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A Book of Troth
Here is the most traditionally based and well-informed general guide to the practice of the elder Germanic folk way. Also the official document of the organization known as the "Ring of Troth". It features calls, blessings, redes and rituals for the practicing or aspiring Odinist. This is an excellent guide to Odinism by a, renowned scholar and author.
149 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
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About the author
Edred Thorsson
42 books90 followers
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.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 28, 2016
This is a very "folkish" book, clearly stating the author's view that Heathenism is a religion for those of German (linguistically, so including Nordic and Anglo-Saxon folk) ancestry. He has peculiar views on some subjects, such as the organization of kindreds and ceremony seating in a hierarchical fashion. And finally, in a chapter on symbols, Thorsson asserts Heathenism should reclaim the swastika. I'm sorry, Mr. Thorsson but not only has that ship sailed, it gives credence to the general notion that Heathenism is racist.
Thorrson is clearly from the conservative, "Folkish" wing of Heathenism which believes every culture should follow the path of it's own gods and goddesses, the antithesis of a universalist approach such as that of the organization The Troth. He attempts to recover his balance in a late chapter on organizations, arguing there are two valid paths in Heathenism, the folkish and non-folkish, and he gives each it's due, but it really doesn't make up for his tone and for specific, very folkish entries.
As an introductory book, I can't recommend it. It is too mired in the author's own personal history with organized heathenism, doesn't give as thorough an introduction to the pantheon as other primers. It does have several good chapters, which saves it from one star. The chapter on the Heathen concept of soul is very interesting, but lacks citation back to lore sources so I will be forced into further reading before I accept what he says. Also, I have not encountered the Sixfold Goal covered in his chapter on Right Ways, along with the more familiar Nine Noble Virtues. Again, I will have to look to other sources although his explanation for the Sixfold Goal is consistent with what else I have read of the general ethos of Heathenry.
This is clearly going to be a secondary source for those deep into the reading of "the religion with homework" for the value of a few of the chapters, but would not be a good place to start your reading on heathenism. For primers you want the excellent books by Lafayllve or Paxton for an introduction. This book's main value is for a view into the rigidly "folkish" side of Heathenism, from an Anglo-Saxon and continental perspective of the pantheon. If if the simple idea that there is a swastika troubles you--admittedly an ancient and profound symbol but one tainted forever by the Nazi's--avoid Mr. Thorsson.
Thorrson is clearly from the conservative, "Folkish" wing of Heathenism which believes every culture should follow the path of it's own gods and goddesses, the antithesis of a universalist approach such as that of the organization The Troth. He attempts to recover his balance in a late chapter on organizations, arguing there are two valid paths in Heathenism, the folkish and non-folkish, and he gives each it's due, but it really doesn't make up for his tone and for specific, very folkish entries.
As an introductory book, I can't recommend it. It is too mired in the author's own personal history with organized heathenism, doesn't give as thorough an introduction to the pantheon as other primers. It does have several good chapters, which saves it from one star. The chapter on the Heathen concept of soul is very interesting, but lacks citation back to lore sources so I will be forced into further reading before I accept what he says. Also, I have not encountered the Sixfold Goal covered in his chapter on Right Ways, along with the more familiar Nine Noble Virtues. Again, I will have to look to other sources although his explanation for the Sixfold Goal is consistent with what else I have read of the general ethos of Heathenry.
This is clearly going to be a secondary source for those deep into the reading of "the religion with homework" for the value of a few of the chapters, but would not be a good place to start your reading on heathenism. For primers you want the excellent books by Lafayllve or Paxton for an introduction. This book's main value is for a view into the rigidly "folkish" side of Heathenism, from an Anglo-Saxon and continental perspective of the pantheon. If if the simple idea that there is a swastika troubles you--admittedly an ancient and profound symbol but one tainted forever by the Nazi's--avoid Mr. Thorsson.
April 18, 2013
As an introduction to a spiritual community, maybe this is something worthwhile, but even a work of this brevity is plagued by tangents and, thankfully, some humorous diatribes against the culture of the "White-Christ"; entertaining for a bit, but you'd be better off doing a Google search if you're primarily interested in lore. Organization is generally poor, with inconsistencies in descriptions of basic tenets, which could lead you to get confused if you're actually taking this stuff seriously. Good for you, in that case. Editing isn't just poor; it's absent. As a work of philosophy, it's downright laughable, with poorly supported normative arguments and entirely unsupported ontological claims. Raising the criticism of racism often attributed to these organizations and subsequently not addressing their validity is concerning. He does get one thing right though: if you're reading this in the first place, being convinced isn't the point.
March 15, 2018
If you only have one book about Asatru in your library, let this be it.
April 10, 2025
An excellent book. Fundamental for any of those interested in reviving and living the ancient culture and ways of indigenous Europeans.
February 7, 2017
Good. I loved portions of it, and some was wearisome. I understand and the need expressed in chapter 31 for rigor in the training of elders. But damn of this didn't seem to impart some of the same churchiness and priesthood as ultimate authorities on the values and culture as the Christians do. Chapter 30 is one of the best chapters in the book. The middle part, not so much.
The word "true" is tied to everything in this. It smacks of the same appeal to a "one way" as monotheism does. He ties the word to good faith, not fact (in an empirical sort) but this usage is lost. The book, for the most part, seems to have an underlying tone of true/false. Who can make that distinction ultimately? The elders who hold degrees (and 8 other criteria).
The appendix has a great bit about culture. This, taken with Ch 30, as the basis for a book, would be a great one. We are all individuals in charge of our own actions. We cannot play the part of victims. And as such we form bonds with other individuals of like character. We esteem honor upon by each other by such faith. It isn't a swearing of an oath that makes it. Words are moving air over teeth. This fellowship is important in the book, but the order seems wrong. Because someone does a raven flag is no more a reason for allegiance than taste in music. And yet we do see tribalist groupings just so.
Want to spread the awakening? Quit trying to recreate a priesthood. Instead, those who can should tell stories to awaken the gods in our present times. What would Thor enliven in a soldier today? What would be look like? A red bearded operator, M4 in hand, gleefully entering a firefight.
It is important to look to the past. But it is also important to live in the present. If this was written for someone wanting to become a priest, good book. But there isn't much here for a warrior, or a farmer, to go to. It isn't written for them.
The word "true" is tied to everything in this. It smacks of the same appeal to a "one way" as monotheism does. He ties the word to good faith, not fact (in an empirical sort) but this usage is lost. The book, for the most part, seems to have an underlying tone of true/false. Who can make that distinction ultimately? The elders who hold degrees (and 8 other criteria).
The appendix has a great bit about culture. This, taken with Ch 30, as the basis for a book, would be a great one. We are all individuals in charge of our own actions. We cannot play the part of victims. And as such we form bonds with other individuals of like character. We esteem honor upon by each other by such faith. It isn't a swearing of an oath that makes it. Words are moving air over teeth. This fellowship is important in the book, but the order seems wrong. Because someone does a raven flag is no more a reason for allegiance than taste in music. And yet we do see tribalist groupings just so.
Want to spread the awakening? Quit trying to recreate a priesthood. Instead, those who can should tell stories to awaken the gods in our present times. What would Thor enliven in a soldier today? What would be look like? A red bearded operator, M4 in hand, gleefully entering a firefight.
It is important to look to the past. But it is also important to live in the present. If this was written for someone wanting to become a priest, good book. But there isn't much here for a warrior, or a farmer, to go to. It isn't written for them.
April 9, 2016
I was extremely disappointed in this book. I heard about this book from a different book I was reading and they were talking about the nine noble virtues and I thought that sounded beautiful. When I got this book I was so excited to read it. Unfortunately it turned out to just be one big whine fest on Christianity and a lot of uncomfortable segments on "the true people." This book was a chore to finish. I did a lot of eye-rolling while reading it. With how obviously noninclusive the author is with other people it makes me ashamed to own this book. A waste of paper and a waste of money. The actual chapter that is about the six goals and the nine noble virtues is great, but the rest of the book in my opinion is garbage. It's not worth the money. I suggest looking up the six goals and the nine noble virtues, they are worth learning about.
October 25, 2013
Beginner Ásatrú or advanced Runic Vitki, this is a must for any sincere Odhinnist. If you already have this on your shelf, then you'll also want to have Runelore, At the Well of Wyrd (all by Thorsson) and the Eddas of course.
Naturally there are lovers and haters of Edreds' approach to Runic Divination but as a practicing Rune priest, I can say Thorsson has no peers in this genre. Whether you get stuck on his ego or confused by the many pen-names (Stephen Flowers, et al) the bottom line is no one is more accurate regarding the lore and use of runes in the old Nordic world than Thorsson.
Even professors at Uppsala Universitet, curators at Stockholm and Sigtuna museums and archaeologists on Birka (all in Sweden) are enthralled and appreciative of Edreds' insights.
Reyn til runa!
Naturally there are lovers and haters of Edreds' approach to Runic Divination but as a practicing Rune priest, I can say Thorsson has no peers in this genre. Whether you get stuck on his ego or confused by the many pen-names (Stephen Flowers, et al) the bottom line is no one is more accurate regarding the lore and use of runes in the old Nordic world than Thorsson.
Even professors at Uppsala Universitet, curators at Stockholm and Sigtuna museums and archaeologists on Birka (all in Sweden) are enthralled and appreciative of Edreds' insights.
Reyn til runa!
August 21, 2013
I found this to be a wonderful little book that gives a very well-done outline of the Asatru faith for one who is just getting started or as a refresher for those of us who are already on this path (after all, our task is to never stop learning throughout our lifetimes). Once again, Edred Thorsson has done a good job of spreading the word about Asatru for those who would like to find out more about it and for those of Teutonic &/or Scandinavian ancestry who are getting back to their roots.
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April 18, 2008a handbook of sorts. interesting.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews