User:WarrenforPrez/sandbox

Peer Review:

Well stated information, added a lot of useful material. Used credible sources and properly described the information in own words. ~ibreger

7.2.3 Nordic Paganism

Nordic Paganism is the umbrella term for polytheistic followers of the Proto-Norse period religions involving the Nordic pantheon of gods. This pantheon includes: the Æsir; Odin,Thor, Loki, Sif, Heimdallr, Baldr, and Týr to name a few, and the Vanir; Freyja, Freyr, Njörðr, Nerthus, and others. The followers of Nordic Paganism include Odinists, Tyrists, Lokians, Asatru, and practitioners of Seiðr, among other varying followers. Nordic Pagans follow the teachings of the Hávamál. This old text, along with the Prose Edda and Poetic Edda, gives the basis for Norse mythology, stories, legends, and beliefs.

In popular culture, Norse mythology is well known. Fairy tale creatures, such as Elves, Dwarves, Giants, and Trolls all come from Norse mythology. These can be seen in famous works such as J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. This is one of the earlier works to bring Norse concepts to life. Comic book producer Marvel Comics has taken a different approach, making Thor a modern superhero, and Loki a villain. These comics have spawned several movies and toys. Norse Mythology and the Scandinavian-Germanic lifestyle were looked at more in-depth than ever before with the popular TV series Vikings. Though not perfect on accuracy, it is very close to how these people would have lived and worshiped in the 1st and 2nd centuries.

There is also a more negative light to Nordic Paganism's popularity. Many white supremacy groups, including the Aryan Brotherhood, Sons of Odin, and the Nazis all used Nordic symbols and express Norse teachings in a skewed manner to support their beliefs that White Men are the superior race and gender of the world. Nazis famously used the symbol Sowilō, for their SS pins. Their use of symbols such as these were originally tied to Guido von List. The Aryan Brotherhood and Soldiers of Odin use the Hammer of Thor (Mjölnir) and the symbol Odal (rune), which they use to represent Odin, to mark themselves as part of the gang. This has led to many prisons banning the wearing of Mjölnir by inmates due to their gang affiliation.