Customer Reviews

Essential Asatru: Walking the Path of Norse Paganism

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Very nice, understandably written introduction to Norse Paganism. Paxson's book covers a great deal of information in a short period of time. As an introduction to Asatru it does have all the essentials. I won't retread the points that most of reviewers have already covered.
Probably the most useful section of the book to me was, "Toasts, Boasts & Oaths". For those of you who are new to Norse Paganism, the section on , "Surviving Your First Heathen Event", is an absolute must read. Additionally the, "Asatru and Wicca", section drew some distinctions between the faiths and will give the novice some pat answers to often asked questions..
I rather liked the, "Heathen Holy Days", section and disagree with the reviewer who stated that they were "Wiccan with a few Asatru concepts grudgingly allowed". The most widely recognized days were marked with a Volknot while other celebrations & commemorations are so blatantly obvious that no explanation was needed, i.e., Leif Eriksson Day & Columbus Day etc. If these holidays were influenced by Wiccan thought then why is there no Norse version Samhaim?
All and all yet another good introductory book on Asatru/Heathenism. Enough detail to get you more interested but not bored. Consider "Essential Asatru" as the Cliff's Notes to "Our Troth vol. I & II". This book and Krasskova's "Exploring the Northern Tradition" compliment each other well and will point newcomers in the right general direction. After that they, (the newcomers), should be able to figure things out on their own.

In Frith,
Spence

"Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc"
M. Addams

Firstly, I wish this book came out years ago when I was looking around on 'Bambi-legs' for accesible intro material. Essentail Asatru serves as a very thorough introductory text. What especially impresses me is the 'airtime' Ms. Paxson gives to the history of Heathenry; and the explanations of different traditions exsisting under the banner of 'Heathenry'.
In addition to explaining the basic facts about Asatru, Ms. Paxson also guides the reader through a 'sumble' (an important Heathen ritual), as if we were an invited guest at the homestead of 'Raven Banner Kindred'. She also takes the time to expain proper ritual etiquette; and includes a comprehensive list of public Heathen organisations one may contact.
The book is both friendly and informative. Even if one is practicing solo, one really feels the connection to the greather Heathen community after reading this book.
If you are new to Heathenry: read this book! If you are an experienced member of the Heathen community -pass this book onto others! A great learning and teaching tool!

When I received this book, I racked my brain trying to figure out why the author's name was so familiar. By the time I got to the acknowledgements, I had the light bulb go off in my head. Ms. Paxson is the very same author who penned those wonderful fiction books with Marion Zimmer Bradley. These very books were my introduction into the worlds of magic back in my 20s. I settled in for what I was sure was to be a very enjoyable ride.

Each chapter starts off with a scene from a Heathen ritual. From this scene the chapter goes off into small segments of history, customs or mythology based on Norse Paganism. The chapters are divided into three sections called "Rounds" and follow the lines of a typical Heathen ritual. The first section (Round one) is dedicated to Heroes and Ancestors, the second is for Gods and Goddesses, and the final one is entitled Toasts, Boast and Oaths. Following these sections there are some pages with resources, a bibliography and an index. I'm not sure an index is necessary though, as the main body of the book is barely 200 pages long.

This book is a basic introduction for a non-Heathen. It is very lean and briefly touches on many topics. It was an easy read and did not require much effort from the reader. I would have liked to see more of Ms. Paxson's story telling ability in evidence in the mythological sections instead of a bland recounting of the facts related to each personality.

Although I have been to several boasting rituals in the last few decades, I really wasn't aware of many of the backgrounds behind the rites. This book cleared up many of my misconceptions and some of my ignorance on this fascinating branch of Paganism. The book sheds light on the kindred for the non-heathen, but it is so short and only touches on the surface of so many topics, I doubt anyone but a non-heathen would get much out of it. I would classify this book as an appetizer only, but a tasty tidbit non-the-less.

Reviewed by W. Lyon Martin - Author/illustrator of "An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child."

Essential Asatru is indeed a different way of looking at Asatru. It does it from a practical standpoint with examples presented as you would find it happening within a group. This gives life and clarity to the theoretical presentations. in most books there is a stace which appears to be "This is what you should do and how we justify it". Not a problem of itself but it lacks the clarity that an example or demonstration provide. Here the talents of Diana Paxson fantasy writer, connects with the experience of the long time leader of the Troth and produce a work which gives clarity to a lot of areas of confusion and shows what a functioning kindred would look like.

It becomes clear from this that this is not simply a religion for magic users (although thy will have a place here too), but a relgion of the whole community, with students, housewives and many others represented.

THis book does present just one face of Asatru (though it does point the way to other references and organizations), but it is my feeling that it is the most common and most accessable face. If you want a more expansive introduction it is out there, but this will give the most clearest description and the one that will most likely allow someone to start their own kindred.

There are a few problems, including the fact that some of her contacts are out of date. This is not the most rigorously historically accurate book out there, but if you want a book tht will explain what Asatru is all about it is HIGHLY reccommended.

There are a few books out now that offer a general overview of Asatru, and for the novice, I think this is the best one to start with. Diana Paxson has a great way of writing, and the book is a quick, fun read. I certainly don't think the aspiring heathen should stop there - the book IS of course only a brief introduction, but it covers the basics and provides plenty of resources to continue with.

One thing I like about this book is that TO ME, at least, it seems that the author made a very solid attempt to remain un-biased. (Although I see that some here disagree). Remaining unbiased is very difficult in Asatru, because the source material is so far removed from us and thus rather mysterious and difficult to interpret. Thus, each scholar makes his or her own interpretations, and obviously every person has their own biases and pre-conceived notions that they can't help inserting into the lore they read. There is absolutely NO authoritative overview on Asatru, because each author colors it with their own biases. That is why in Asatru it is ESSENTIAL that a person read as many authors as possible (both those considered 'liberal' and those considered 'conservative') and read the lore themselves, and then make their own determinations. The remarks here about feminism, by the way, I don't even understand where they got this from. Is it because the Goddesses are given equal weight to the Gods? I don't see any other basis! But where in the lore does it say that the Goddesses are less important? I have a feeling that perhaps some people didn't really read the book, perhaps they just assume that a female author can't possibly write a good book on Asatru.

Anyway, I do think that Ms. Paxson made a great effort to include a mention of EVERY interpretation of Asatru, even those she obviously doesn't agree with. I think this is to her credit. As I mentioned in a comment to someone else's review, all novices deserve to be exposed to EVERY interpretation before they make up their own minds. And in fact, I think numerous sections including the very important "Questions and Conflicts" does a very good job of outlining these very tense ongoing arguments (Universalist or Folkish? Honor Loki or ban Loki? Earth religion or not? Is it Wicca, or is it Tru? Liberal or Conservative? etc etc etc) In most (though admittedly not all) cases Ms. Paxson does a great job of self-restraint in regards to not pushing her own opinion, and simply lets the readers know what the different opinions are.

All that said, again I maintain that this is a perfect choice for a first book, before going on to other overview books and the lore itself. It's got a little bit of everything: some history, descriptions of the Gods and Goddesses (including very nice prayers and songs for each one), a brief description of the runes and other heathen esoteric practices, as well as both a very handy list of references and heathen organizations AND descriptions of heathen rituals and how to show good manners therein!

All in all, I can't praise this book enough, and just for it's "quick reference" value, it's definitely a keeper no matter how many more in-depth books one reads.

Review by Michele Lee and Michael Lush

Asatru is the pagan path that follows Norse tradition. For laypersons, this means Odin, Thor, Loki, their stories and their kin. Ask any pagan their views on Asatru and you'll get mixed responses. While many people, especially men, find their spiritual home as followers of the Asgardians, it's also been adopted by hateful, racist sects. Asatru, however, is not a racist belief system, in fact it's one of the few ancient paths that holds men and women equal. Goddesses and gods are equal, Odin accepts men and women into his ranks of warriors and in the Norse lifestyle men and women could both own land and hold respected social positions.
Because of Asatru's adoption by small groups of racists, and the reputation even centuries later of the Viking invaders, books on the subject often hint at the faith only being applicable to those of Northern European decent. However, Essential Asatru is different.
To begin with it points out that the Vikings traveled so far, to the Americas, even into Africa, that it's possible that many people who don't look Nordic might still have Norse blood.
Essential Asatru also focuses on the other thing that makes Asatru different from other pagan paths. Asatru is a functional religion, it's designed to blend into a life, not rule it. In Asatru the gods are allies in every day life, not overlords who must be appeased for humans to survive. Interacting with the religion is, and was, a low priority (which is not surprising when considering that the original Vikings lived with 9 months of winter a year, implying that they often had little time for anything other than survival.)
Essential Asatru is the first fully satisfying non-myth book we've added to our collection on Asatru. It's a choice pick for those interested in the faith, readers interested in religious studies in general and writers looking for research books on the Norse faiths.

This book is a wonderful introduction to heathenry and Asatru, and I would recommend it to anyone trying to get a quick snapshot into whether the religion is right for them. While I thought the table of correspondences for the gods was a bit ceremonial for my taste, I understand why Ms. Paxson chose to use them. Many newbies search for tangible and tactile ways to make their connections and this may be useful.

I also really liked the chapter introductions which fictionalized an actual ritual/sumbel. They really captured the essence and feel, and I hope some may be turned to visiting a real kindred to see that depth of emotion and connection to the gods.

When trying to find a book to give me the basic rundown of the Asatru faith, our folkways, our religious practices, our lore, history and magic, I found that there were many options and I had no idea which book or books to choose. I happened to pick this one up (along with a few others) and I have to say that this is my top pick for the new Asatruar seeking information about their native faith.

If you are new to Asatru, solitary and confused about the folkways, holy days and rites, or just wanting to feel more connected and become more knowledgeable, this is the introductory Asatru book for you! What really sets Paxson's book aside is in its warmth, and the very real imagery she creates of a Heathen gathering. Her fictional entries which are used to represent the feel of a real kindred and a real heathen gathering, are truly splendid. They help you to understand what to expect, and they introduce you to the spirit of the faith. She gives all of the necessary information including history and Sumble etiquette, and even an excellent rundown of the many international organizations available to Asatruar.

Paxson's writing style is very warm and easy to read. The book is engaging and enjoyable, even making the general history of our folk into a very interesting read without feeling like a college lecture!

Upon finishing the book, I felt that this one was the most complete introductory guide to Asatru that I have seen to date. I highly recommend it for new Asatruar and those who want to share information about the faith with friends and family.

It's got a bit of a slow start, but that's only because it gives a ruff history of the religion and the people who worshiped these deity's. It's a very good read for those who are new to this religion or those who are interested in what it is. It answers a lot of questions, and give very good list of what to read next if indeed you what to know more. I'd suggest it to anyone interested in the religion.

An excellent guide to Northern European legend, culture and lore by the noted fantasy novelist and author of Taking Up The Runes. Beginning with a concise and scholarly history of the origins and spread of the Germanic peoples, proceeding to an account of their gods and customs and magicks, outlining religious ritual in both ancient and modern forms, explaining the various retro-heathen Asatru groups, their core values and issues, their parallels to and differences from other neo-pagan traditions including Wicca, and ending with a guide to further study and the various organizations of modern times. One of the most significant differences between the Norse and Celtic revivalists is that the Norse generally have a stronger emphasis on accurate cultural information and a firm basis in the surviving texts of the Poetic & Prose Eddas and the various folktales and sagas. This is a clear and complete introduction to an important part of the 21st century's diverse spiritual traditions, by an author who clearly knows whereof she speaks!