Below is a listing of recommended reading. Many of these can be found in the Library here at Awaken the North as a digital download, but I have included the links to purchase physical copies as well. I hope you enjoy!
Table of Contents
AtN's Pocket Havamal in Everyday English
Each copy of the Hávamál purchased here will fund a free copy of the paperback black n white version to be sent to an active duty military personnel! Please allow up to three weeks for delivery, as these are ordered in bundles from the printer.
The Hávamál, or ‘Words of Hávi [the High One]’, is presented as a single poem in the Codex Regius, a collection of Old Norse poems from the Viking age. The poem, itself a combination of numerous shorter poems, is largely gnomic, presenting advice for living, proper conduct, and wisdom. It is one of our most important sources on Old Norse philosophy.
The stanzas of the Hávamál are attributed to Odin; the chief God of the Æesir. For the most part composed in the metre ljóðaháttr, a metre associated with wisdom verse, The Hávamál is both practical and philosophical in its content. Following the gnomic “Hávamál proper” comes the Rúnatal, an account of how Odin won the runes, and the Ljóðatal, a list of magic chants or spells.
This book is by NO MEANS meant to be a “direct translation” of the Hávamál, but rather an “every day English for the working class” version. I’ve tried to sum up the translations of several others, to put the stanzas into language we can all understand, without the “thee’s” and “thou’s”, and twisted around sentence structures.
Poetic Edda by Jackson Crawford
The poems of the Poetic Edda have waited a long time for a Modern English translation that would do them justice. Here it is at last (Odin be praised!) and well worth the wait. These amazing texts from a thirteenth-century Icelandic manuscript are of huge historical, mythological, and literary importance, containing the lion’s share of information that survives today about the gods and heroes of pre-Christian Scandinavians, their unique vision of the beginning and end of the world, etc.
“Jackson Crawford’s modern versions of these poems are authoritative and fluent and often very gripping. With their individual headnotes and complementary general introduction, they supply today’s readers with most of what they need to know in order to understand and appreciate the beliefs, motivations, and values of the Vikings.” (Dick Ringler, professor emeritus of English and Scandinavian studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison)
Saga of the Volsungs with the Saga of Ragnar Loðrok by Jackson Crawford
From the translator of the bestselling Poetic Edda (Hackett, 2015) comes a gripping new rendering of two of the greatest sagas of Old Norse literature. Together the two sagas recount the story of seven generations of a single legendary heroic family and comprise our best source of traditional lore about its members—including, among others, the dragon-slayer Sigurd, Brynhild the Valkyrie, and the Viking chieftain Ragnar Lothbrok.
Let There Be Light: Homespun Inspiration from a Regular Guy by Kurt Hoogstraat
Make a choice to be happy. And do it in tiny steps. Make a small step towards your own happiness. Right now. Calling upon his 50 plus years of experience this ordinary guy gives you some homespun ways to get happy. Find inspiration in these pages to help combat the dark we all face! We all experience dark times in our life. It’s those times when we need a little help lighting things up. This book offers exercises and bits of wisdom to help turn on the light. Add a few inspirational stories and you can always count on this book to be a shaft of light when you need it most. Why not discover ways to enjoy happiness right now? A regular guy shares what he’s learned on the path towards happiness. Down home wisdom you can try yourself. Let There Be Light!
The Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson
Written in Iceland a century after the close of the Viking Age, The Prose Edda is the source of most of what we know of Norse mythology. Its tales are peopled by giants, dwarves, and elves, superhuman heroes and indomitable warrior queens. Its gods live with the tragic knowledge of their own impending destruction in the cataclysmic battle of Ragnarok. Its time scale spans the eons from the world’s creation to its violent end. This robust new translation captures the magisterial sweep and startling psychological complexity of the Old Icelandic original.
The Wanderers Havamal by Jackson Crawford
The Wanderer’s Hávamál features Jackson Crawford’s complete, carefully revised English translation of the Old Norse poem Hávamál, newly annotated for this volume, together with facing original Old Norse text sourced directly from the Codex Regius manuscript.
Rounding out the volume are Crawford’s classic Cowboy Hávamál and translations of other related texts central to understanding the character, wisdom, and mysteries of Óðinn (Odin). Portable and reader-friendly, it makes an ideal companion for both lovers of Old Norse mythology and those new to the wisdom of this central Eddic poem wherever they may find themselves.
Viking Poetry for Heathen Rites: Asatru Liturgy in Traditional Verse by Eirik Westcoat
Honor the Gods with the ancient poetic forms! Now, for the first time in perhaps hundreds of years, here is a vast new collection of liturgical poetry for honoring the Aesir and Vanir in the alliterative meters that the Gods and their worshippers used in the Viking Age. To the Gods, poetry is a precious mead — brewed from honey and the blood of wisdom — which was brought to Asgard by Óðinn himself. Isn’t it only fitting that you offer them some of that mead in your rites? Inside, you will find poetry for hallowing ritual space, telling stories from the mythology, inviting the Gods and other holy beings to your blessings, dialogue for ritual dramas, praise poems for the Gods and others, sumbel toasts, prayers, and more.
Esoteric Musings – The Workings Of A Druid And Vitki:: Runes, Seidr And Traveling The Multiverse Paperback by Kurt Hoogstraat
Greetings! This book contains my esoteric musings as I’ve walked a path of a Druid and Vitki or Norse shamanism. I hope you enjoy this journey. It’s been a miraculous one for me!
“Many will practice their Druidry alongside other dearly held spiritual paths, lovingly weaving these together in ways that bring meaning and joy; with tender care and reverence, and with an honest curiosity and respectful questioning, we can do justice to each and find our lives enriched in the process.
Kurt’s book is a wonderful example of exactly this. As a Norse Vitki and a Druid, Kurt offers us fascinating glimpses into both and beautifully illustrates how we can discover value and wisdom in a hybrid spirituality, without losing any of the depth of those individual paths.” ~ Eimear Burke, Chosen Chief of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids
A Practical Heathen’s Guide to Asatru
by Patricia M. Lafayllve
From its pre-Christian beginnings to its contemporary practitioners, Heathenry has long fascinated people from every corner of the world. Written from the unique perspective of a Heathen gythja, or Godwoman, A Practical Heathen’s Guide to Asatru shows how to bring the beliefs and traditions of this ancient faith into your life today. In this complete guide to Asatru, you will discover:
*The mythology, folklore, and historical sagas of Northern European Heathens
*How to conduct rituals for birth, naming, entry into adulthood, weddings, divorces, funerals, and holy days
*Practical techniques for meditation, trance-work, prayer, and working with runes and charms
*Heathen perspectives on the nature of time, creation, worship, ethics, oaths, and hospitality
*An in-depth glossary, index, pronunciation guide, and bibliography for further study
The Saga of Burnt Njal
Considered to be one of the finest of the Icelandic sagas, “Njal’s Saga” or “The Story of Burnt Njal” was written sometime in the thirteenth century by an unknown author and is the longest and most developed of the Icelandic sagas. The source material for the saga was historical but probably drawn largely from oral tradition. The story relates events that took place between 960 and 1020 AD, involving blood feuds in the Icelandic Commonwealth. It features memorable characters like the noble warrior Gunnar of Hlidarendi, the lawyer Njáll Þorgeirsson, and the mildly villainous Mord Valgardsson, whose motivations and passions are familiar to people of every age and locale. The saga is divided into three parts, which describe the friendship between Gunnar and Njal, the tragic consequences of revenge, and finally the retribution of Flosi and Kari. Themes of loyalty, marriage, family honor, and vengeance permeate this beautifully written and timeless epic. This edition follows the translation of George Webbe Dasent.
Eyrbyggja Saga
An Icelandic saga which mixes realism with wild gothic imagination and history with eerie tales of hauntings. It dramatizes a 13th century view of the past, from the pagan anarchy of the Viking age to the settlement of Iceland, the coming of Christianity and the beginnings of organized society.
Egil’s Saga
Egil’s Saga tells the story of the long and brutal life of tenth-century warrior-poet and farmer Egil Skallagrimsson: a morally ambiguous character who was at once the composer of intricately beautiful poetry, and a physical grotesque capable of staggering brutality. The saga recounts Egil’s progression from youthful savagery to mature wisdom as he struggles to avenge his father’s exile from Norway, defend his honour against the Norwegian King Erik Bloodaxe, and fight for the English King Athelstan in his battles against Scotland. Exploring issues as diverse as the question of loyalty, the power of poetry, and the relationship between two brothers who love the same woman, Egil’s Saga is a fascinating depiction of a deeply human character.
On Contemporary Seidr: A Guide to Norse Trance Work Paperback by Kurt Hoogstraat
This is not your Great Aunt Betsy’s seidr. From total novice to experienced practitioner, there should be plenty to find for those with an interest in Contemporary Seidr. Starting with the basics of how to go into trance and introducing more advanced exercises, the reader will be certain to learn something. As a Contemporary Seidr worker, one can learn to travel the Nine Realms, heal others, and much more. Explore the terrains of the Norse worlds and of your own inner psyche. Walk the path of Contemporary Seidr!
Hrafnkel’s Saga and Other Icelandic Stories
Written around the thirteenth century AD by Icelandic monks, the seven tales collected here offer a combination of pagan elements tightly woven into the pattern of Christian ethics. They take as their subjects figures who are heroic, but do not fit into the mould of traditional heroes. Some stories concern characters in Iceland – among them Hrafknel’s Saga, in which a poor man’s son is murdered by his powerful neighbour, and Thorstein the Staff-Struck, which describes an ageing warrior’s struggle to settle into a peaceful rural community. Others focus on the adventures of Icelanders abroad, including the compelling Audun’s Story, which depicts a farmhand’s pilgrimage to Rome. These fascinating tales deal with powerful human emotions, suffering and dignity at a time of profound transition, when traditional ideals were gradually yielding to a more peaceful pastoral lifestyle.
Runes for Beginners by Lisa Chamberlain
The enigmatic nature of the runes is undeniable. Even the word rune once carried the meanings of “secret,” “magic,” “mystery,” and “incantation.” As symbols, the runes mean little to the untrained eye, yet the magical energies they activate can be used for positive change in your life. In Runes for Beginners, best-selling author Lisa Chamberlain shines the light on these ancient symbols, showing you how to discover and utilize their unique magical energies.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
The divinatory meanings and magical uses of each rune in the Elder Futhark
Basic techniques of rune magic, including rune scripts, bind runes, and creating runic talismans
How to make your own runes
Instructions for rune-casting and interpreting the runes
Detailed tables of correspondence for a handy magical and divinatory guide
and much more!
Norse Mythology Paperback by Neil Gaiman
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author and “one of the modern masters of fantasy writing,” (Huffington Post) a dazzling, witty telling of the Norse myths.
“A lively, funny, and very human rendition of Thor the thunder god, his father Odin, and the dark-hearted trickster Loki (plus countless other gods and monsters).” ― Petra Mayer, NPR
Neil Gaiman, long inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction, presents a bravura rendition of the Norse gods and their world from their origin though their upheaval in Ragnarok.
In Norse Mythology, Gaiman stays true to the myths in envisioning the major Norse pantheon: Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin’s son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki―son of a giant―blood brother to Odin and a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator.
Saxo Grammaticus:
The History of the Danes, Books I-IX
In the early years of the thirteenth century the Danish writer Saxo Grammaticus provided his people with a History of the Danes, an account of their glorious past from the legendary kings and heroes of Denmark to the historical present. It is one of the major sources for the heroic and mythological traditions of northern Europe, though the complex Latin style and the wide range of material brought together from different sources have limited its use. Here Hilda Ellis Davidson, a specialist in Scandinavian mythology, together with the translator Peter Fisher, provides a full English edition; each of the first nine books is preceded by an introductory summary, and a detailed commentary follows on the folklore and life and customs of twelfth-century Denmark – including the sources of Hamlet, of which Saxo gives the earliest known account.
Scandinavian Mythology by H. R. Ellis Davidson
The author brings vividly to life the world of mighty warriors, ruthless gids, giants, dwarfs, elves and strange beasts. She shows how Christianity gradually spread and overcame the old religion. But for many years stories and carvings showed the two religions strangely intermingled. Hilda Davidson has made a special study of the archaeology and literature of the Norse people and has written several authoritative works on various aspects of their culture. This is the first fully illustrated popular treatment of Scandinavian mythology for many years. Its splendid illustrations are drawn from many countries and include some archeological finds not previously published.
The Book of the Settlement of Iceland
by Ari Frodi & T. Ellwood
Books on the history of Scandinavia discuss the history of the geographical region of Scandinavia and its peoples. The region is in northern Europe, and at its core consists of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Finland and Iceland are sometimes considered part of Scandinavia. During the Viking Age, Scandinavian warriors and traders raided, colonized and explored regions throughout Europe, the Middle East, northern Africa, and as far west as Newfoundland. The Kalmar Union between Denmark, Norway and Sweden was a series of personal unions (1397–1520) uniting the three kingdoms under a single monarch.
Taking Up The Runes: A Complete Guide To Using Runes In Spells, Rituals, Divination, And Magic by Diana L. Paxson
An accessible, in-depth exploration of the runes as a living spiritual tradition.
Diana Paxson has distilled her many years of experience working with the runes into this essential source book. Readers will learn the historical meaning of each individual rune and its use and meaning now, in contemporary culture. But, Paxson reveals, the real power of the runes comes from internalizing them and using their symbols as sources of wisdom and power. At the end of each chapter are rituals and spells for all levels of ability that aim to help internalize the attributions, meanings, symbolism, and use of the runes. Everything regarding runes is covered in this definitive workbook, from the history of runes and how to make your own rune sets, to how to work with them on a psychic, spiritual, and magical level.
Myths of the Norsemen: From the Eddas and Sagas – H. A. Guerber
Over the centuries, Northern mythology has exerted much influence on Western customs, language, and literature. Its principal theme of the perpetual struggle of the beneficent forces of nature against the injurious, and its twin characteristics of dark tragedy and grim humor, tinge much European literature and music, most notably Wagner’s Ring Cycle.
In this volume, a noted scholar of myth and folklore has assembled a rich collection of Northern mythology as preserved in the Eddas and sagas of Iceland. These are perhaps the purest versions of the original myths, thanks to the island’s remoteness and lack of contact with outside influences. Both grand and tragical, the age-old tales tell of the creation of the world; the heroic deeds of such gods and heroes as Odin, Thor, and Siegfried; the machinations of the evil Loki; the fantastical adventures of giants, dwarfs, and elves; the twilight of the gods; and much else. Sixty-four marvelous, atmospheric illustrations add an additional dimension of charm.
In this convenient, reliable edition, Myths of the Norsemen offers not only hours of reading entertainment but also valuable insights into the nature and meaning of myth and how it constitutes part of the deep and ancient wellspring of Western culture.
The Road to Hel: A Study of the Conception of the Dead in Old Norse Literature by Hilda R. Ellis
Although this is an academic work, where the author does not translate many old Norse terms into English, this book can still be enjoyed by the general reader with a passion for Norse literature and mythology. Davidson is a known author in the field. Here, she comes to some interesting conclusions about how the dead are perceived by the living, and what exactly happens to a person when they die. We’ve all read about how Vikings that die go to Valhalla to enjoy perennial feasting and fighting. But as the author shows, this is just one side of the story. The whole picture is much more complicated. The views of pagan Scandinavians changed over the years, and there were different views of life after death. Davidson touches on many fascinating beings that are relevant to the topic: gods, Valkyries, elves, land spirits, giants and ghosts.
I Have a Book for That!: A quick reference guide on the Teutonic peoples oldest and most well known runic alphabet; The Elder Futhark Runes by Doc Wayne
A quick reference guide on the Teutonic peoples oldest and most well known runic alphabet;
The Elder Futhark Runes.
Curated by myself, Doc Wayne.
May this guide book help all who search out the meanings and powers of the runes, should they truly wish to learn and gain knowledge of history, cultures, and magick.
-Doc
Norse Mythology: A Guide to Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs by John Lindow
Norse Mythology explores the magical myths and legends of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland and Viking-Age Greenland and outlines the way the prehistoric tales and beliefs from these regions that have remained embedded in the imagination of the world.
The book begins with an Introduction that helps put Scandinavian mythology in place in history, followed by a chapter that explains the meaning of mythic time, and a third section that presents in-depth explanations of each mythological term. These fascinating entries identify particular deities and giants, as well as the places where they dwell and the varied and wily means by which they forge their existence and battle one another. We meet Thor, one of the most powerful gods, who specializes in killing giants using a hammer made for him by dwarfs, not to mention myriad trolls, ogres, humans and strange animals. We learn of the ongoing struggle between the gods, who create the cosmos, and the jötnar, or giants, who aim to destroy it. In the enchanted world where this mythology takes place, we encounter turbulent rivers, majestic mountains, dense forests, storms, fierce winters, eagles, ravens, salmon and snakes in a landscape closely resembling Scandinavia. Beings travel on ships and on horseback; they eat slaughtered meat and drink mead.
Vikings: A Concise History of the Vikings by Hourly History
The saga of the Vikings rises and falls on the banks of history, ebbing and flowing with popular opinion and whimsical anecdotes. The Vikings are routinely typecast and labeled anywhere from bloodthirsty tyrants to valiant heroes. They have been condemned as pirates and praised as explorers. We have all heard the stories of the fierce warriors with long ships and horned helmets storming onto the shores of medieval Europe; but who were these men really?
This book helps to unravel the mystery. Helping to finally shed the light on why the Vikings abruptly descended onto the world stage in such dramatic fashion, this book begins to explore the motives of the Viking exodus like no other and takes an in depth evaluation of all the geographical, political, economic and religious underpinnings that led the Viking Age.
The Viking Way: Magic and Mind in Late Iron Age Scandinavia by Neil Price
Magic, sorcery and witchcraft are among the most common themes of the great medieval Icelandic sagas and poems, the problematic yet vital sources that provide our primary textual evidence for the Viking Age that they claim to describe. Yet despite the consistency of this picture, surprisingly little archaeological or historical research has been done to explore what this may really have meant to the men and women of the time. This book examines the evidence for Old Norse sorcery, looking at its meaning and function, practice and practitioners, and the complicated constructions of gender and sexual identity with which these were underpinned.
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