Penguin Dictionary of Religions
Asatru Gods
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Definition
Polytheistic, Norse gods and goddesses, Norse creation myths.
The four main deities in Germanic religion and Asatru are:
- Odin (Germanic Woden) - god of magic, poetry, riches and the dead; ruler of Valhalla (gave his name to Wednesday)
- Thor - sky god who wields a hammer, controls the weather, and protects the law and the community (gave his name to Thursday)
- Freyr - fertility god represented with a phallic statue and seen as the founder of the Swedish royal dynasty
- Freyja - fertility goddess of love and beauty, sister of Freyr, known by many names (including Frigg, Odin's wife and patron of families, who gave her name to Friday)
Other Asatru deities:
- 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
Sources
- Hinnells, John R. (ed.), Penguin Dictionary of Religions (London: : Penguin Books, 1997).
- Polomé, Edgar Charles; E.O.G. Turville-Petre. “Germanic religion and mythology.” Encyclopaedia Britannica Online.
- “Iceland.” Barrett, David B., George Thomas Kurian, and Todd M. Johnson (eds.), The World Christian Encyclopedia: A Comparative Survey of Churches and Religions in the Modern World (Oxford University Press).
- Rev. Patrick "Jordsvin" Buck. “Asatru, An Ancient Religion Reborn.” Irminsul Ættir.
Further Reading
- “Heathenry (new religious movement).” Wikipedia.
Article Info
| Title | Asatru Gods |
|---|---|
| Published | August 25, 2015 |
| Last Updated | January 28, 2021 |
| URL | religionfacts.com/ |
| Short URL | rlft.co/1232 |
| MLA Citation | “Asatru Gods.” ReligionFacts.com. 28 Jan. 2021. Web. Accessed 8 Mar. 2021. <religionfacts.com/asatru/gods> |