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20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A thorough resource for modern Heathens, February 28, 2004
This review is from: Hammer of the Gods: Anglo-Saxon Paganism in Modern Times (Paperback)
In Hammer of the Gods, Swain Wodening explores and explaines the practices of modern Heathenry. Anglo-Saxon heathenry is the main focus, however this book is also a valuable resource to Asatruar, and Theodish Heathens. The Thews and Virtues of Heathenry are well explained, and refrences given from the lore and historical sources in many relevant pasages. The focus on the Thewes and Virtues is important in the practice of Heathenry, as well as proper behavior within group settings in honoring of our Gods. The Gods and Goddesses are well explained, refrences are quoted to give background to how each God and Goddess was viewed historically, and how one would apply approaches in modern day life. Good explinations of the celebrations and ceremonies which accompany the Holy Tides of the year, and Blots to individual Deities are well presented. A newcomer to the ways of Heathenry would do well to purchace this book as a guide in thier practice, as would someone who has been Heathen for many years find information of good use and insight. Blot, Husel, Symbel, Oaths, Boasts, setting of Sacred Space, use of ritual tools, and the Runes are also thoroughly explained. Hammer of the Gods also includes information about modern Heathen Movements and Societies, which is helpful for newcomers in finding information which will speed them on thier journey of learning and study of the Gods and Goddesses. The complete bibliography in the back is also a good source for starting your own library of sources for learning. In all, Swain Wodening has brought us an important work avalible to all on the practice of Heathenry. Much more than just a basic book, or only specailised in one or two areas like most now avalible, Hammer of the Gods is one of the most thorough works on the market today about the practices, beliefs, and application of the ancient ways.
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Work to Be Remembered, March 22, 2004
By A Customer
This review is from: Hammer of the Gods: Anglo-Saxon Paganism in Modern Times (Paperback)
Most people that are familiar with Swain Wodening know him from his work with the Troth or the Ealdriht and his countless articles in Asatru and Germanic Heathen magazines and on the web. This is his first full length book, but you would not know it. While the book is specificly on Anglo-Saxon Heathenry, it is general enough to be used by anyone interested in truly authentic Germanic Heathen practice. Each section is written in easy to read language with the familiar Old Norse terms, known to most Germanic Heathens, along side the Anglo-Saxon terms he uses for most of the book. Add to this frequent examples taken from the Eddas, rune poems, Icelandic sagas, and other works, and you have the book easiest for the modern novice in Germanic Heathenry to understand to come out in years. He covers in depth, the concept of Wyrd, a topic rarely touched on in books about Germanic Heathenry as well as the virtues, gods, runes, and rites. His chapters on the rites of Heathenry are in depth, and each rite is carefully outlined. Well researched, nearly all of this book comes from Germanic Heathen lore. "Hammer of the Gods" is not only for Anglo-Saxon Heathens, but anyone wishing to practice Asatru or any other form of Germanic Heathenry. PS In the latest printing, of which my replacement copy is, all the typos have been edited out!!!
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One for the bookshelf, June 22, 2004
This review is from: Hammer of the Gods: Anglo-Saxon Paganism in Modern Times (Paperback)
One of the few truly excellent books written on the subject in many years! It covers more than the basics of germanic and anglo-saxon religion. With many books out of print on germanic religion. I would urge buying this one and keeping it!
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