Language

Many Asatru people like the idea of being able to hold their own in a Viking-style combat situation. The thought swinging the sword or ax around or blocking the attack of an opponent with a shield just seems like fun. Unfortunately, most neighborhoods don't have Viking-style martial arts schools. In the Internet age, that is less of a problem thanks in part to the folks over at Hurstwic.

When you have to explain your religion to someone unfamiliar with it, there is a temptation to say you worship the Old Gods. I have heard this plenty of times and I have used that phrasing myself. However, this may send the wrong message.

For those who lean toward the Saxon form of Heathenism instead of the Norse, there is a Saxon version of Wikipedia. You can find it here: http://ang.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C4%93afodtramet. If you click the link at the top of the main page labeled "Motung", it will take you to a page with links to their online tutorial in Saxon.

Good luck and wes hal!

Some in our religion feel they should learn an ancient language associated with their ancestors in order to feel greater kinship to the past. They often feel that their everyday language has become mundane or, in the case of modern English, too corrupted. It never hurts to learn another language, but which one and why?