Norse & Germanic Paganism
Norse mythology tells of gods such as Odin, Thor and Freyja. Modern Heathenry (including Ásatrú) is a contemporary religion that honours these deities; it is distinct from Wicca, though both are often called Pagan. Historical practice centred on offerings (blót) and communal feasts; many modern groups hold seasonal blóts and sumbel toasts.
Many voices: Heathen groups vary widely; inclusive groups reject any use of the tradition for hate.
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Prayers, Mantras & Chants
Traditional textSigrdrífa's greeting — Hail, day!Old Norse poetry, used by many modern Heathens · Sigrdrífumál, stanzas 3–4Read the prayer
Hail, day! Hail, sons of day! And night and her daughter now! Look on us here with loving eyes, That waiting we victory win. Hail to the gods! Ye goddesses, hail, And all the generous earth! Give to us wisdom and goodly speech, And healing hands, life-long.
- Attribution:
- Poetic Edda, Sigrdrífumál
- Source:
- Sigrdrífumál, stanzas 3–4
- Version:
- English: Henry Adams Bellows (1923), public domain in the US. Spanish: Lightkeepers rendering.
Note: A poem from medieval Iceland, not a fixed liturgy; modern Heathen groups use it in their own ways.
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