I had read the book before, but, a bonus was to get it on Kindle for I read slowly (handicapped) and on the lightweight Kindle where I can set the font size makes it all really easy.
... Read more

Product Description
These are the Tenets of Faith for the sacred Hof of Asatru ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great read!
This book is very well written,but the chapters start at weird places on the page.
It could stand to be formatted better. ... Read more

Product Description
A complete guide to a particular denomination of Asatru. (New 4th Edition)
The main contrast of this work in comparison to others is that this is not an ""introduction"" to Asatru.This book as completely as possible explains the philosophy behind this form of Asatru. From there it gives a few additional books (cannon) that can be purchased and read to complete your foundation. An emphasis is placed on oral tradition and the living community for your learning. Most relevant questions should be answered within the text.

Hraftzer is used to set apart the author's ideas (and those who agree with him) from any other group. Anyone can call themselves Asatruar and there are great variety of opinions on certain subjects. This book offers structure for those who seek it or who are confused by the contradictory and often brief explanations of the religion.
You don't have to agree with everything in the book to learn something from it or gain a better understanding of your own spirituality. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

zero
This is a self-published piece of trash. The author is an "elitist" but can hardly spell.
He picked "Hraftzer" as an "Old Norse sounding" name. Except it isn't. The letter "z" isn't even in the Old Norse alphabet, let alone clusters like -ftz-.
If you want to read elitist authors who think paganism is for an elect few true to the race, read Evola. If you want a decent introduction to Norse paganism, try e.g. DuBois (1999), or one of the many other scholarly books on the topic.
If you want to learn about intelligent Asatru, read what Wayland Skallagrimsson has to say and browse the Northvegr site.

Disappointing,but decent
I've been a Heathen for several years now.I found this book quite tedious and boring,filled with information I already know.The printing is extremely small so I had to squint a lot.Also,it's print-on-demand which means a VERY long wait for it to be printed.It is good for a complete newbie or someone with better eyesight.It's still worth the long wait and high price if one manages to learn from it.

A word from the author
The book is elitist. I recommend you don't buy it unless someone referred you to it or you are serious about self improvement and looking at your own flaws. ... Read more

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The Book to help our brothers and sisters that need it ... Read more

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Purchase includes free access to book updates online and a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Chapters: Ásatrú in the United States, Odinic Rite, the Troth, Asatru Folk Assembly, Stephen Mcnallen, Ásatrú Alliance, Theodism. Excerpt:The interlaced horn design from the Danish Snoldelev stone was adopted as the official symbol of the Ásatrú Folk Assembly in October 2006. The Asatru Folk Assembly or AFA is a US -based Ásatrú organization founded by Stephen McNallen in 1994. Gardell (2003) classifies the AFA as folkish . The AFA has been recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit religious organization, or church. It is based in Nevada City, CA . The organization denounces racial supremacism . History The Asatru Folk Assembly is a successor organization to a group called the Asatru Free Assembly founded by McNallen in 1974 and disbanded in 1986, splitting into the "folkish" Ásatrú Alliance and the "universalist " The Troth . The Asatru Free Assembly had been an outgrowth of a group called the Viking Brotherhood founded by McNallen together with Robert Stine in 1971. The defunct Asatru Free Assembly is sometimes distinguished from the modern Asatru Folk Assembly by the usage of "old AFA" and "new AFA", respectively. From 1997-2002, the AFA was a member organization of the International Asatru-Odinic Alliance . Goals According to the AFA Declaration of Purpose, its goals are: Kennewick Man On October 24, 1996, McNallen and the AFA filed suit in U.S. District Court in Portland (Asatru Folk Assembly v. United States) to attempt to stop the US Army Corps of Engineers from turning over the prehistoric remains of the Kennewick man to local Native Americans . Several prominent scientists and archaeologists also filed suit, to block the reinterment of the remains. Kennewick Man was the oldest intact human fossil ever found in the Pacific Northwest . Genetic tests to identify ties to modern people o... ... Read more

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Les achats comprennent une adhésion à l'essai gratuite au club de livres de l'éditeur, dans lequel vous pouvez choisir parmi plus d'un million d'ouvrages, sans frais. Le livre consiste d'articles Wikipedia sur : Mysticisme Nazi, Religion Nordique Ancienne, Ásatrú, Société Thulé, Divination Des Runes, Guido Von List, Sveinbjörn Beinteinsson, Odinisme. Non illustré. Mises à jour gratuites en ligne. Extrait : Le mysticisme nazi (ou l'ésotérisme nazi) est une appellation qui sert à désigner de manière globale un ensemble de doctrines florissantes en Allemagne avant ou pendant le régime nazi et mêlant le pangermanisme et l'aryanisme à des doctrines ésotériques. Elles s'inspirent de théories développées en Allemagne à partir du début du siècle (Ariosophie, l'Armanisme, la Théozoologie, l'Armanen-Orden, l'Artgemeinschaft, etc.). Ce courant quasi-religieux consiste en fait en la combinaison du pangermanisme et racisme allemand avec l'occultisme, l'ésotérisme, et le paranormal et une philosophie de l'histoire qui est un messianisme sécularisé. Le nazisme ne se veut pas seulement une idéologie politique, mais aussi une vision globale du monde. Ses racines plongent en effet pour une bonne part sur un ensemble de mythes raciaux et occultistes (mythes du Nouvel âge, ou de l'âge du verseau) développés à la fin du siècle et au début siècle. Il permettra à Adolf Hitler d'attribuer une signification religieuse, celle d'un médiateur, d'un prophète ou d'un messie, à sa personnalité et à sa doctrine. L'établissement du lien entre ésotérisme et nazisme peut se faire sur plusieurs plans : Le mysticisme Nazi est un mouvement initiatique Völkisch qui plonge ses racines tant dans les doctrines de la Société Thulé et de la Société Théosophique que dans les idées d'Arthur de Gobineau. Guido List et Jörg Lanz-Liebenfels en furent d'importantes figures précoces, et des événements signifiants après la Seconde Guerre mondiale furent la fondation de l'Artgem...http://booksllc.net/?l=fr ... Read more

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Les achats comprennent une adhésion à l'essai gratuite au club de livres de l'éditeur, dans lequel vous pouvez choisir parmi plus d'un million d'ouvrages, sans frais. Le livre consiste d'articles Wikipedia sur : Religion Nordique Ancienne, Ásatrú, Goði, Yule, Fylgja, Hamr, Hugr, Wyrd, Sejðr, Vörd. Non illustré. Mises à jour gratuites en ligne. Extrait : L'expression religion nordique ancienne (ou paganisme nordique) recouvre l'ensemble des croyances et des pratiques religieuses des peuples scandinaves, des origines à l'âge du bronze, jusqu'à l'ère Viking, qui va de 800 à la christianisation autour de l'an 1000. Ces croyances sont sans prêtres, ni dogmes, ni lieux de cultes. Un statut particulier était accordé par ces peuples à la nature, à la femme, mais aussi à certains animaux, comme l'ours, le cheval, le sanglier et le corbeau, qui se voyaient attribuer des pouvoirs fabuleux et possédaient une place importante dans les rituels et les traditions. Les scandinaves ne donnaient pas de nom à leur culte avant l'arrivée du christianisme. Suite à l'arrivée des missionnaires chrétiens en Scandinavie tels qu'Anschaire de Brême vers 829 et le roi Harald Ier de Danemark qui réussit à imposer le christianisme dans son pays vers 960, les textes médiévaux de Scandinavie mentionnèrent le terme forn siðr pour désigner la religion originelle de ces peuples. L'expression signifie littéralement « ancienne coutume, ancienne pratique » en vieux norrois. Pétroglyphede Norrköpings Le char solaire de Trundholm, daté du premier âge du bronze soit aux alentours de -1400. Carte montrant les différences régionales de culte en scandinavie vers 900, déterminées par les noms de lieu et les données archéologiques. En bleu les régions dominées par le culte des Vanes, en rouge celles où prédominentThor, Odin et les autres Ases, en violet les zones de coexistence. les points verts sont les noms de lieu dérivés d'Odin - d'après Erik Christiansen, The Norsemen...http://booksllc.net/?l=fr ... Read more

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Les achats comprennent une adhésion à l'essai gratuite au club de livres de l'éditeur, dans lequel vous pouvez choisir parmi plus d'un million d'ouvrages, sans frais. Le livre consiste d'articles Wikipedia sur : Polythéisme, Religion Traditionnelle Chinoise, Religions Mésoaméricaines, Ásatrú, Marla, Religions Du Pérou Précolombien, Religions Algonquiennes, Religion Des Daces, Mazdéisme. Non illustré. Mises à jour gratuites en ligne. Extrait : La religion traditionnelle chinoise, également appelée religion populaire chinoise ou tout simplement religion chinoise, est une religion polythéiste syncrétiste pratiquée avant 1949 par la majorité des Han (漢), dans laquelle il faut inclure les écoles taoïstes. Elle est toujours très vivante dans les zones de peuplement chinois en dehors de la Chine populaire, comme la République de Chine (Taïwan) ou Hong-Kong. En République populaire de Chine, après le coup d'arrêt donné à la transmission des traditions, la reprise du culte s'y est faite dans un cadre plus restreint qu'auparavant, cinq dénominations religieuses seulement étant reconnues et représentées par un organisme officiel : taoïsme, bouddhisme, islam, protestantisme, catholicisme. La religion populaire dans son ensemble ne jouit donc d'aucun statut officiel, seules les écoles taoïstes étant reconnues. Née dans une région du monde où l'adhésion exclusive à une confession est une pratique presque inconnue, la religion traditionnelle repose sur une vision de l'univers et de la place qu'y occupe l'être humain partagée par tous. Ses croyances et pratiques, transmises de génération en génération, sont le résultat du mélange sans drame de toutes sortes d'influences. Il s'agit d'un fond religieux naturel que les Chinois n'ont pas jugé utile de nommer, pas plus d'ailleurs que les Indiens n'avaient nommé le leur (« hindouisme » est un terme inventé par les conquérants musulmans - Persans). Le vocabulaire ne fait donc référence qu'à des élém...http://booksllc.net/?l=fr ... Read more

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Kapitel: Wicca, Walpurgisnacht, Ásatrú, Keltisches Baumhoroskop, Viking Metal, Neue Rechte, Julfest, Neuzeitliche Druiden, Keltischer Jahreskreis, Artgemeinschaft Germanische Glaubens-Gemeinschaft Wesensgemäßer Lebensgestaltung, Wicca-Jahreskreis, Schwarze Sonne, Keltischer Neopaganismus, Wicca-Traditionen, Pagan Metal, Bund Für Deutsche Gotterkenntnis, Grece, Gorsedd Beirdd Ynys Prydain, Gorseth Kernow, Hellenismos, Orden Der Barden, Ovaten Und Druiden, Allgermanische Heidnische Front, Goursez Breizh, Litha, Oh My Gods!, Armanen-Orden, Handfasting, Keltischer Kalender, Deutsche Heidnische Front, Iwan-Kupala-Tag, Forn Siðr, Ragana, Adler Fängt Fisch, Gylfiliten-Gilde, Hagalaz' Runedance, Coelbren, Deutschvolk, Hände Gottes. Aus Wikipedia. Nicht dargestellt. Auszug: Wicca (pronounced ) is a Neopagan religion and a form of modern witchcraft. It is often referred to as Witchcraft or the Craft by its adherents, who are known as Wiccans or Witches. Its disputed origins lie in England in the early 20th century, though it was first popularised during the 1950s by Gerald Gardner, a retired British civil servant, who at the time called it the "witch cult" and "witchcraft", and its adherents "the Wica". From the 1960s the name of the religion was normalised to "Wicca". Wicca is typically a duotheistic religion, worshipping a Goddess and a God, who are traditionally viewed as the Triple Goddess and Horned God. These two deities are often viewed as being facets of a greater pantheistic Godhead, and as manifesting themselves as various polytheistic deities. Nonetheless, there are also other theological positions within the Craft, ranging from monotheism to atheism. Wicca also involves the ritual practice of magic, largely influenced by the ceremonial magic of previous centuries, often in conjunction with a liberal code of morality known as the Wiccan Rede, although this is not adhered to by all Witches. Another characteristic of the Craft is...http://booksllc.net/?l=de ... Read more

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Kapitel: Religion, Eremit, Kultiviertheit, Ásatrú, Yuppie, Bohème, Bourgeoisie, Barfüßigkeit, Schlafkultur, Individualismus, Konformität, Gentleman, Soccer Mom, Nerd, Hikikomori, Gentlemen's Club, Alleinstehender, Einfaches Leben, Genuss, Dandy, Lebenskunst, Social Investment, Parasitärer Single, Neue Bürgerlichkeit, Slow Food, Wanderfeldbau, Social Investor, Spaßgesellschaft, Raum Der Lebensstile, Gammler, Luxus, Cittàslow, Leben Im Wiener Untergrund, Lebenskünstler, Containern, Aussteiger, Jetset, Hagestolz, Strotter, Preppy, Entschleunigung, Einsiedler, Selbstversorgung, Lohas, Bobo, Freak, Schickeria, Do It Yourself, Quality Time, Innerweltliche Askese, Bewegungsmangel, Mainstream, Flaneur, Neuer Russe, Tunnelmensch, White Anglo-Saxon Protestant, Freight Train Riders of America, Kulturell Kreative, Snob, Scholar, Double Income No Kids, Sugardaddy, Junkie, Muße, White Trash, Müßiggang, Cool, Homing, Trophy Wife, Schnorrer, Eigenbrötler, Poser, Couch-Potato, Halbsesshaftigkeit, Strandläufer, Wohnwagensiedlung, Clochard, Slacker, Yettie, Schöngeist, Nonkonformismus, Halbnomadismus, Cocooning, Lukubration, Coolhunting, Provinzialismus, Tramp, Slobbie, Buppie, Kalmäuser, Freischläfer, Tagedieb, Straßenmusiker. Aus Wikipedia. Nicht dargestellt. Auszug: Religion Portal Religious symbols, from left to right:row 1: Christianity, Judaism, Hinduismrow 2: Islam, Buddhism, Shintorow 3: Sikhism, Bahai, Jainism Major denominations and religions of the worldReligion (from O.Fr. religion "religious community," from L. religionem (nom. religio) "respect for what is sacred, reverence for the gods," "obligation, the bond between man and the gods" is the belief in and worship of a god or gods, or more in general a set of beliefs explaining the existence of and giving meaning to the universe, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs. Aspects of religion include n...http://booksllc.net/?l=de ... Read more

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This is a master's thesis titled, ""Voices of Modern American Asatru Women"". It is an ethnographic study concerning the beliefs and practices of the reconstructionist, heathen, religion, based upon Norse/Germanic Mythology and History. ... Read more