Heathenry is a modern Pagan religion inspired by pre-Christian Germanic traditions, especially those preserved in Old Norse sources. Its followers, called Heathens, view their practice either as a revival or continuation of the old European religions. Today, the number of adherents is likely in the tens of thousands, with most communities based in Europe and North America.
The word Heathenry comes from the term heathen, once used in a derogatory sense to describe non-Christians. In the Pagan context, reclaiming this name is an act of reappropriation. While “Heathenry” is the most widely used term, variations include Ásatrú, Forn Sed, Odinism, Wodenism, or the Northern Tradition.
Interest in Old Norse mythology grew in the 18th and 19th centuries, supported by Icelandic texts and popularized by art and Wagner’s operas. Early 20th-century groups in Germany and Austria attempted to revive pre-Christian Germanic religion, though their influence on politics was minor. The modern Heathen movement gained strength in the 1970s alongside the rise of Wicca and other alternative spiritualities.
Some groups emphasized Heathenry as a racial religion, a stance called “folkish.” However, this view has increasingly been rejected. Since the 1990s, many practitioners have promoted a universalist vision, open to anyone drawn to the faith. Online communities further expanded interest, supporting both organized groups and solitary practitioners.
By the 2000s and 2010s, surveys showed most Heathens opposed folkish ideology, favoring a focus on historical accuracy and inclusivity. While divisions remain, Heathenry today reflects a diverse and evolving path within the wider Pagan movement, balancing respect for ancient traditions with modern values of openness and spiritual freedom.
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Beliefs and practices
There has never been a single authority in charge of Heathenry, which makes the religion diverse in both belief and practice. Many Heathens gather in small groups known as kindreds, sometimes linked to national organizations, while others practice alone.
Like the pre-Christian religions that inspire them, Heathens are usually polytheistic. They honor many gods and goddesses, with Odin, Thor, and Freyja being the most widely worshiped from Old Norse tradition. Some practitioners see these deities as real beings, while others interpret them as symbolic. In addition to the gods, many Heathens believe in nature spirits and cosmic concepts such as Yggdrasill, the world tree.
Old Norse sources influence moral values in Heathenry. Many Heathens follow the Nine Noble Virtues, a code of conduct. These virtues highlight courage, honor, and truth. Views on social issues, however, differ greatly. Some groups support “folkish” ideas that tie the faith to ancestry. Others embrace a “universalist” vision, open to all people.
Symbols are an important part of Heathen identity. Mjöllnir, the hammer of Thor, is the most recognized, often worn as a pendant. Other common symbols include runes and the valknut, three interlocking triangles found in archaeological sources. These symbols connect modern Heathens to the historic traditions they seek to revive.
Heathenry today reflects both continuity and variety. Whether practiced in kindreds or individually, it remains rooted in polytheism, ancient stories, and symbolic imagery, while also adapting to modern discussions about culture, identity, and inclusion.
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Key figures in Norse mythology
In Norse mythology, Freyja is the goddess of love, fertility, and battle. She is associated with cats and the boar, and she shares with Odin the role of choosing warriors who die in battle. This dual nature shows her power both in passion and in war.
Odin is the chief god of wisdom, poetry, and magic. He seeks knowledge above all, even sacrificing himself on the world tree Yggdrasil to discover the runes. Odin is also the ruler of Valhalla, where he welcomes fallen warriors. He is often depicted with his ravens, wolves, and the eight-legged horse Sleipnir.
Thor, the thunder god, is the protector of humanity. He wields the hammer Mjölnir, a sacred weapon that always returns to his hand. With it, Thor defeats giants and blesses people, marriages, and land. His strength and protective role made him one of the most beloved gods. The Mjölnir itself is more than a weapon — it symbolizes protection, consecration, and the power to keep chaos at bay. Archaeological finds show that many people wore it as an amulet.
The cosmic tree Yggdrasil connects the nine worlds, from Asgard to Midgard and beyond. It is the axis of the universe and a symbol of life, death, and renewal. Odin’s sacrifice on Yggdrasil links wisdom with suffering, while its endurance through Ragnarök represents rebirth.
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The Nine Noble Virtues in Norse paganism
In Norse Pagan traditions such as Ásatrú, many practitioners follow a code of ethics called the Nine Noble Virtues. These values are inspired by ancient texts like the Hávamál, the Eddas, and Icelandic sagas. While different groups interpret them in slightly different ways, they form a shared guide for honorable living.
- Courage – Facing challenges and standing for what is right, even when it is difficult.
- Truth – Speaking honestly and living with integrity in words and actions.
- Honor – Building a reputation based on respect, dignity, and moral conduct.
- Fidelity – Staying loyal to gods, family, partners, and community.
- Discipline – Using willpower to uphold values and resist the easier path.
- Hospitality – Welcoming and protecting guests with generosity and respect.
- Industriousness – Working hard and contributing to the well-being of self and others.
- Self-Reliance – Taking responsibility for one’s own life while supporting the community.
- Perseverance – Continuing forward through obstacles and learning from mistakes.
Together, the Nine Noble Virtues form a modern framework rooted in old traditions. They encourage courage, loyalty, and responsibility in both personal and communal life. Although not an ancient Viking law code, they offer a meaningful way for many Heathens and Ásatrúar to align their lives with the spirit of their ancestors.
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Heathenry in the modern world
Heathenry today stands as a diverse and evolving Pagan religion that bridges the old and the new. It draws inspiration from ancient Norse stories, sacred symbols, and mythological figures while adapting them for modern spiritual needs. The Nine Noble Virtues offer ethical guidance, while gods like Odin, Thor, Freyja, and even the unpredictable Loki remind followers of the complexity of life and character.
Although there are divisions between folkish and universalist approaches, the movement continues to move toward inclusivity and openness. Online communities, kindreds, and solitary practitioners all contribute to its growth, keeping it vibrant and relevant. For many, Heathenry is more than a revival of the old ways. It is a living spirituality that nurtures identity, strengthens community, and offers a meaningful connection to both ancestry and the wider cosmos. More: Tarot card guide: Key insights and methods
