Customer Reviews (8)

This is Essential Asatru
This is one of those books where you expect to find one kind of information only to find a more important history lesson on being Asatru.

Not as FBL as I Expected
Very nice, understandably written introduction to Norse Paganism.Paxson's book coversa great deal of informationin a short period of time. As an introduction to Asatru it does have all the essentials. I won't retread the points that most of reviewers have already covered.
Probably the most useful section of the bookto me was, "Toasts, Boasts & Oaths".For those of you who are new to Norse Paganism, the section on , "Surviving Your First Heathen Event",is an absolute must read. Additionally the, "Asatru and Wicca",section drew some distinctions between the faiths and will give the novice some pat answers to often asked questions..
I rather liked the, "Heathen Holy Days", section and disagree with the reviewer who stated that they were "Wiccan with a few Asatru concepts grudgingly allowed".The most widely recognized dayswere marked with a Volknot while other celebrations & commemorations are so blatantly obvious that no explanation is needed, i.e., Leif Eriksson Day & Columbus Day.If these holidays were influenced by Wiccan thought then why is there no Norse version Samhaim?
All and all yet another good introductorybook on Asatru/Heathenism. Enough detail to get you more interested but not bored. Consider "Essential Asatru" as the Cliff'sNotes to "Our Troth vol. I & II". This book and Krasskova's "Exploring the Northern Tradition" compliment each other well and will point newcomers in the right general direction. After that they, (the newcomers), should be able tofigure things out on their own.

In Frith,
Spence

"Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc"
M. Addams

Great introduction
This book is a wonderful introduction to heathenry and Asatru, and I would recommend it to anyone trying to get a quick snapshot into whether the religion is right for them.While I thought the table of correspondences for the gods was a bit ceremonial for my taste, I understand why Ms. Paxson chose to use them.Many newbies search for tangible and tactile ways to make their connections and this may be useful.

I also really liked the chapter introductions which fictionalized an actual ritual/sumbel.They really captured the essence and feel, and I hope some may be turned to visiting a real kindred to see that depth of emotion and connection to the gods.

Not a main course.
When I received this book, I racked my brain trying to figure out why the author's name was so familiar. By the time I got to the acknowledgements, I had the light bulb go off in my head. Ms. Paxson is the very same author who penned those wonderful fiction books with Marion Zimmer Bradley. These very books were my introduction into the worlds of magic back in my 20s. I settled in for what I was sure was to be a very enjoyable ride.

Each chapter starts off with a scene from a Heathen ritual. From this scene the chapter goes off into small segments of history, customs or mythology based on Norse Paganism. The chapters are divided into three sections called "Rounds" and follow the lines of a typical Heathen ritual. The first section (Round one) is dedicated to Heroes and Ancestors, the second is for Gods and Goddesses, and the final one is entitled Toasts, Boast and Oaths. Following these sections there are some pages with resources, a bibliography and an index. I'm not sure an index is necessary though, as the main body of the book is barely 200 pages long.

This book is a basic introduction for a non-Heathen. It is very lean and briefly touches on many topics. It was an easy read and did not require much effort from the reader. I would have liked to see more of Ms. Paxson's story telling ability in evidence in the mythological sections instead of a bland recounting of the facts related to each personality.

Although I have been to several boasting rituals in the last few decades, I really wasn't aware of many of the backgrounds behind the rites. This book cleared up many of my misconceptions and some of my ignorance on this fascinating branch of Paganism. The book sheds light on the kindred for the non-heathen, but it is so short and only touches on the surface of so many topics, I doubt anyone but a non-heathen would get much out of it. I would classify this book as an appetizer only, but a tasty tidbit non-the-less.

Reviewed by W. Lyon Martin - Auhtor/illustrator of "An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child."

great introduction to asatru
This book is an excellent basic introduction to asatru, especially for those coming to it from the broader neopagan community. It presents the principles and beliefs of the religion in a very straight forward manner, providing a good base for people to decide if they want to learn more. It is also the perfect book to give to curious friends and family to help them understand the heathen in their life. I loved that each chapter is opened with a fictional ritual scene which not only helps illustrate the books points but also gives a descent overview of the heathen community. I also liked that, unlike many other heathen books, while presenting some history of the religion this one doesn't get bogged down in historic names and dates. It covers all the "essential" facts in an entertaining and engaging way, and really gives the reader a feel for Asatru as a vibrant modern religion. ... Read more

Book 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 (19)

Great Book
Mark Puryear does an amazing job at introducing the basics of the Asatru faith. Nature of Asatru is an objective unbiased look at the history and current nature of Asatru. I would highly recommend this book to those that are curious about the ancient faith and those that are currently practicing it.

Great book for beginners!
I read this book last year when I became interested in Odinism/Asatru, and I found it to be an insightful and informative work, that features all aspects of the faith. Painstakingly researched and cleverly presented I would highly reccommend "The Nature of Asatru" by Mark Puryear to anyone interested in Odinism/Asatru, especially if they are new to the faith.

Yay!
So easy to read, what a great book.Mark Puryear addresses things in this book that most others are afraid to talk about and I truly appreciate that.The Asatru faith is described in a manner understandable by any and all.I recommend anyone wanting to know more about Odinism/Asatru start here.

A must have for any Asatruars library!!!!!
I recently purchased and read "The Nature of Asatru". This book will be a permanent fixture in my library, as well as a "must read" recommendation to family and friends.
Mark Puryear, and Katia Puryear do a wonderful job of explaining,in layman's terms, many of the fundamentals, and values of Asatru.
I highly recommend this book, to veterans of the Asatru faith, as well as new comers who are just finding their way home!!
Bart Lewis

Great Asatru Intro!
This book is not only an intro, but it also has real philosophical meat to it that most other "asatru" books do not have.It describes REAL Asatru for TRU folk.No PC fluffy tru-isms here thank you!This book rocks!Read it! ... Read more

Product Description
Our Troth is the single most comprehensive book available on the reborn religion of Heathenry -- the pre-Christian religion of the Germanic peoples. First published in 1993 but out of print for years, Our Troth is back in print, featuring updates and additions from its original compiler, Kveldulf Gundarsson, and from many other Heathen writers, all edited by well-known author Diana L. Paxson. Volume 1 covers the history and lore of Heathen religion, from its deepest Stone Age roots to its flowering today, with information on the Gods, Goddesses, and other beings that receive honor and worship, and the ethics of being Heathen. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Well worth the wait
I waited for a long time for this book to come out in print again and the wait was definitely worth it.There's so much information in this book about Heathenism and it's very readable.For those on the Heathen Path or just very interested, this is a must have book.

Our Troth 1
This is a great book for anyone interested in Heathenry,it covers SO MUCH and I was very impressed with how everything is sourced and the scholorly work that was put into making the book. I was also happy to be able to get exposed to so many different excellent heathen author's, as this book contains many. I just received Volume 2 in the mail today and I look forward to reading it.

Must have for those who wish to read of Northern European and Germanic Culture and religion
This book is an amazing and well thought out explanation of the Northern and Germanic culture and religions from as far back as is possible with historical data. I would personally recommend that anyone interested in History, Culture, or Religion from these areas should buy this book. It is neatly organized into sections that can be read independantly of each other but is best read all together. The amazing amount of detailed work and effort put into this is work is amazing. The detail available is great but it can sometimes feel overwhelming to read and absorb. None the less I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the topics addressed in it, it is surely a new way of looking at things.

DISAPPOINTING
I thought this was going to be an update of Teutonic Religion, or a continuation. All it is, is a re-examination of the Norse pantheon. It's well done, I admit that. It just isn't anything new.

a good investment
This book is a useful resource for any heathen or anyone studying the religion. It is extremely well researched with all applicable lore clearly referenced. This book could be just as useful as a reference work as a read for those that find the length of the book daunting.
The initial part of the book is an in depth look at heathen history from the beginning until the heathen revival of the 70's. It is very thorough in exploring the path that the religion has followed and some of the social and culteral influences that effected it.
The second section looks at the Northern gods. Each of the major deities is given a seperate chapter, with minor deities combined by logical groupings. I don't believe there is anywhere else were you can find so much information on the gods in one place and the lore references make it easy to go directly to the source material to learn more.It is worth the cost of the book just for these chapters.
Finally the book takes a look at the heathen world view including chapters on the afterlife, the nine worlds, wights, and wyrd, among others. The section on the afterlife is particularly fascinating, taking on understanding what our ancestors believed happened to the soul after death.
This book along with volume 2 belong in any heathens library, and are unique in their depth and scope. ... Read more

Product Description
Our Troth is the single most comprehensive book available on the reborn religion of Heathenry -- the pre-Christian religion of the Germanic peoples. First published in 1993 but out of print for years, Our Troth is back in print, featuring updates and additions from its original compiler, Kveldulf Gundarsson, and from many other Heathen writers, all edited by well-known author Diana L. Paxson. Volume 2 covers the Heathen holy year, lore and rites for the major holidays, and ways to work Heathenry into every facet of life. It includes an extensive glossary and reading list for further study. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

What an incredible resource
I waited for a long time for this book to come out in print again and the wait was definitely worth it.There's so much information in this book about Heathenism and it's very readable.For those on the Heathen Path or just very interested, this is a must have book.

It's not just for nature lovers
It seems like ages I've been waiting for the much-anticipated 2nd edition of Our Troth.Volumes one and two are formidable tomes, each approaching 600 pages.It took me a while to digest the first, spending much time cross referencing with other works in my library.

Imagine my surprise when turning the pages in the second volume's chapter one, I thought I had accidentally picked up an environmentalist's manual.While I fully grasp the holiness of our earth and our connection with nature, wonderfully articulated in the first few pages, I can't quite seem to align myself with the contention we MUST seek out the wild, and not merely perceive it, in order to truly understand the troth (page 6).And not just any wild - the wild of our ancestors:wood and lake and sea (pages 7 & 9).

Continuing further into chapter one, I was greeted by an essay needing to be accompanied by Der Fröhliche Wanderer playing in the back ground.It's an Asatru elder's account of his trek in a rugged mountainous region near Phoenix, AZ, which is where I happen to live.On page ten he points out the "noxious" and "foul" attributes of the "mechanical conditions" of the city's "existence."The elder needs to be reminded that our ancestors also existed amongst mechanical conditions of their own making and the detrimental consequences of fires used for heating, lighting, cooking and industry even in small villages are a matter of historical record.

Once you get past chapter one and presume modern city dwelling industrialists aren't excluded, the remaining 563 pages of wisdom and advice are indeed for all kin of the Northern god/desses.These two volumes were a long time in the making, a long time waited for, and now they're here; both are a rewarding treasure for the Tru folk.Though having read both, there's not a week that goes by I don't pick one up for reference or inspiration.

An evil books that promotes Greek boy-love as a Germanic Tradition
Read 273 onward and some sections before. The Troth claims homosexual rape and Greek boy-love were part of the Asatru culture. How strange! Why do they need to lie? Pedophiles have been a huge problem in Neo-Pagan religions for years. They can move freely, because they know they will never be turned over to the police, small religions tend not to trust the police nor the press. The Pedophiles think that Christian "homophobia" is the only reason pedophiles are "oppressed". Pedophiles become Satanists, cross oover into Wiccan, then cross over into Nothern Heathenism. Now, the Troth has made Greek boy-love part of the Asatru religion. We will be flooded with these people.
I have been an Odinist since 1978. You can't have a public Asatru meeting without 5% or more of the people there being Pedophiles. Creeps who are looking for a religion to justify their sexual desires turn away from Christianity and look for other religions that are "sexually liberal".
Always beware of Neo-Pagan groups, leaders, or indivuduals who talk about Christianity being sexually oppressive and that Pagans and Heathens were "sexual liberals". These people are mock Heathens, who only become Heathen in order to justify their own perversion. The Northen Heathens were family centered. They were not "sexual liberals" at all.
Satanism and Wicca are full of "sexual liberals". And now that certain "Asatru" people are recruiting from Satanism and Wicca, we are being invaded by "sexual liberals".

Comprehensive, scholarly, and practical.
I was wondering how the excellent First Volume would be followed up. Rarely are sequels as good as the original. However, this volume really continues the scholarly yet accessible style of the first. While the first covered the history and lore, this covers the practicalities of following an active Heathen life.

Unlike many earlier popular manuals, it does not seek to invent Heathen doctrine or ritual. It instead discusses very comprehensively every issue likely to arise in life, ritual, and community, with a focus on both common sense in the modern world, and the historical usages in the literature.

From weapons and alcohol at gatherings, to same sex partnerships, each facet of Heathen life is viewed both from the old sources, and the modern realities, creating a sensible and workable approach to being a Heathen without making oneself irrelevent or hostile to the modern world.

The two volumes together are the most useful and complete source of Northern Heathenism I have seen. I suspect they will become the foundation course for the majority of new Heathens in the future.

Sweyn
The Rune Primer

invaluable reference
The long awaited volume 2 is finally out and proves to be worth the wait. This book is well researched and clearly cites all lore references making it a great reference work. There is nothing else out there that compares to this for the depth of research and usefulness.
Volume 2 focuses on modern heathenry and its practices. It offers a look at many different aspects of the religion as they were in the past and as they apply to the modern world. There is a chapter discussing the different "types" of heathenry, from theodish to folkish to universalist which I found to be very fair and balanced to thediffrent viewpoints. It also takes a look at ritual planning and ettiquette, something that could be very useful for beginners or those used to solitary work. It touches on everything from how to drink from a drinking horn to responsible camping at outdoor sites.
There is also an entire section on asatru rites of passage. It is almost worth buying the book just for this! Nowhere else have I seen such an indepth study of these rituals in the lore as well as modern practice. The chapter on birth riuals was fascinating, and the chapter on marriage would be very helpful to anyone planning a heathen wedding.
There is a chapter dealing with oaths which is a must read for anyone considering making an oath. It explains the significance of oaths, the practice of oathing and how seriously it is taken in the community.
I think this book along with volume 1 would make a great addition to any asatruar's library and serve as fascinating reading and useful refrences. They are more than worth the money. ... 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 today as a member of Asgard Troth. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

beyond basics
I really enjoyed this book. It is a good introduction to the basics of the religion but goes beyond that and takes a more philosophical approach than most others. It looks at not only what Asatruar believe but at what that actual means in daily life. I loved the examples given to illustrate the author's points, such as the far reaching nature of keeping our word in all things. I thought the author took a creative approach which is lacking in other beginner books without loosing the easy accessability necessary to intro books. It is a short book and could have gone into more depth, but covers all the basics like symbols, holy days, and gods adequately enough. I would recommend it if only for the depth of the discussion on ethics it presents. While the author does put forth a lot of his own opinions, he is very up front about what he believes and why, which gives the book a personal feel.

a good introduction
I ocnsider this bok good to have on hand if you practice Asatru/Odinism and you want to share your belief with someone but do not want to have to explain it yourself. very well written, easily accesable to anyone. i recoemnd it.

Basic, Opinionated
This book provides very little information on Asatru at all, much less on how to live a day like an Asatruar. It has a heavy bias and like he says early on the book is written from his viewpoint and beliefs, he also says he is very opinionated which does not go well for his writings. The book has a number of spelling errors, along with errors regarding the meanings of the words and certain areas of the beliefs of the Old Norse people. If I was to recommend a book to give you a good amount of reading and to also give examples of how to live a day like an Asatruar I would recommend Essential Asatru by Diana Paxson, although not the greatest it does give the person what they need to explore further and enough for them to begin basing their actions. This book does not fulfill its title "Living Asatru" it says very little in the way of actually living your life like an Astruar, it would be more suitable as a benchread type of book, one that you read just to pass time while waiting for a flight at the airport and will never read again. Overall this book is not very highly recommended and has many misconceptions about the faith in it along with basic tenets of the things Astruars strive for.

Very basic, but good
Shetler does a pretty good job of presenting the very basics for Asatru as well as giving practical, down to Earth advice for applying Heathen concepts to day to day living.It can be used as a pretty good quick-reference guide.I would recommend it to someone who just wanted to know the very basics, but you might want to go with something else if you desire more indepth knowledge.

Awsome point of view andwell written without the fluff of other books
If your sick and tired of touchy feely hippie new age writing this is the book for you. IT lays out in very unapologetic language the ways of Asatru without the usual wiccan influence. It is a straight forward look at Asatru from a Hardcore asatruar's point of view. Great book for anyone interested in the northern path without the overly celtic influence of most other writings. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (3)

Same book
This book is good.Unfortunately, it is the exact same book written by M.K. Lawson under a different title.If I had known that, I wouldn't have spent another $20 on a book I already have.M.K. Lawson has the SAME book on Cnut out by two different titles.

Anyway, it is a good, thorough, scholarly work.

Good, but...
This book does a really good job of covering King Cnut's reign in detail.I didn't like the way it ended, though.We are told what a skillful king Cnut was, both politically and militarily, and then we are told that he has been all but forgotten.Kind of ruined the mood!

Thorough Study of Little Known Episode in English History
Lawson's coverage of the reign of Cnut and of the Danish conquest of England in the 11th century, is a thorough examination of a subject rarely covered in most histories of the island.About 50 years before the famous Norman Conquest of 1066, the Danish conquest was accomplished on the battlefield by Cnut's father Svegn and cemented in Cnut's law codes.The Englandthey conquered was one tired of wars and eager for a chance at peace.Lawson's study examines the ways in which Cnut engineered an aura oflegitimacy to his reign, by using personal loyalty, legal codes, closerelations with the church and, finally, by marrying the widowed queen ofthe Anglo-Saxon king, Aethelred the Unready.This is a very carefullyresearched work, shedding light on a compelling period in English history.

This book is not for the historically uninitiated or for those who liketheir history on the light side.However, for those who enjoy an in-depth study of primary sources, this work fills an important gap in scholarship. ... Read more

Book Description
Historical facts about the runes in plain English. This book looks at what we really know about them and how we know it. There is also a discussion of the popular authors of esoteric runology, and a chapter exposing the myths and misconceptions about runes perpetuated in many popular rune manuals. The Primer will provide you with a basic factual foundation of rune knowledge, and enable you to sort the useful gems from the rubbish in your future investigations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

No Mumbo Jumbo on the Runes
I have been astudent of the runes since in 1980's. And a heathen for 23 years. In my time I have read quite a few rune books, good and bad. Many authors make claims that can not be proven. Mr. Plowright gives an honest view into the runes with out any mumbo jumbo. His writing style is clear and to the point. His back roundin the runes is not trumped up nor self inflated. He is a heathen, and understands the use of the runes in ancient and modern concepts. Before you spend a lot of money on other rune books, start here first.I'd like to plug his other book as well, "True Helm". This book deals with the northern warriorpath and the runes as well.I hope to hear more from Mr. Plowright in the future!Read, enjoy, and learn..

Excellent Primer!
At the first glance of the title, it leaves one curious on how exactly would a rune book be down-to-earth? This leaves a lot of open questions now-a-days with the vast amount of esoteric information, and academics. Then through my surpise I have found the information a bit more than
down-to-earth, but a vast amount of general information that will be unlikely seen anywhere else. The author has offered a very rudimentary volume that is very readable and concise. I'm rather impressed with his hands on input he shared with various authors, and I found his responses to be very responsible for the general new-comer to the subject. Though, I'm not entirely sure on the credibility gap for the use of divination with the runes - which he adds his personal interpretations for divination, and done so admitting no authority to the meanings given (which shows a very responsible author and I commend him for being honest). Which anything critical mentioned, hardly takes away from what the author's whole intention is in writing this book - the general concern the author presented is to "throw caution when needed". Close to the end of the book, comes a unique surpise, which is a topic I rather enjoy personally, 'ek erilar/z'. I believe that the author comes through with the difficulties to the study of language structure and used this example as a primer on the descriptive principles used in the difficulties of runology.

Excellent introduction, and highly recommended for the new-comers.

Reviewed by: Mike Garcia 2008©

Owner: Rune_Magic discussion forum

Oops - I returned it
I didn't find this book helpful and think I ordered it by mistake.It is a thin volume that contains quite a bit of negative comment about other rune books and intepretations, and not that much helpful content. Perhaps I missed the point, but since I didn't get it, I returned it to Amazon.

A Must Read Rune Book
Although there are many good books on runes, this is the only one that I've found that clearly separates modern fantasy from historical realities. I was surprised to learn that many of the meanings given to the runes of the Elder Futhark aren't the original meanings but were extrapolated out from younger runic systems as the LIKELY meanings for the runes of the Elder Futhark.

This may not be a big shift for most people, but for me it was earth shattering. All along I had believed that I was working with the genuine, original, runic system of divination and magic not a modern version or interpretation. Now I have to eat crow in front of my pagan and New Age friends to whom I boasted that I was working with a genuine system based on historic fact rather than modern invention like theirs.

Many of the modern myths about runes are exposed in this book as well as the authors who propogate them to line their own pockets. There is also good basic information about what we do know about the runes so you can make an informed decision about how you want to approach them and use them in your own work.

I highly recommend this book! If I could give it 7 stars I would.

the rune PRIMER
This is an awful book, and I would only recommend it to someone who's never even heard the word "rune," but for some reason, has an intense desire to learn about it.If you are one of these people, then buy this book because it assumes nothing!It won't try to instill you with any ideas or suggest any sort of system in which runes can be understood.You'll be armed with a whole four paragraphs of information on germanic soul concepts and some rune poems-printed twice in the text!-that you could get off of wikipedia or anywhere on the net for free.But probably none of this would even matter to you, since you would be unfamiliar with the heathen community's scorn for non traditional material, and as such, wouldn't care whether you were avoiding the all consuming terror of non-traditional material!

If you are familiar with rune magic and its modern history, then this book is little more than a polemic against Edred Thorsson.If you know about him, then you probably know some of his ideas aren't as traditional as most heathens would like them to be-like rune yoga, the rune tree of life, etc-but why you would need to buy an entire book to have someone tell you something this obvious is beyond me.Most of the myths he addresses are ideas Thorsson has tried to propogate throughout the scene, such as dutch hex signs, the erulians, etc.I figured out Erilaz didn't mean "rune magician" with a copy of webster's dictionary and the etymologies contained therein as a 15 year old.I'm sure anyone else with half a brain could reach this conclusion on their own as well.Again, I'm not sure why an entire book needs to exist to point this crap out, especially since those parts are available for free on his website.

What you'll be getting with this book that is original are his interpretations of the rune poems.They are on average two or three sentences.You might like that, as it is certainly not the countenance of a would be cult leader.I mean, personally, Sweyn is very commendable on this point.But it just begs the question why even publish a book and sell it for sixteen dollars if all the person is really getting is about ten pages of original rune interpretations, assuming most consumers are expecting primer not to mean "Edred Thorsson violates the holy hatred of non-traditional material and I will prove it"?It would have been a lot more noble of him to print this entire livejournal entrie's worth of information for free on his website and provide a link to wikipedia.

Last, just to make my point as clear as I can, I will take out my copy and add up all the pages that aren't about modern revivals, Thorsson's bad ideas, or his personal encounter's with writers in the rune community.This, to the regular reader, should comprise the "runic primer" alluded to in the title.Survey says: 18 pages.The rest is either rune poems (again, printed twice, lol) you can find for free online or "myth busting."So, 18 pages at 19 dollars with shipping was more than a dollar per page.And even then, I'm neglecting to mention 16 of this 18 pages contain the first round of rune poems printings in the text, so I would estimate generously there is about 5 pages of spiritually useful information in this text.The rest is trivial or information that is widely available for free. ... Read more

Book Description
Unlike other titles in this area, this book looks at all aspects of women's lives, their magic and their religion in the Northern Tradition. Topics covered include the nature of women's activities from the 'traditional' position of housewife to those of scald and warrior, the role of female figures in creation and Ragnarok myths, a comprehensive coverage of Northern Tradition Goddesses, rituals specific to women, runes and the female power of foreseeing events, Seidr - the combination of witchcraft and shamanism, its connections with Freya as well as the connections between her, fertility magic and Seidr itself. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Don't waste your time or your money
This book is a waste of money and time. I entirely regret the money I paid for this book and wish I could have the hour back that it took me to read it.

One shouldrealize it is fluffy-bunny-make-it-up-as-you-go-along when the author quotes Diana Paxton's names for Freyja's cats. Of course anyone quoting Diana Paxton should be considered academically challenged.

The author completely misses the role of women in the Nordic society, nor does she have any idea of the role the Freyja played.Her idea of Freyja being sent as a hostage of war to the Aesir to be Odin's Bride is completely without merit.Furthermore it shows no understanding whatsoever of the role the Vanadis played to the ancient peoples of Northern Europe.

This is basically, someone with a little knowledge of the lore trying to make it jibe with modern Wiccan movement. If you want to find something on women's roles in the Nordic society look elsewhere, you won't find it here.

Danny ... Read more

Book Description
An expert guide to the different paths within the flourishing modern Pagan movement. ... Read more

Product Description
Our Troth is the single most comprehensive book available on the reborn religion of Heathenry -- the pre-Christian religion of the Germanic peoples. First published in 1993 but out of print for years, Our Troth is back in print, featuring updates and additions from its original compiler, Kveldulf Gundarsson, and from many other Heathen writers, all edited by well-known author Diana L. Paxson. Volume 1 covers the history and lore of this religion, from its deepest Stone Age roots to its flowering today, with information on the Gods, Goddesses, and other beings that receive honor and worship, and the ethics of living the Heathen way. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Practical and Scholarly
This book offers a well researched view of the Germanic mythological and spiritual world, without being too dry or formal in its approach. It is geared toward giving those interested in following the Northern paths a thorough grounding in the known literature, as well as a practical and realistic way to incorporate this lore into ones spiritual life.

It is a substantial tome, covering a lot of ground, and is probably the most complete textbook of its kind. It is intended as the historical part of a two volume set. The next volume dealing with the practical aspects of living a Heathen life.

The book is mercifully free of the political, philosophical, and fantasy agendas that plague so many of the popular manuals. If I had to recommend one book for the prospective Heathen, this would be it.

Sweyn
Author of
The Rune Primer ... Read more

Book Description
40% to resalers/ 25% single copy other discounts by arrangment ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Brilliant conveyance of a little known secret society
This work is conveyed in an interview format and presents us with a first-hand account of The Odin Brotherhood, a polytheistic cult, primarily of Europe, whose visions bring to mind Norse and Teutonic values and rites.

The author himself is a highly-respected historian, a PhD and college professor, and a man clearly enthusiastic about his study of Odinism.

Buy this one for a refreshing look into an ancient cult. See my non-fiction and fiction listmania lists for additional recommendations.

A Masterpiece!
Odinism is a religion that creates no laws, only virtues.This is a wonderful work on an ancient and extraordinary movement.

Contrary to the profane, the Odin Brotherhood is real.Indeed, I am a member!As for the secrecy, that is the source of our power!Ever hear of "Skull and Bones"?

This book--published in England by Mandrake of Oxford--is rather expensive, but it is worth it.Impoverished readers, check for used copies.Thousands circulate.

Disappointing
As a heathen, I was very disappointed in this small yet overpriced little book.There was very little new information, very little explanation of the information discussed, and nothing in the book was verifiable.It took me less than an hour to read, and felt let down at the end.
An Odinic secret society that has survived for several centuries is absurd.Secrets and initiations are for the neo-pagans, not for heathens.Secret cults are cowards, hiding their faces and feelings from the rest of society.Cowardice is not a virtue of Odinism.
This book was somewhat entertaining, which is why I gave it two stars instead of one.I would not recommend this book to anyone new to Odinism.In fact, I would not recommned this book to anyone.

Odin's Secret Society?There Are Secrets In This Book.
The Odin Brotherhood is written in the form of an interview (questions and answers) between the author and the Odin Brotherhood.The discussion covers a number of areas of particular value to anyone with an interest in Odinism in general.Some of these areas include:

Why Venerate the Odinist Gods?
The God Odin and His Mysteries.
The God Heimdall and "The-Sojourn-of-the-Brave" (a description of the initiation rite)
Brave Tyr, the Warrior God
The Legend of "The-Mountain-of-Promise"

... and many other areas of interest.

This book offers a unique view of Odinism that is well-worth reading.As for the Odin Brotherhood itself, does such a group really exist?Well, perhaps!

A New Edition of a Non-Fiction Classic on Odinism
Called an "occult religion" for adepts, a "creed of iron" for warriors, and a "secret society" for higher men and women who value "knowledge, freedom and power," the Odin Brotherhood honors the gods and goddesses of the Norse pantheon.

This non-fiction book details the legends, the rituals, and the mysteries of an ancient and enigmatic movement.

· Contents
· Introduction
· Introduction to the Mandrake Edition
· The Dialogue
· Odinism and the Mysteries of the Past
· The Odin Brotherhood Today and the Heroic Ideal
· On Polytheism and the Nature of the Gods
· The Eddaic Verses and the Three Ages of Man
· Why Venerate the Odinist Gods?
· The Contacts between Men and Gods
· The God Odin and His Mysteries
· The Goddess Frigg and the Rite of Marriage
· The God Thor, the Nemesis of Titans
· The Goddess Sif, the Mischief of Loki, and the Skill of the Rock Dwarfs
· The God Heimdall and "The-Sojourn-of-the-Brave"
· The God Bragi, the Holy Words, and the Seasonal Rites
· The Fair Goddess Idun and Her Enchanted Fruit
· Brave Tyr, the Warrior God
· The God Njord, Magic, and the Vanir Gods
· The God Frey and the Elves
· The Goddess Freyja, the Lovely Patroness of Birth
· The God Balder and the Adventure of Death
· The Goddess Nanna and the Odinist Death Rite
· The Legend of "The-Mountain-of-Promise"
· Destiny, Ragnarok, and the Mysteries of the Future
· Epilogue -
· Eddaic Sources
· Works on Modern Odinism
· Reviews of Earlier Editions of
· The Odin Brotherhood
... Read more

Book Description
Set in Viking Greenland in AD 985, this dramatic historical novel focuses on the intertwined lives of three women straddling the pagan past and Christian future

A vividly imagined chronicle of love, hatred, and revenge at a time when the Vikings were exploring to new worlds, Judith Lindbergh’s spectacular debut novel takes its inspiration from Old Norse Sagas and creates the riveting story of a beautiful slave, her ill-begotten daughter, and their maligned but powerful mistress.

Lindbergh spent the last ten years researching and writing The Thrall’s Tale. This monumental work, illustrated with maps and accompanied by historical notes, will surely appeal to readers of Norse history and sagas as well as to fans of great historical fiction like Anita Diamant’s The Red Tent and Sena Jeter Naslund’s Ahab’s Wife.

“Every once in a while, a writer creates a novel that opens our eyes to a lost world. Arthur Golden achieved this with "Memoirs of a Geisha," and now Judith Lindbergh has performed a similar feat...Gripping and wholly original…a story that transports through time and place, but always remains anchored in the unchanging territory of the human heart.”
—Geraldine Brooks, author of Year of Wonders

"The Thrall's Tale is not only a wonderfully rich historical novel, it resonates strongly into our current age with its exploration of religion-driven cultures in collision. The voices of the story are pitch-perfectly convincing...Judith Lindbergh is a greatly gifted novelist and she has created an enchanted and provocative reading experience."
—Robert Olen Butler, winner of the 1993 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction

"Lindbergh is a master storyteller, deftly weaving meticulously researched detail with unforgettable characters. This novel satisfies on every level …The plot unfolds with the suspense of a thriller, and you'll stay up all night to follow the many transformations of Katla's life. With The Thrall's Tale, Judith Lindbergh emerges as one of the finest historical novelists in recent years."
—Jonis Agee, author of The Weight of Dreams ... Read more

Customer Reviews (38)

The Thrall's Tale
Judith Lindbergh, The Thrall's Tale (Penguin 2007) depicts the Norse settlement in Greenland in the 10th century (the epoch of Eric the Red).The protagonists are a woman slave (or thrall) of Irish extraction (a crypto-Christian in the twilight of the traditional Norse gods), her daughter (the product of a brutal rape), and the elderly seeress who takes them both in.The writing is almost poetry.It not only puts the reader into that world; it puts you into their skins.

I found it quite absorbing.

Despressingly Satisfying
It took me months to finish this book. I've no doubt what took me so long was the complexity of its language - which I loved, envied, and hated at the same time. If I read too much at once, my mind would wander. I had to go back and reread passages many times because I'd get so swept up in the voice I wouldn't pick up the story, and sometimes even forget what was happening and where the characters were at times. I found that a single chapter, maybe two, sufficed for one sitting; I was relieved that the chapters were short, and most relieved to finish the book. I learned more than I think I did in high school history class, and actually enjoyed learning it! Kudos to the author for not giving up. 5 out of 5 stars for you!

3.5 stars overall

'Einar owns me..'
Set in Greenland in 985 CE, this novel combines the stories of three women with the harsh realities of life in the strange and distant world of Greenland.The physical setting is described in detail by Ms Lindbergh as is the tension between the old Norse beliefs and Christianity.

Never a comfortable read, the story through the eyes of Katla, Thorbjorg and Bibrau breathes life into the settlement of Greenland by Eirik Raude (Eric the Red).

This is Judith Lindbergh's first novel, and I hope it will be the first of many.

Highly recommended to those seeking to read fiction set in this period of history.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

Enthralled
Ok - So my review title is a bit trite, but the book surely isn't. I truly couldn't put this book down. Which is a problem with a book of almost 500 pages when you have a family.

I wasn't sure what to expect. I didn't think I would enjoy a book about Greenland as it was being discovered, but I was so wrong.

Judith Lindbergh writes with a clarity that brought the land, the sea, and time to me so clearly. I could feel myself on the boat with the thralls and freemen as they traveled from Iceland to Greenland. I could see the fjords and the land and feel their chill.

I loved the three voices, especially Katla, and cared about what happened to them. And was sad to leave their lives when I closed the book at its conclusion.

Highly recommended.

Makes me Fair'y Stut'!
This is an ambitious book with a truly foreign, "other" flavor which successfully sucks the reader in.It is without a doubt better researched than most paperback Viking-age fiction one runs into.I like the triple point of view.

That said, I agree with those reviewers who say the prose style is a major stumbling block to the enjoyment of this book.

My guess is that Lindbergh has read and admired the old Charles Archer translations of Sigrid Undset's _Kristin Lavransdatter_, which go the "medieval historical fiction has to sound like Sir Walter Scott and William Morris" route -- ignoring the fact that Undset's Norwegian was perfectly idiomatic for her own time (early 20th c.) and _not_ bogus-archaic; Tiina Nunnally's new translations have now saved Undset for us.We need a Nunnally for Lindbergh.

The apostrophes are beyond annoying.Broke, chose and spoke are perfectly normal alternative past participles for their verbs (you might find them like that in Shakespeare, or in a ballad) and don't need to be writen broke', chose' and spoke'.

Like other reviewers, I was completely baffled by fair'y, stut' and bandy.(Thorbjörg lítilvölva says that Bibrau is "bandy".Bandy-legged?Randy?A user of bind-runes?A fan of _Bandamanna saga_?Cursed [bönnudh]?A prisoner [bandingi]?A teetoaller [bindendismadhr]?What?)

Why "fylgie" and not the more familiar "fylgja"?

I assume (because of her name) that Lindbergh is most familiar with modern Swedish, and only secondarily with Old Norse.That's okay, but there are enough spelling inconsistencies (besides the Thor- and Tor- she warns us about in her Preface) to be grating.Well, medieval spelling isn't exactly consistent in any language.

Still, worth a visit.I got it for Christmas and have enjoyed parts. ... Read more

Product Description
Rich in action, parapsychology, spirituality and insights into the future. Utilizing courage, cooperation and social cohesion, its heros show us how to successfully deal with pernicious trends in society. ... Read more