Ásatrú or Odinism is the ancient pre-Christian religion of Iceland, and Scandinavia. It was also practiced in one form or another, and under various names, throughout Europe, and even into Russia. Simply speaking, Ásatrú is an Ancestral religion with a wide pantheon of ancient gods and goddesses.

Ásatrú is often called the religion of the ancient Vikings, however, while this is true, Ásatrú/Odinism has an organized history of about 8,000 years (confirmed by archeological findings). Its beginnings go far back into pre-history with evidence dating to 42,000 years ago, while the Vikings only lasted about 500 years.

Ásatrú is an Earth religion, and we view this Planet as our sacred Mother (Frigga). Odin is our Father (the Sky) and the union between Mother and Father produces life on this Planet, i.e. us. We are their offspring. There are Nine Worlds, this being one of them (Midgard), with most of the gods and goddesses residing in the uppermost world, Asgard (home of the gods). There are also the Alfar (the Holy Elves - friends of mankind), the Dokkalfar (Dark Elves or Dwarves - sometimes friendly, sometimes not), and the Thurs (Giants - usually enemies of the gods and man).Many are unaware, but the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien (Lord of the Rings, etc.) were taken from, and based on, our ancient religion (with many liberties taken). While we do not have a Holy Book, we look upon the ancient manuscript known as the Codex Regius, as being the words and stories of our gods, and ancient pre-Christian Ancestors. This marvelous book is available today under the common name: the Poetic Edda.

Ásatrú means to be true to the Ancient Gods and Goddesses of Northern Europe. Ásatrú is the Ancestral Religion of the indigenous people who have continuously occupied the Northern areas of Europe for thousands of years, i.e. the English, Germans, Scandinavians, French, etc., and today, their descendants . Ásatrú is one of the oldest pre-Christian religions that is still in practice today. Just as the ancient religion of "Shinto" is the official state religion of Japan, so is Ásatrú one of the two official state religions of the country of Iceland. Fully recognized and supported by the Icelandic Government.

HISTORY:

Ásatrú / Odinism is an ancient, Ancestral, pre-Christian religion that originated in the Northern, Eastern and Western parts of Europe thousands of years ago. It was "officially" eliminated about 800 years ago by the "Church," when the King of Sweden, who had been the last official hold-out, finally converted to Christianity. At that point (1,200 years after the appearance of Jesus) the whole of Europe finally became "Christianized," (officially— politically). 

It should be noted that thousands continued to practice the "old Ancestral religion" for many centuries, right up to the present time. However, most practitioners were forced "underground," pretending to be Christians so as to preserve their lives. Those who were unsuccessful at concealing their so-called "Heathen" practices, were commonly assassinated by the Church— their possessions and land confiscated. 

In the late 1940's and early 1950's, most countries in the Western world repealed the laws, enacted by the Church, that made the practice of pre-Christian, or "Pagan" religions illegal. Since that time there has been an ever increasing number of those who profess the old ways, the "organic" or natural ways of Ancestral religion.