Introduction to the Germanic Tradition

by Edred Thorsson

Here is a concise, yet thorough, introduction to the major aspects of the Germanic tradition. It is meant to be read by beginners, but it contains a good deal that is presented in a new way for the first time, and should be read by all who are interested in the exoteric and esoteric aspects of our tradition. Covers cosmology, psychology, theology, basic runology and major ways of ritual working.

18 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Stephen Edred Flowers (born 1953) also known by the pen-name Edred Thorsson, is an American Runologist and proponent of occultism and Germanic mysticism. He has over two dozen published books and hundreds of published papers on a disparate range of subjects. Flowers advocates "Esoteric Runology" or "Odianism", an occultist version of Germanic Neopaganism.

Reviews

[Bjørn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a little mixed feelings after reading this 25-page long book. It is a book that I would think will be easy to either condemn or to embrace. I am not familiar with any other book by the author, except the introduction to "The Secret King", so I think it is difficult to rate the book, since I would presume he goes further into details about the things he writes about in this "Introduction". There are some statements in this work that I would say are plainly wrong. Especially regarding the "tradional calendar in the North". These are however mostly minor details. I was however REALLY interested in this "structure of Soul-Body complex", and I am very tempted to buy more of his works just because of this idea. It was difficult to decide whether to give it three or four stars, but I think three is most suitable - for now.

[Shaun Phelps · Rating 3 out of 5]

Edred (Flowers) takes a unique turn in this introduction to Germanic tradition. Overall Flowers is a traditionalist, finding and translating original works. His scholarly pursuit of excavation and expansion of old ideas have placed him high in my esteem. This book is a self proclaimed "call to action," which is a different tone than I'm used to. This tone does not flatter the author or this work. Regardless, there are strengths here, largely in placing the Troth, Seidr, and Galdor, which I have seen individually analyzed though never placed together with overt explanation.