What do you think?
Rate this book
Travels Through Middle Earth: The Path of a Saxon Pagan
Tolkien's enduring vision of Middle Earth was largely inspired by the worldview of ancient Saxon Pagans. In this pagan guidebook, Alaric Albertsson presents a complete introduction to Anglo-Saxon cosmology, deities, spirits, and rituals. Travels Through Middle Earth offers practical information about the Saxon Pagan path, including many ways to incorporate Saxon rituals into contemporary spiritual life. Discover the húsel, a basic ritual for honoring personal ancestors, the Gods, and dwarves and elves. Learn how to set up a wéofod , the Saxon altar, to connect with the Gods. Also covered in this the concept of wyrd and how it shapes your destiny, the holy tides and how to celebrate them, rites of passage, worship, magic, and even instructions for making mead.
240 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2009
24 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 16, 2017
I liked this book well enough, but I didn't feel particularly educated by it, nor did I find it very well done. Not a bad book-but much of the same stuff I've seen over the past 20 years. Sometimes some of these books seem like "Re-Runs"
I don't want to turn anyone off this book. It was not badly written and the author knows what they are talking about, but for many pagans who have been reading Pagan books for many years, and who are typically History buffs, there will be nothing new under the sun for you here.
I don't want to turn anyone off this book. It was not badly written and the author knows what they are talking about, but for many pagans who have been reading Pagan books for many years, and who are typically History buffs, there will be nothing new under the sun for you here.
April 14, 2023
The title of this book, Travels through Middle Earth: the Path of a Saxon Pagan is a tad deceptive, in as much as the Middle Earth it speaks of is the Middle realm of Anglo-Saxon Norse mythology and not really Tolkien’s Middle Earth for the most part, although they are related, but still this is a good book on a subject, Saxon paganism, of which these elves knew little about.
As the author points out, however, all of those of us who have been reared with English as a primary language, whether one’s ancestors were Saxons or not, have an inherent connection to the Saxon culture. That is if one accepts the premise that language tends to guide thought and perspective.
One thing though, I do wish this book had more of an approach to Saxon magic in it than it does, it is primarily about worship of the Saxon Gods (who are very like the Norse ones), but found it quite illuminating anyway. And, it has a simple recipe for making Mead which was fun!
As the author points out, however, all of those of us who have been reared with English as a primary language, whether one’s ancestors were Saxons or not, have an inherent connection to the Saxon culture. That is if one accepts the premise that language tends to guide thought and perspective.
One thing though, I do wish this book had more of an approach to Saxon magic in it than it does, it is primarily about worship of the Saxon Gods (who are very like the Norse ones), but found it quite illuminating anyway. And, it has a simple recipe for making Mead which was fun!
September 20, 2017
This was my first exposure to a Saxon path. I found it very interesting and well-explained overall, though there were a few things that I didn't understand. A more in-depth explanation of "wyrd," for example, would've been helpful to me. The book was focused primarily on the spiritual aspects of the path, not the magical aspects. I enjoyed reading it and found the occasional Tolkien/Lord of the Rings reference to be a nice tie-in to something in popular culture.
I would consider re-reading the book on occasion, as more of an inspirational book than a guide. I don't currently follow this path but thought the author had some excellent points for pagans in general.
I would consider re-reading the book on occasion, as more of an inspirational book than a guide. I don't currently follow this path but thought the author had some excellent points for pagans in general.
October 5, 2020
Wonderful book on (Anglo) Saxon Heathenry.
Chapters well written. No political statements, for which I'm grateful.
Good exposé on who Anglo-Saxons were, on ritual, on the Gods and Goddesses, on the sacred calendar. And much more.
Easy to read, but not empty of meaning and content.
A good book to start on a path of Heathenry and a welcome extra for those already following the Old Way.
Chapters well written. No political statements, for which I'm grateful.
Good exposé on who Anglo-Saxons were, on ritual, on the Gods and Goddesses, on the sacred calendar. And much more.
Easy to read, but not empty of meaning and content.
A good book to start on a path of Heathenry and a welcome extra for those already following the Old Way.
March 3, 2023
I knew I would probably enjoy this book, but I didn’t know how much I’d actually love it. I find this book very important for someone new to the Saxon Path. It is also a great book for anyone curious to the ways at all. This book goes hand in hand with his book A Handbook to Saxon Sorcery & Magic. I may need a second copy because I will wear this one out.
November 19, 2024
Overall it is a good read, you just have to be invested in Reading this book, to me it had a lot of good information and a great point of view it can just be dry at times when reading if you don't understand the context of things that are talked about.
November 6, 2019
This was a good read. Well suited for anyone new to saxon paganism.
June 7, 2025
3 1/2 stars.
February 24, 2013
I am familiar with Asatru and the Heathen religion taken from the perspective of the Scandinavians and Icelanders. The original follower of the Norse deities were all pretty much Germanic or Anglo-Saxon. This book offers a beginner course from the view point of British Anglo-Saxon practice. For the most part is much the same. Rituals are very similar. The most glaring difference though is how they pronounce their words. For example Odin is not called Odin but he is rather called Woden. Freya is called Freyo, Freyer her brother is called Ing. Asguard is pronounced "Osgeard" (Osyard). Heimdall is called Hama. In Saxon heathenry Freo (the Goddess ) is barely mentioned if at all an has hardly any places named after her in England.
I think it is pertinent to point out that Anglo-Saxon culture has pretty much defined British Religion, Spirituality and ethos. Politics have been the cause of people trying to name everything Celtic. This denial came as a result of German involvement in World War one and two. It was from Anglo-Saxon mythology that Tolkien received much of his inspiration from Anglo-Saxon Lore. For example the ents, those walking tree, were actually giants called Ettins who had a world of their own. They were not interested in the world of humans or Middle Earth at all.
I think it is pertinent to point out that Anglo-Saxon culture has pretty much defined British Religion, Spirituality and ethos. Politics have been the cause of people trying to name everything Celtic. This denial came as a result of German involvement in World War one and two. It was from Anglo-Saxon mythology that Tolkien received much of his inspiration from Anglo-Saxon Lore. For example the ents, those walking tree, were actually giants called Ettins who had a world of their own. They were not interested in the world of humans or Middle Earth at all.
December 22, 2015
The title of this book, Travels through Middle Earth: the Path of a Saxon Pagan is a little bit deceptive, in as much as the Middle Earth it speaks of is the Middle realm of Anglo-Saxon Norse mythology and not really Tolkien’s Middle Earth for the most part, although they are related, but still this is a good book on a subject, Saxon paganism, of which these elves knew little.
As the author points out, however, all of those of us who have been reared with English as a primary language, whether one’s ancestors were Saxons or not, have an inherent connection to the Saxon culture. That is if one accepts the premise that language tends to guide thought and perspective.
We wish this book had more of Saxon magic in it than it does, it is primarily about worship of the Saxon Gods (who are very like the Norse ones), but we found it quite illuminating anyway. And, it has a simple recipe for making Mead. How can you beat that?
The Silver Elves authors of Faerie Unfolding: The Cosmic Expression of the Divine.
As the author points out, however, all of those of us who have been reared with English as a primary language, whether one’s ancestors were Saxons or not, have an inherent connection to the Saxon culture. That is if one accepts the premise that language tends to guide thought and perspective.
We wish this book had more of Saxon magic in it than it does, it is primarily about worship of the Saxon Gods (who are very like the Norse ones), but we found it quite illuminating anyway. And, it has a simple recipe for making Mead. How can you beat that?
The Silver Elves authors of Faerie Unfolding: The Cosmic Expression of the Divine.
November 27, 2010
I expected more from this than your basic Paganism 101, but that's what it turned out to be. There's not much to this volume but a little basic Asatru (the modern name for norse paganism), a little Wicca, and a mead recipe. The truth is that we probably won't ever know that much about Anglo-Saxon paganism, because these two races only emerged from the surrounding tribes when they got into conquering and smiting, by which time they were, of course, Christian. Most of the information that can be gleaned from existing written records and physical evidence strongly resembles what we already know about other germanic tribes. So it's not too surprising that this volume comes down to Asatru with the language slightly altered.
I'd read reviews that said this book included a lot of Alaric's personal experiences, but this turned out not to be true. Nor does it go into much depth about any topic other than mead. The dude really likes mead. This is a simple how-to book, nothing more or less.
I'd read reviews that said this book included a lot of Alaric's personal experiences, but this turned out not to be true. Nor does it go into much depth about any topic other than mead. The dude really likes mead. This is a simple how-to book, nothing more or less.
September 1, 2012
A basic introduction to Anglo-Saxon paganism as the author practices it. I would have happily seen more depth and detail, but I do take Albertsson's point that he's consciously shying away from defining an orthopraxy. His clear outlay of basic terms and concepts, as well as his frequent comparisons/contrasts with other faiths and traditions, gave a solid view into his practice, especially for readers who already have some familiarity with other varieties of Euro-American paganism.
My main beef is with the Tolkien comparisons, which seem to have been added in not as any sort of useful or elucidating references, but rather as a means to make the book appeal to a mass audience — a misstep, in my opinion.
Also a rather detailed section on mead, which, as others have noted, seems a little overboard. Nevertheless, as a cook and lover of mead, I did enjoy that section thoroughly, if in a different manner than the rest.
My main beef is with the Tolkien comparisons, which seem to have been added in not as any sort of useful or elucidating references, but rather as a means to make the book appeal to a mass audience — a misstep, in my opinion.
Also a rather detailed section on mead, which, as others have noted, seems a little overboard. Nevertheless, as a cook and lover of mead, I did enjoy that section thoroughly, if in a different manner than the rest.
January 2, 2015
An intriguing look at a practicing Anglo-Saxon Pagan or Heathen as he says. Spends a lot of time showing the differences between the Norse pantheon and the Anglo-Saxon one (as well as throwing shade at Stan Lee). Feels English speakers should have more affinity for Anglo-Saxon as it is coded in our speech. But then again, the English language is a wide and vivid tapestry from many peoples, times and cultures. My orlay may have A-S influences, but it also has the books I read, the countries I grew up in, the stories of my kith and kin (like that? used the Old English), and the orlays of my ancestors, too.
But as he was at great pains to point out, his religion accepts all others, not as competitors, but as different paths.
My wyrd may not follow the path of Saxon Pagans, but I am better for learning more about them.
But as he was at great pains to point out, his religion accepts all others, not as competitors, but as different paths.
My wyrd may not follow the path of Saxon Pagans, but I am better for learning more about them.
January 6, 2010
Anyone seeking to pursue spirituality through Anglo-Saxon Paganism should start right here. This is as excellent an introduction to a particular faith as I've ever encountered. The author blends an abundance of practical and scholarly research, along with a pragmatic sense of humor, to relate basic information and useful rituals that everyone in such a pursuit could use. The book is not too long-winded, but still informative enough to make a precise start down this interesting path.
Unfortunately, I'm not an Anglo-Saxon Pagan, and have no desire to be one. Although I'm generally interested in pagan books, I found this work to be hopelessly obscure and of little use. Thus, I've rated it only 3/5 stars.
Unfortunately, I'm not an Anglo-Saxon Pagan, and have no desire to be one. Although I'm generally interested in pagan books, I found this work to be hopelessly obscure and of little use. Thus, I've rated it only 3/5 stars.
April 1, 2017
For those looking on a serious book on Saxon religion this is not it. Whch be guessed at seeing as Llewelyn published it. While many of the common myths in Saxon traditions he says are not true is correct I found his worldview, attitude and writing style to be very 90s and later neo-pagan. The first halve if the book was tolerable, albeit a bit paganism 101. The latter half of the book with holy days and rites of passage are so ludicrous I had a hard time finishing the book. If your a Wiccan or wiccatru looking to blend in some Anglo Saxon mythology into your practice you may like this. If your a recon or revivalist in any way do not waste your money
May 6, 2010
When I first picked up this book, I thought it would have something to do with J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth. Realized my mistake after getting it home and starting to actually read it!
All the same, Travels Through Middle Earth is interesting. It's a basic introduction to a modern reconstruction of ancient Anglo-Saxon pagan religion. When I say "basic," I mean just that, and that's my main complaint about this book. It's a little too basic--give me more information, please!
Compare to Brian Bates's The Real Middle Earth.
All the same, Travels Through Middle Earth is interesting. It's a basic introduction to a modern reconstruction of ancient Anglo-Saxon pagan religion. When I say "basic," I mean just that, and that's my main complaint about this book. It's a little too basic--give me more information, please!
Compare to Brian Bates's The Real Middle Earth.
September 26, 2014
Disappointing. It's a very basic Asatru 101 book using Anglo-Saxon words instead of Norse words. There's hardly anything in this book that makes "Saxon Paganism" at all distinct from Asatru. The chapter on mead is utterly unnecessary. Toward the end, Albertsson makes a number of suspicious claims that really ought to be backed up with a citation or two. You'd learn more from an hour on Wikipedia.
April 14, 2016
While I found a couple of the author's ideas pretty far-fetched, over all I enjoyed his tone and the thoughts and ideas he shared. I've been curious the past couple years what the religions of my ancestors pre-christianity would have looked like, and this gives me a large piece of the puzzle. Though, he speaks to Anglo-Saxon Paganism, I would gather that it would be quite a bit the same whether those ancestors were Saxon immigrants to England, or residents of what are still German lands.
January 25, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this book. Alaric is a wonderful author and provides excellent information for someone new to a Saxon path. This book really inspired me to move forward with my own Anglo-Saxon path and also, reconnect with my German heritage and ancestors. I can't wait to read more by Alaric!
February 19, 2012
Basically an ANGLO-SAXON paganism 101 book. NOT Asatru, except in the similarities. A good basic overview, interesting read, discussing the views of Angle-Saxons. Did bring up the similarities with Norse, Scandinavian, and Germanic commonalities, but is not the same thing.
January 2, 2013
This book was fascinating... I loved how the author delved into the connections between the English language and Anglo-Saxon Paganism. Did this sway me to become a Pagan? Absolutely not... did it give me some much needed insight into this belief system? Absolutely yes. Easy, quick read.
March 20, 2015
Trying to cash in on the Tolkien frenzy this book provide an unsourced view of the recreation of the early anglo-saxon religion for the very basic beginner. It never gets into anything very deeply and seldom traces any practice back further than modern 1970s paganism. Disappointed.
April 29, 2013
Full review at www.eirssilversage.wordpress.com
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews