Germanic Heathenry: A Practical Guide

by James Hjuka Coulter

528 pages, Paperback

First published August 26, 2003

Reviews

[Dennis Boltenhousejr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for reading and reference. I've read it many times and always enjoy it.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Coulter has written a book filled with some useful ideas and perspectives. He's taken much of the Icelandic god names and switched them their Old High German cognates in order to reflect his Continental focus. Which isn't a problem in and of itself. But he doesn't clearly point out what he is doing, which can be a hindrance to learning about historical heathenry, if the reader doesn't have some knowledge to begin with - which is another point; he uses some questionable speculations and ideas and passes them off as being fact. For instance, he uses the idea that Nerthus (he calls her Nirda) is the mother of Freyr & Freyja (Ing Fro & Walburga Frouwa, respectively). This idea has been popular with some scholars due to the Old Norse Njordr being a later evolution of the proto-Germanic *Nerthuz/Nerthus. That bit of linguistics has spawned various theories about Njordr being the same god as Nerthus, or that they are married in Viking Age myths. The problem is, no extant poems even mention the name of Njordr's wife and the mother of his children (besides the fact that the Vanir married their siblings). And given the fact that Nerthus and Njordr are separated by about 700 years, their connection is questionable at times. Which isn't a huge area of contention, and can be overlooked with ease, if it wasn't for similar things happening throughout the book. Given, this is a [i]practical[/i] guide, and not a scholarly tome of theory and survey. But little things like that can mislead new folks when they're learning about heathenry.

Even with my issues in some parts, I commend Coulter for putting his own perspectives into a practical and down to earth book, that does help spark some ideas in developing a practice.

[Cwn_annwn_13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

My take on Odinism (he calls it Irminism) is different than Coulters in a myriad of ways but I was very impressed with this book none the less. Coulter seems to base his beliefs mainly on what is known about the heathen continental Germanic tribes as opposed to the usual ideas that come from the lore and history of Scandinavia and to a lesser extent the British Isles.

One good thing Coulter does is he emphasizes the home, family, kin and doesn't really delve much into the warrior side of northern European heathenry. This is good because I think over emphasizing the warrior aspect tends to attract the nerdy role playing sca pretend warrior types who are into dressing up and playing Viking instead of spiritual people who are serious about discovering Odinism. I also found his take on the different types of wights and elves very interesting. There is loads more great stuff in this book, even Coulters own translation of the Havamal.This book would probably go over the beginner or person with only a casual interests head real fast but for the true Odinic seeker this book is essential reading.

[jack]

a good primer. this one stays pretty clear of most wiccan influence if i remember correctly. also has the havamal in the back. not really necessary, but its advice is still relevant.

[Lars · Rating 5 out of 5]

My own "bible" of beliefs and inspiration.