Odinism – What is it?

TL;DR:

Odinism is a modern revival of ancient Norse paganism that worships Odin and other mythical gods rooted in Viking tradition. The Bible stands in direct contrast, declaring that there is only one true, living God who alone is worthy of worship.

what does the bible say?

Odinism is a modern revival of ancient Norse paganism that centers on the worship of Odin and a host of mythological deities rooted in Viking tradition and preserved in the Eddas. While Odinism presents a worldview in which nature is divine and humans are inherently good, the Bible sharply contrasts this by proclaiming one true, living God who alone created all things and alone deserves worship. The Bible rejects all polytheistic systems and calls people not to myths or lesser gods but to a personal relationship with the Creator through His Son, Jesus Christ. In a world increasingly open to revived pagan spirituality, Odinism stands in contrast to the living God who offers real life, truth, and redemption.

from the old testament

The LORD God (YHWH) is the only God and Creator of the world (Genesis 1:1).

from the new testament

We are to only worship and serve God (Matthew 4:10, Luke 4:8).
God initiates a relationship with all people through Jesus (John 3:16-18, 17:3).
God provides life through our belief in Christ; He is the living God (John 11:25-26).

implications for today

A set of books called Eddas collected the oral traditions of the Odinists. They believe that nature is the manifestation of the divine and that humans are inherently good. Iceland, Denmark, and Norway have officially recognized Odinism as a religion since 1973. Most often those who embrace Odinism are called followers of Ásatrú (and the religion is also sometimes known as Asatru). There are several different branches of Odinism/Asatru, including Wotanism, Wodenism, the Odin Brotherhood, the Odinic Rite, and the Odinist Fellowship. Each practice is pagan (non-Christian) and polytheistic (believes in many gods) in its beliefs. Most identify Oden (also called Woten or Woden) as the main deity—the father (Alfadir) of the other gods. He is the god of war, wisdom, and death. Lesser gods include Frigg (Odin's wife and goddess of marriage and fertility), Thor (the god of thunder), Loki (the trickster god), Baldur (the god of light and purity), Tyr (originally seen as the god of war and later seen as Odin's son), and others. Odinism recognizes nine "homeworlds," including Asgard where the gods live, and Valhalla where some warriors who died in battle in the human homeworld live. The World Ash tree (called Yggdresil) connects the homeworlds.

All the ‘deities’ in Odinism are false and mythical and should be viewed as such. The God of the Bible is living and real and is the only one worthy of adoration and worship.

understand

Odinism originates from Norse and Viking mythology.
Odinism is a polytheistic religion of mythical deities.
The Bible reveals one, true, living God who loves us and is the only One who should be worshiped.

reflect

Where are you most tempted to blend cultural ideas, myths, or self-made beliefs into your understanding of who God is?
How does knowing there is one true, living God shape the way you worship, trust, and obey Him in everyday life?
What keeps you anchored in God’s Word and helps you keep from being distracted by human ideas or spiritual trends?

engage

Why do belief systems like Odinism continue to appeal to people today?
How does the Bible challenge worldviews that see nature or humanity as divine?
What practical differences should be visible in the lives of those who worship the one true God versus those who follow myth-based or polytheistic beliefs?