What is Asatru?

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-29-2004
What is Asatru?
1
Tue, 11-16-2004 - 1:10pm

I've heared this term in the Pagan Community. So what is Asatru? What is the beliefs in this religion?
Where can I find more information on it on the web - a good site that is.

Still working on my studies and this one popped up.

Thanks a million
StormyMoon

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2001
Tue, 11-16-2004 - 6:01pm

Well, went back to the Religious Tolerance site for you! Hee! Hee! ;))

http://www.religioustolerance.org/asatru.htm

"Asatru is frequently regarded as one of the Neopagan family of religions. That family includes Wicca, Celtic Druidism, and re-creations of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and other ancient Pagan religions. However, many Asatruers prefer the term "Heathen" to "Neopagan" and look upon their tradition as "not just a branch on the Neopagan tree" but as a separate tree. Unlike Wicca, which has gradually evolved into many different traditions, the reconstruction of Asatru has been based on the surviving historical record. Its followers have maintained it as closely as possible to the original religion of the Norse people.

Some sources state that Asatru or Ásatrú is of Norse origin, derived from the Danish word Asetro. It was "first seen in 1885 in an article in the periodical "Fjallkonan". 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 called Forn Siðr (which means the Ancient way or tradition), Forn sed (the Old custom), Nordisk sed (Nordic custom), or Hedensk sed (Pagan 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. Sweden was ruled by a Pagan king until 1085 CE.

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. "

There's more at the link, though, so don't miss it! :D On that same page they describe Asatru beliefs and rituals, Seasonal Days and offers more links about the path as well.

Blessings,
Gypsy




Edited 11/16/2004 6:04 pm ET ET by gypsywolfwoman


Blessings,

Gypsy

)O(