Odinist

A practitioner of Odinism; also referred to as Ásatrúar. Though they are properly considered Neopagans, most Odinists prefer to label themselves as Odinists, Ásatrúar, “heathens” or “Norse heathens” rather than identify with the larger Neopagan community.

Odinists are looked at a little strangely by the rest of Paganism – where most of Paganism is essentially leftist, libertine, and do-your-own-thing, Odinism tends toward a more conservative, family-and-hearth-oriented social structure and a set of firm values to live by (the Nine Noble Virtues of Courage, Truth, Honor, Fidelity, Discipline, Hospitality, Industriousness, Self-Reliance, and Perseverance). As a result, most other Pagans consider the Odinists to be a little archaic in their attitudes – which is a bit odd, for members of religions that are reconstructed from so long ago! The Odinists may just be the most paleo of all.

Odinists usually wear the Thor’s Hammer as a symbol of their belief.

It should be noted that Odinism does not include any component of racism, and Odinists are somewhat tired of being mistaken for racists. Yes, certain white-supremacist organizations have adopted various Odinist symbols, but the fact that Odinism (and its Paleopagan source material) are being looted by racist groups doesn’t mean there’s any transfer of ideology in the other direction.