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Gothi Marcus Fernstrom

Asatruar and viking-esque names; Don't do it.

  • I've always been amused when I see an Asatru decide to take a fake viking-esque sounding name.

     

    First off; Asatru is not 'The viking religion', it's been around for thousands of years and the viking age was a thousand years ago.

     

    Second off; Part of this idea comes from Wicca, where it's long been a standing tradition to create a "craft-name" for oneself.

     

    Without veering too far off-topic, I'd like to say this:

    We have plenty or rituals of our own, there is no need to "borrow" parts of someone elses religion.

     

    Some religions borrow things from other religions on an almost daily basis, but Asatru is not one of those religions.

     

    Back on topic.

     

    Asatru is a living religion, stop trying to live in the past, live our values in the modern world and help make it a better place.

8 comments
  • Sandra Palmer likes this
  • Sandra Palmer
    Sandra Palmer I got hooked on Apocalyptica when I heard their first album (I think it was their first) where it was all Metallica covers. I love Metallica, and the covers on cellos were just so unusual, that I had to buy the album. And goodness, that was maybe 1998??...  more
    June 12, 2012 - 1 likes this
  • Joshua Browning
    Joshua Browning Marcus, First off why do you say they are Viking names? Something like say Hrothgar Eriksson or Helga Svendottir aren't viking or viking-esque names. Before we started using "family" names you were known by your first name and then your fathers first name...  more
    August 22, 2013 - 1 likes this
  • Gothi Marcus Fernstrom
    Gothi Marcus Fernstrom Joshua, you can legally change your name to just about anything you want. Of course not all heathen names are viking-names, but you know what? Name a single Asatru with a "heathen" name that isn't a viking-esque name, because I haven't met any. I think it...  more
    September 1, 2013 - 1 likes this
  • Joshua Browning
    Joshua Browning Or is it? Hrothgar was taken straight out of Danish Mythology. King Hrothgar the Dragon Slayer. And if my father was named Erik then technically I would be Eriksson. So I don't see this as Viking-esque at all. More as a way to honor or Ancestors.
    October 29, 2015