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57 of 60 found the following review helpful:
 Good solid fare! Aug 30, 2006
By P. Steinhauser
"Atheleas"
This book is about exactly what it claims on the cover, a general history and lore of Heathenry, as compiled from the writings of members of The Troth, a modern Heathen organization, as well as contributions from the wider Heathen community.
The first quarter of the book gives a basic outline history of pre-Christian Norse/Germanic/Icelandic peoples from the Iron Age to the Rebirth of the modern Heathen religion/folkway.
The middle two quarters of the book describe and denizens of the nine worlds of Yggdrasil, from god/esses to land wights. These chapters contain descriptions of their interactions with Heathens in past ages, as described in the Sagas, Eddas and contemporary primary sources, as well as experiential insights and contributions from modern Heathens, (which are clearly identified as such).
The last quarter of the book contains chapters about the cosmology of the nine worlds, the components of the Heathen soul and afterlife, and Heathen virtues, as well as a 29 page "Book Hord" list of works cited and also sources for potential future research.
This book is a good solid jumping-off point for your average Heathen to discover WHERE to find more information. It is what I would describe as research book in that it contains densely packed data presented in scholarly style, organized for ease of informational acces, (as opposed to a more conversational "off the cuff" presentation).
For example, in the chapter about Thor, there are basic descriptions of his lineage, various names/kennings, general physical appearance(including an iconic line drawing), character, adventures, distinctive possessions/symbols, role as defender of Asgard and patron of the common man, and suggestions for votary offerings/worship. In each section of the chapter, these attributes are specifically identified with detailed in-text citations, definitions/translations, or (where attributable) sources of modern experiential personal gnosis. At the end of each chapter is a list of contributors and resources for the material in the chapter.
If you are looking for detailed information about the Runes, seasonal holy days, Seidth workings, traditions, modern ritual and magickal practices, or clergy training systems, you will have to wait for Volume 2(Projected release date: winter of 2006.).
However, as a basic documentation of Heathen Lore, historical practices and history, I have not found a better one.
25 of 27 found the following review helpful:
 Most Informative, not a lot of christian hatred. Apr 05, 2007
By P. Johnson
"Asatru Beginner"
This book is the most informative book on Asatru that I have found.
It has in depth information on each of the Gods and Goddesses compiled in an easy to read sensible manner. The history is the deepest that I have yet read, discussing indivdual words from the PIE language with variations for different areas.
There are notes on historical methods of honoring the Gods, as well as modern day practices.
Great discussion on death, afterlife, and rebirth; though I still think Thorsson's book is a little more in depth on this subject.
Excellent book.
17 of 18 found the following review helpful:
A Must Have on any Heathen's Library Shelf Sep 03, 2008
By Spence the Elder
Our Troth Volume I
Compiled By Kveldulf Gundarsson
Truly an excellent work. This competently researched massive repository of Germanic Lore is an absolute must for any Asatru/Heathen library. I really appreciated, Part One: History. Very few modern works on Heathenry go into the basic foundations of the early societies of Northern Europe. Volume 1's tracking of the Pre-Migration period is seldom mentioned outside academia. Following the progression of the Indo-European migration thru the Bronze and Iron Age's established a strong foundation from which to build. While much of the information on the early periods is based of a fair amount of speculation, it is well researched scholarly speculation. These hypothesis's are based on the most up to date research by both Archeological and Linguistic scholars.
Part Two: Lore. Probably one of the most in-depth and well organized looks at the "Norse Pantheon", a reader will be able to find outside of Academia. If any of the players in Norse Mythology have been missed I can't think of them. I especially like the large sections on Tyr and Heimdal. Both of which are often given only minor places in many modern works.
I have only two minor problems with this otherwise excellent work. Both of which are more my personal opinion rather than reflection on the book itself. Firstly, I found the lack of an index very annoying. My brain cells cannot retain all this information and a quick reference index would have been a great help to me. Granted I know why there is not one , (basically cost and size, what chapter do you leave out in order to include and index?), and while I understand and agree with the reasoning I don't have to like it. I will say however, that the book itself is very well organized and that the table of contents is straight forward and easy to use. My second problem is, again not directed at the information presented, but more at my ability to shift mental gears. I'll explain; this work is the cooperative effort of over 40 people and researched by many, many more. As a consequence of multiple authors, the writing styles from section to section change rather abruptly at times. I found that I had to set the book down and come back to it later on several occasions. It was like finishing a chapter in a Jim Butcher novel and then starting Nietzsche, I had problems shifting mental gears. Again more of a readers problem than an authors. Having said this, these were the only faults I have so far found in Volume One so now I'm picking nits.
All & all I highly recommend this work for anyone interested in Germanic/Norse History, Myth, Lore or the reconstruction of Northern European ancestral religion, "Our Troth Volume 1", is a MUST have!
In Frith,
Spence The Elder
"Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc"
M. Addams
15 of 18 found the following review helpful:
Practical and Scholarly Jan 26, 2007
By S. Plowright
This book offers a well researched view of the Germanic mythological and spiritual world, without being too dry or formal in its approach. It is geared toward giving those interested in following the Northern paths a thorough grounding in the known literature, as well as a practical and realistic way to incorporate this lore into ones spiritual life.
It is a substantial tome, covering a lot of ground, and is probably the most complete textbook of its kind. It is intended as the historical part of a two volume set. The next volume dealing with the practical aspects of living a Heathen life.
The book is mercifully free of the political, philosophical, and fantasy agendas that plague so many of the popular manuals. If I had to recommend one book for the prospective Heathen, this would be it.
Sweyn
Author of
The Rune Primer
& True Helm
11 of 13 found the following review helpful:
Must have for those who wish to read of Northern European and Germanic Culture and religion Aug 13, 2007
By CK
"CK"
This book is an amazing and well thought out explanation of the Northern and Germanic culture and religions from as far back as is possible with historical data. I would personally recommend that anyone interested in History, Culture, or Religion from these areas should buy this book. It is neatly organized into sections that can be read independantly of each other but is best read all together. The amazing amount of detailed work and effort put into this is work is amazing. The detail available is great but it can sometimes feel overwhelming to read and absorb. None the less I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the topics addressed in it, it is surely a new way of looking at things.
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