The reconstruction of Asatru has been based on the Eddas, written in by Icelandic scholar and historian (and Christian) Snorri Sturluson circa 1220C.E.

The Eddas can be read in full translation at this link:

Throughout Scandinavia the religion is called Forn Siðr (which means the Ancient way or tradition), Forn sed (the Old custom), Nordisk sed (Nordic custom), or Hedensk sed (Pagan custom). Other names are: Nordic Heathenism, Germanic Heathenism, the Elder Troth, the Old Way, Asetro, Vor Si r (our way), Forn Si r (Ancient way), Forn sed (the old custom), Nordisk sed (Nordic custom), or Hedensk sed (Pagan custom), Odinism or Folkish Ásatrú.

The religion's origin is lost in antiquity. Icelandic poet Gothi Sveinbjorn Beinteinsson promoted government recognition of Asatru as a legitimate religion; this status was granted in 1972.. Since the early 1970's, the religion has been in a period of rapid growth in the former Norse countries, as well as in Europe and North America.

Asatru was practiced widely throughout Scandinavia, as well as the Germanic countries. During the early part of the 20th Century, The National Socialist Party in Germany under Adolf Hitler attempted to pervert Asatru by grafting parts of the religion onto the Nazi racist beliefs, a gross and shameful misuse of Heathen symbolism by ignorant people to serve a negative purpose. This has unfortunately tarnished the image of what is – in its true sense, a perfectly decent religion.

The basic tenet of Asatru is thus:

Asatru is a polytheistic religion. There are three races of Deities in the Norse pantheon. They are all regarded as living entities who are involved in human life:

The Aesir: These are the Gods of the tribe or clan, representing Kingship, order, craft, etc.

The Vanir: These represent the fertility of the earth and forces of nature. They are associated with the clan but are not part of it.

The Jotunar: These are giants who are in a constant state of war with the Aesir. They represent chaos and destruction. At the battle of Ragnarok, many of the Gods will die, the world will come to an end and be reborn.

Main Deities

Thor is the Thunder God who wields Mjollnir, the divine Hammer. His chariot racing across the sky generates thunder. He is a mighty, but kindly god. Thursday (Thor's Day) was named for him.

Odin is the one-eyed God; he gave up one of his eyes in order to drink from the Fountain of Knowledge. He is a magician. He learned the secrets of the runes (Northern European alphabet) by hanging himself on the tree Yggdrasil for nine nights, his side pierced by a spear..

Freya (aka Freyja) is the Goddess of love, beauty and sexuality, and perhaps a dozen other attributes. She leads the Valkyries who take the souls of slain soldiers to Valhalla (Odin's great hall).

Skadi is the Goddess of independence, death, hunting and skiing. Scandinavia may have been named after her.

Ostara is a Goddess of fertility who is celebrated at the time of the Spring equinox. She was known by the Saxons as Eostre, the Goddess of Spring, from whom we have derived the word Easter. Ostara's symbols are the hare and the egg.Njord - father of Freyr and Freyja, god of ships, sea and lakes Tyr (Germanic Tiu) - god of battle, sacrifice, and justice (gave his name to Tuesday)

Ullr - god of death, winter, and hunting

Loki - the trickster.   

Asatru Practices

communities are called Kindreds, Hearths, or Garths. Male priests are called Gothi; priestesses are Gythia.

The Blot: (pronounced "bloat" or "boat;" sources differ) This is their most common religious ritual; it is a sacrifice to the Gods. In olden days, as with almost all ancient religions, an animal was consecrated to the deities and then slaughtered. This was not seen as a bribe or as a method of capturing the power of the dying animal. It is simply the way in which the ancient Norse shared their bounty with a gift to the Gods. Currently, the animal sacrifice has been replaced by the offer of beer, juice or mead. Afterwards, those present are either sprinkled with the liquid, or drink it in sequence.

The Sumbel: This is a ritual drinking celebration, in which a horn filled with a drink is passed around the group. Each person delivers a greeting; a toast to the Gods, ancient heroes, or one's ancestors; or a story, song or poem. He or she then drinks from the horn.

Profession or Adoption: This is the act of making a commitment to Asatru to the exclusion of other faiths, by solemnly giving an oath of allegiance and kinship to the Gods of Asgard, the Aesir and Vanir. It is a simple ceremony usually done in the presence of a Gothi or Gythia and the rest of the Kindred, Hearth or Garth. It is taken on an oath ring or some other sacred object. Some followers of Asatru believe that only those with Norse ancestry should be eligible to join.

Seasonal Days of Celebration

In common with most Neo-Pagan faiths, their main holy days are:

Winter Finding, at the fall equinox, typically September 21