The Heathen Kinship is always interested in information about new books... Please send us by
Email, your favorite (or least favorite!) books along with the author, and the ISBN no. if
possible. Please include a brief "report" on the books that you submit.
Heathen Kinship, Partial list of our Asatru Book Hoard
The Eddas Vol. I by James Allen Chisholm
Germany and Its Tribes (from Complete Works of Tacitus) by Tacitus, translated by Alfred J. Church, Modern Library, NY
The Prose Edda: Tales for Norse Mythology by Snorri Sturluson, translated by Jean I. Young, University of CA Press, Berkley, CA, 1954. ISBN 0520012321
Two Viking Romances, Penguin Classics Series trans. by Hermann Palsson and Paul Edwards, Penguin Group, NY, 1985. ISBN 0146001567
Extremely funny. This is full of romantic kennings such as, "Sven's little warrior could barely fit in the cave, but dark it was, and wet, so the little man pushed his way in!" - Vithar
Eyrbyggja Saga trans. by Hermann Palsson and Paul Edwards, Penguin Group, NY, 1972,1989. ISBN 0140445307
Orkneyinga Saga trans. by Hermann Palsson and Paul Edwards, Penguin Group, NY, 1978. ISBN 0140443835
Hrafnkel's Saga trans. by Hermann Palsson, Penguin Group, NY, 1971. ISBN 0140442383
The Vinland Sagas trans. by Magnus Magnusson and Hermann Palsson, Penguin, NY, 1965. ISBN 0140441549
King Harald's Saga by Snorri Sturluson, trans. by Magnus Magnusson and Hermann Palsson, Penguin Group, NY, 1966. ISBN 0140441823
The Fljotsdale Saga and The Droplaugarsons trans. by Eleanor Haworth and Jean Young, J. M. Dent & Sons, Ltd., London, England, 1990. ISBN 0460870041
The Saga of the Volsungs trans. by Jesse L. Byock, University of CA Press, Berkley, CA, 1990. ISBN 052069048
Egil's Saga trans. by Hermann Palsson and Paul Edwards, Penguin Group, NY, 1976. ISBN 0140443215 - - Vithar's Personal Favorite!
Erik the Red and Other Icelandic Sagas trans. by Gwyn Jones, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1961. ISBN 0192815288
Fire & Ice by S. Edred Flowers, Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, MN, 1990. ISBN 0875427766
Most people either Love or Hate this book. -Vithar
MPO regarding the writing style of Edred Thorsson/Steve Flowers; some people have a chip on their shoulder, he has a can of Pringles. His background in CM and resentment toward the xtian conversion tactics are loud. When I filter that out his scholarship comes through. -Vidar
The Galdrabok by Stephen Flowers, Samuel Weiser, Inc., York Beach, Maine, 1989. ISBN 087728685X
Teutonic Magic by Kveldulf Gundarsson, Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, MN, 1990. ISBN 0875422918
Teutonic Religion by Kveldulf Gundarsson, Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, MN, 1993. ISBN 0875422608
Good resource book to have.. in fact, a MUST have for any Kindred. Kveldulf covers symbols, rites, gods/esses, blessings, etc. His blessings are a little long-winded and theatrical in comparison to Edred Thorsson's. He has lots of good background/history on the blessings and rites. This book will prove to be a staple for Asatrú everywhere, I feel sure. - Vithar
A Book of Troth by Edred Thorsson, Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, MN, 1989. ISBN 0875427774
THE primer for understanding the Elder Troth. This book is not a MUST HAVE, it is a REQUIREMENT for any Kindred. It makes a good reference book for general knowledge, though it's not specific on any issue. This book is designed to introduce the concepts of Asatrú and following the elder Troth. It does this very well, and succeeds in conveying the nature and essence of the Asatrú movement. - Vithar
Futhark by Edred Thorsson, Samuel Weiser, Inc., York Beach, Maine, 1984. ISBN 0877285489
An absolute must-have for anyone interested in Runes. Takes the reader through the runes, and explains meanings and uses, both practical and magickal for each rune. - Vithar
At the Well of Wyrd by Edred Thorsson, Samuel Weiser, Inc., York Beach, Maine, 1988. ISBN 0877286787
Northern Magic by Edred Thorsson, Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, MN, 1992. ISBN 0875427820
Rune Might by Edred Thorsson, Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, MN, 1989. ISBN 0875427782
Runelore by Edred Thorsson, Samuel Weiser, Inc., York Beach, Maine, 1987. ISBN 0877286671
Nine Doors of Midgard by Edred Thorsson, Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, MN, 1991. ISBN 0875427812
Ever thought that there wasn't room in the Elder Troth for Ceremonial Magick? - This book will cure you of that thought! It is a spiritual handbook for meditations, and "magickal" exercises wholly centered around the Northern path. - Vithar
Practical Magic in the Northern Tradition by Nigel Pennick, Auquarian Press, England, 1989. ISBN 0850307570
Runic Astrology by Nigel Pennick, Auquarian Press, England, 1990. ISBN 0850308712
The Viking Gods by Clive Barrett, Auquarian Press, England, 1989. ISBN 0850307759
This is a very basic book with simple, straightforward stories, very well illustrated. A great book for someone new to Asatrú. Should make a good children's gift too!
Saga of the Jomsvikings trans. by Lee M. Hollander, University of TX, Austin, TX, 1955. ISBN 0292776233
The Poetic Edda trans. by Lee M. Hollander, University of TX, Austin, TX, 1962. ISBN 0292764995
The Masks of Odin by Elsa-Brita Titchenell, Theosophical University Press, Pasadena, CA, 1985. ISBN 0911500731, softcover ISBN 0911500723, hardcover
"The Masks of Odin" has value, as does H. A. Guerber and Padraic Colum. -Vidar
Leaves of Yggdrasil by Freya Aswynn, Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, MN, 1990. ISBN 0875420249
Among other things, includes a guided meditation for discovering the essence of each rune.
Esoteric Rune Magic by D. Jason Cooper, Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, MN, 1994. ISBN 1567181740
The Rites of Odin by Ed Fitch, Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, MN 1990. ISBN 0875422241
Neat Picture on cover. -Vithar H
Ed Fitch writes a book that is good for Wiccans trying to understand the Northern Path. "The Rites of Odin" reflects his Wiccan experience and includes a lot of personal symbols etc. Norse Wicca is what I would call it. -Vidar
Gods and Myths of Northern Europe by H. R. Ellis Davidson, Penguin Books, London, England, 1964. ISBN 0140136274
Beowulf trans. by Burton Raffel, Mentor, NY, NY, 1963. ISBN 0451627954
The Norsemen by H. A. Guerber, Senate, London, England, 1994 (first pub. by Gresham Pub. Co.). ISBN 1859580149
Teutonic Myths and Legends by Donald A. MacKenzie, Senate, London, England, 1995 (first pub. by Gresham Pub. Co.). ISBN 1859580920
German Myths and Legends by Donald A. MacKenzie, Avenel Books, NY, 1985. (previously titled Teutonic Myths and Legends) ISBN 0517462990
The Cult of Othin by H. M. Chadwick, C. J. Clay and Sons, London, 1899.
Secrets of the German Sex Magicians by Frater U..D.., Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, MN, 1991. ISBN 0875427731
Ahh yes! This is a good spiritual guidebook for "close" friends to "work" through together! - Vithar
Norse Magic by D. J. Conway, Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, MN, 1990. ISBN 0875421377
Please, Please, AVOID this book. At all costs! Kindreds should have it handy, though to be able to see the kind of stuff that some people are going to be polluting their minds with! But try not to actually buy it! -Vithar
The Book of Runes by Ralph Blum, St. Martin's Press, NY, 1982,1987. ISBN 0312007299
AVOID this book at all costs! At least until you're already familiar with the runes - Vithar
Myths & Legends: Viking, Oriental, Greek by David Bellingham, Chartwell Books, New Jersey, 1992. ISBN 078580627X
Mythology: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, edited by Richard Cavendish, Barnes and Noble, NY, 1993 (originally pub. by Little, Brown & Co. in 1992). ISBN 1566193893
World Religions From Ancient History to the Present, edited by Geoffrey Parrinder, Facts on File, NY, 1983. ISBN 0871961296
Teutonic Mythology Gods and Goddesses of the Northland, in 3
volumes, By Viktor Rydberg, Ph.D., published by NORRŒNA Society 1906, no. 107 of 650
printed., Viking Edition, (courtesy of Mark H____)
Medieval Iceland Society Sagas and Power, Jesse L. Byock, University of California Press, 1988, ISBN: 0-520-06954-4
Pamphlets:
Rituals of Asatru Volume One - Major Blots, Stephen McNallen, World Tree Publications, 1992
Rituals of Asatru Volume Two - Seasonal Festivals, Stephen McNallen, World Tree Publications, 1991
Rituals of Asatru Volume Three - Rites of Passage, Stephen A. McNallen, World Tree Publications, 1992
Spae-Craft, Seiđr, and Shamanism - article, Author Unknown.
The following books are Asatru or Asatru related books, that are not
currently available at Irmin's Way
Beowulf, 3rd Edition, ed. by R.W. Chambers (Cambridge: University Press, 1959)
Edda: Die Lieder des Codes Regius nebst verwandten Denkmälern, ed. by Gustav Neckel, 3rd Edn., ed. by Hans Kuhn (Heidelberg: Carl Winter, 1962).
Flateyjarbók, 3 vols [n.ed.] (P.T. Malling, 1862).
The Cult of Othin, Chadwick, H.M., (London: [n.pl.], 1899).
The Road to Hel, Ellis, Hilda Roderick, (Cambridge: University Press, 1943).
Feud in the Icelandic Saga, Jesse L. Byock, University of California Press, 1982.
A piece of horse liver. Jón Hnefill Ađalsteinsson.
Háskólaútgáfan. Félagsvísindastofnun. 1998.
ISBN 9979-54-264-0
A brilliant book that is a collection of lectures and articles after Jón Hnefill Ađalsteinsson. He is in charge of Folkloristics at the University of Iceland. The book contains fx. discussions on the way images of alfes and giants have altered over time in the popular accounts in Iceland, the presentation of pagan myths and religious customs in the medieval sagas recorded by christians and many more.
The book is good for all that are interested in learning more about the reliability of the sources, and the chapter about the giants gives a new view on how the giants were in heathen times, compared to later describtions.
Heiđrún Bergsdóttir
belkess@post.tele.dk
CHILDREN'S BOOKS
Beowulf by Kevin Crossley-Holland, illustrated by Charles Keeping, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1982, 1987. ISBN 0192797700 (hardback), ISBN 0192721844 (paperback) $6.95
Large size, brown and white illustrated book. 46pages.
Vikings, Eyewitness Books, by Susan Margeson, Dorling Kindersley, 1994. ISBN 0679860029 $16.00
Wonderful illustrations and color pictures. Sections include ships, dress, food, exploration, Gods and more. 63 pages.
Treasure Chest: The Vikings, Quarto Children's Books, Ltd., London, 1997. ISBN 0762401478 $19.95.
This is a great activity box for kids! It includes a booklet on Vikings, sundial compass, paper Viking ship to assemble, settlement map with stickers, booklet on runes (interpretations could use some help), poster of Yggdrasill and Gods, and an hnefatafl set, all in a neat box with a lock and key. I think it's a great buy!
Story of the Vikings Coloring Book, by A. G. Smith, Dover Pub., NY, 1988. ISBN 0486256537 $2.95.
Large size, 48 pages of detailed drawings including the Norse homeland, ships, military and political history of the age, arts and crafts, religion (1-2pg), runes (1 page), etc.
The Vikings with stand up scenes to cut out and glue together, by Deborah Duncan and Keith Jones, Tarquin Publications, England, 1992. ISBN 0906212812 $7.95.
Large size, 41 page book covering various topics (similar to above books), color drawings, 6 scenes to cut out and glue together (stay in book, fold away flat).
Beginning History Viking Explorers, by Rupert Mathews, Wayland Publishing Ltd., East Sussex, 1989. ISBN 1852107758 (hb) ISBN 0750205237 (pb) $10-12 (found it at Half Price Bookstore for $4.98).
Large size, 23 page book which covers many different subjects dealing with exploring, such as voyages, ships, northern islands, etc. It has large print, good for young readers, and photos as well as color drawings. There is a short list of recommended books to read as well.
Inside Story A Viking Town, by Fiona MacDonald, Salariya Book Co. (first pub. by MacDonald Young Books in 1995), Brighton, UK. ISBN 0750015853 $10-12 (found at Half Price for $4.98)
Large, 48 page book which covers subjects such as the Viking World, building techniques, Viking homes, food and drink, beliefs, sports and past times, and goods for sell. There is a timeline in the back, too.
Scandinavian Legends and Folk-tales retold by Gwyn Jones, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1956, 1992 (paperback). ISBN 0192741500 $10.95 or $12.95 (changed price)
8 1/2 by 5 1/2 size book, 222pp., one black & white drawing at beginning of each story.
Everyday Life in Viking Times, by Michael Gibson, Simon & Shuster (first pub. in 1976 by Macdonald Education under Peoples of the Past: The Vikings), 1993. ISBN 0750014725 $10-15 (found at Half Price for $4.98).
Large, 60 page book which covers rules of society, homes of turf and timber, family life, children growing up, craftsmen, traders, hunters, longships, raiders, new lands, roles of women, and some of the Norse gods (unfortunately they referred to Thor as "rather stupid"). There is a list of famous Vikings and a chart of world history from AD 800 to 1100 (comparing Vikings to Europe, Asia, Africa, Near East, and America).
Mystery History of a Viking Longboat, by Fred Finney, Copper Beech Books, Brookfield, Connecticut, 1997. ISBN 0761305904 $9.95 (found at Half Price for $6.98).
"Summary: Describes life in the rough-and-tumble world of the Vikings, covering feasts, navigation, journeys, rituals, and raids." This book is so cool! On every page there is a clue in quiz form to help the reader find the thief of Odin's shield, a Norse Puzzle (maze, decifer runes, activities), a True and False question, History Mystery questions, and Loki's Quest (Loki lists some things to find in the picture, then asks which one was part of the 10th century Viking world). Then, the answers to the Loki's Quest, History Mysteries and the Norse Puzzles are given at the bottom of the page listed as Odin's Answers. Some of these are pretty tough! There's even a game in the back to see who can win the right to be the next chief by traveling the world and bringing back eight items, before Sven Swinehead gets them first! I love the format! It makes it real fun to read, and I think any kid would love it, too!
The Viking World (Usborne Illustrated World History series), by Philippa Wingate and Dr. Anne Millard, BA, Ph.D., EDC Publishing, Tulsa, Oklahoma. ISBN 0746013981 $12.95 (found at Half Price for $5.98)
Large, 64 page book with good color drawings. Wow! This is a detailed and, I think, fair history of the life and times of the Vikings. It talks about the farm, house, clothes, warriors, women, towns, society and government, explorations and the like. From page 22-27 the book explains about the Norse Gods and Goddesses, how people honored them, and what was done for burial. Also there are seven of the myths, brief accounts, but they are there. And one page talks of the Christian coversion of the Scandinavian people, pointing out it was forced. There is a world history chart, list of key date, list of who's who, and family tree of the kings. For my daughter, I take one page at a time, read it, then discuss it. She is four, and this works well for us, even though it is geared toward much older kids.
Seven Times The Sun, by Shea Darian, Innisfree Press, Philadelphia, 1994. ISBN 0931055962
This book was recommended by Dirk Mahling. "Every chapter follows the same structure: ritual (a formalized repeated group activity), verse, songs, passageways, stories, tales to spin. The 7 chapters cover:
1. greeting the dawn: celebrating morning; rituals, poems, songs,
2. 'round the table: mealtime: rituals, passageways, verses, etc
3. come play with me: play time
4. working wonders: celebrating work: ....
5. listen to the quiet: celebr. quiet
6. skinned knees, broken hearts: celeb. healing
7. nightime pilgrims: bedtime
8. endings and beginnings: weekend family time
9. working on sacred ground: personal renewal (parents only)
10. we are teh peacemakers: peace
All in all a very anthroposophic book but not much that is incompatible with the nature religion of ours. Some of the poems or songs or rituals suggested are a little too "sissy" for my saxon warrior taste ;-) Yet the majority of ideas, suggestions etc. is rather workable and in tune with the wights and the gods and our ways in general."
Winterlicht - das andere Weihnachtsbuch (Winterlight - the other holiday book), by Diana Monson and Maren Briswalter, Esslinger Verlag, Esslingen, 1995. ISBN 3480200168
Apparently this one is in German. It was also recommended by Prof. Dirk E. Mahling mahling@sis.pitt.edu www.pitt.edu/~dmahling/mahling.html
To order some Norse Pagan and related books, please check out the Frigga's Web Bookstore, where 5%
of all orders goes to support Frigga's Web. If you're going to buy the books anyway,
why not support fellow Asatruar? Lots of great titles!
Rorik's recommended reading list of 27 books!
1. Battle God of the Vikings (H. R. Ellis Davidson, 1972).
2. Cassell Dictionary of Norse Myth and Legend (Andy Orchard, 1997).
3. Edda: Snorri Sturluson (Anthony Faulkes, trans., 1987).
4. Egil's Saga (Christine Fell trans., 1975; or Palsson & Edwards trans.,
1977).
5. Essays on Germanic Religion (Edgar C. Polomé, 1989).
6. Eyrbyggja Saga (Schach & Hollander trans., 1959; or Palsson & Edwards
trans., 1989).
7. The Galdrabók: An Icelandic Grimoire (Stephen Flowers, 1989).
8. The Germanization of Early Medieval Christianity (James C. Russell,
1994).
9. Glossary to the Poetic Edda (LaFarge & Tucker eds., 1992). [1]
10. Gods and Myths of Northern Europe (H. R. Ellis Davidson, 1964).
11. Hávamál (David A. H. Evans, ed., 1986) (ON text with English
Introduction and Notes) [2]
12. Hávamál: Glossary and Index (Anthony Faulkes, 1987) (Intended for use
with preceding volume). [2]
13. Heimskringla (Lee M. Hollander trans., 1964).
14. Hrafnkel's Saga and Other Icelandic Stories (Hermann Palsson trans.,
1971).
15. Laxdaela Saga (Magnusson & Palsson trans, 1969).
16. The Lost Beliefs of Northern Europe (Hilda Ellis Davidson, 1993).
17. Medieval Iceland (Jesse L. Byock, 1988).
18. Myth and Religion of the North (E. O. G. Turville-Petre, 1964). [1]
19. Njal's Saga (Beyerschmidt & Hollander trans., 1955; or Magnusson &
Palsson trans., 1960).
20. Old Norse Images of Women (Jenny Jochens, 1996).
21. The Poetic Edda (Lee M. Hollander trans., 1962; or Carolyne Larrington
trans.,1996).
22. The Poetic Edda, vol. 2: Mythological Poems (Ursula Dronke, ed., 1997).
[1]
23. Runes and Runic Inscriptions: Collected Essays on Anglo-Saxon and Viking
Runes (R. I. Page, 1998).
24. The Saga of the Jomsvikings (Lee M. Hollander trans., 1955).
25. The Saga of Viga-Glum (Alan Boucher trans., 1986) [3]
26. Saxo Grammaticus: The History of the Danes, Books 1-9 (H. R. Ellis
Davidson trans., 1998).
27. The Well and the Tree: World and Time in Early Germanic Culture (Paul C.
Bauschatz, 1982). [1]
OUT OF PRINT BUT WORTH FINDING:
28. Edda (Gustav Neckel/ Hans Kuhn ed., 1962) (Complete ON text of Poetic
Edda); or The Elder or Poetic Edda (Olive Bray ed., 1908) (Facing ON text
and English translation, mythological poems only).
29. Runes and Magic: Magical Formulaic Elements in the Older Runic
Tradition (Stephen E. Flowers, 1986).
30. Runes and Their Origin, Denmark and Elsewhere (Erik Moltke, 1985).
[1] Available online from the Internet Book Shop,
http://www.bookshop.co.uk/.
[2] Available online from the Viking Society for Northern Research,
http://www.nott.ac.uk/~aezjj/publications.html.
[3] Available on line from Iceland Review, http://www.icenews.is//publ.html.