Yes, many people still worship Norse gods through modern neopagan religions like Ásatrú. This practice, often called Norse Paganism or Heathenry, involves rituals, festivals, and personal spirituality that connects followers to ancient Germanic traditions. While not as widespread as it was during the Viking Age, the religion is officially recognized in some places, such as Iceland. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Modern practices
- Ásatrú: The most common name for modern Norse Paganism, which is an officially recognized religion in some countries like Iceland. [1, 5]
- Heathenry: A broader term for the religious practice of worshipping pre-Christian deities, including Norse gods like Odin, Thor, and Freya. [2]
- Rituals and practices: Worship includes public festivals around solstices and equinoxes, private rituals, meditations, and making offerings to the gods. [4, 6, 7]
- Personal and cultural connection: Some people may worship for spiritual reasons, to connect with their ancestors, or to find inner strength by seeing the gods as personifications of natural forces. [3]
Distribution and organization
- Global presence: Followers are found across Europe and North America. [1, 8]
- Decentralized faith: Most followers are individuals or small, independent groups, though some communities are more organized. [1, 8]
- Official recognition: In some countries, like Iceland, groups have gained official recognition and built public temples. [1, 5]
Reasons for continued worship
- Reconnecting with heritage: Some people are drawn to Norse paganism to connect with their ancestral or cultural heritage. [3]
- Spiritual fulfillment: For some, it offers a form of spiritual fulfillment that they may not find in other religions. [3, 9]
- Cultural interest: Others may be interested in mythology and culture but do not actively practice it as a religion. [8]
AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] https://heathenhearth.quora.com/Are-there-still-people-who-believe-in-Norse-mythology
[2] https://www.quora.com/Do-people-still-believe-in-old-gods-like-Loki-Odin-Thor-Zeus-etc
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRnccIqDib4
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fP9YTmhZzE
[5] https://bigthink.com/culture-religion/iceland-to-officially-worship-norse-gods-again/
[6] https://en.natmus.dk/historical-knowledge/denmark/prehistoric-period-until-1050-ad/the-viking-age/religion-magic-death-and-rituals/the-old-nordic-religion-today/
[7] https://www.centreofexcellence.com/14-pagan-gods-and-goddesses/
[8] https://www.quora.com/Do-people-still-believe-in-the-Norse-gods-like-Odin-and-Thor
[9] https://www.quora.com/Are-there-any-modern-worshippers-of-Norse-gods-If-so-which-gods-are-still-worshipped-and-how-do-they-worship-them