Gods and Worshippers In the Viking and Germanic World

What was paganism really like? Who were the gods and how were they worshipped? Thor Ewing uncovers the world and the worldview of our pagan ancestors. In particular he looks at Viking and Germanic paganism, drawing on archaeological evidence as well as their myths and poetry. He analyzes their gods and the realities of pagan worship such as temples, sacred groves, and magical practices, considers their beliefs concerning the dead and funerary rites, and examines the interaction between paganism and Christianity in England, Ireland, Scandinavia, and Russia. In conclusion the author argues that over many centuries paganism was a vital tradition open to continual change.

Thor Ewing studied medieval languages at the University of Durham and has published prize-winning translations of Old Norse poetry. He is the author of Viking Clothing.