Sources of Study for Germanic Religion

To gain a deeper understanding of our ancestors' perception of the Germanic Gods we need to go beyond the narrow confines of the Eddas (Poetic Edda and Prose Edda) and sagas although these are of course invaluable sources without which we would to a certain extent be groping in the dark. However we have to remember that the Eddas which were originally oral poems receited by the Bards were not put down onto paper until the 13th century CE. A useful supplement to the Eddas and sagas is Saxo Grammaticus' Gesta Danorum (Deeds of the Danes). Although a 12th century and thus slightly earlier composition it is a less reliable source and tends to distort or confuse the picture. Only those who have an already comprehensive grasp of Teutonic mythology should attempt to study it.


Classical writers such as Tacitus (Germania) and Caesar (De Bello Gallico) are the earliest sources but they were outsiders so what they can tell us has thus a limited value. Caesar in particular presents a very primitive view of ancient Teutonic religion, stating: 

"The Germans differ much from these usages, for they have neither Druids to preside over sacred offices, nor do they pay great regard to sacrifices. They rank in the number of the gods those alone whom they behold, and by whose instrumentality they are obviously benefited, namely, the sun, fire, and the moon; they have not heard of the other deities even by report. Their whole life is occupied in hunting and in the pursuits of the military art; from childhood they devote themselves to fatigue and hardships. Those who have remained chaste for the longest time, receive the greatest commendation among their people; they think that by this the growth is promoted, by this the physical powers are increased and the sinews are strengthened. And to have had knowledge of a woman before the twentieth year they reckon among the most disgraceful acts; of which matter there is no concealment, because they bathe promiscuously in the rivers and [only] use skins or small cloaks of deer's hides, a large portion of the body being in consequence naked." (Book 6, Chapter 21, translated by W.A. McDevitte and W.S. Bohn)

 How different this perception is compared to that of Tacitus writing over a century later in the first century CE! We know that the Germans DID have a priesthood who exerted a great deal of influence and we also know that sacrifices were made to the Gods. Clearly the Germanic tribes honoured the deities behind the sun, moon and fire (Vulcan) but were not limited to these. Tacitus mentions deities not referred to in the Eddas such as Tuisto, Mannus, Nerthus and the Alcis.

Viktor Rydberg however did an excellent job in creating an exposition in epic form of all the available material in his two volume Teutonic Mythology which has been published in the form of 3 books, the second volume being printed in 2 parts. Rydberg's Our Fathers' Godsaga: Retold for the Young ironically is actually better suited to adults! It is a handy single volume retelling of the material in Teutonic Mythology. I recommend reading this volume as an introduction to the other 3 books.

Jacob Grimm's Teutonic Mythology, available in 4 volumes contains material that is additional to that found in the Scandinavian material and focuses more in what can be gleaned from continental Germania, utilising folklore, folksongs, ancient spells, herblore, mediaeval manuscripts and place name etymology. Those seeking to gain a more primitive, a more Germanic or a more German understanding of our ancient beliefs and practices would do well to study these volumes.

It is important to study as much as we can in order that we have a sound basis on which to rebuild our ancient heritage and religion and this takes many years. Finding a reliable mentor, teacher or organisation will help to guide the novice but it is imperative that book learning does not replace having a deep relationship with the Gods and this comes with the practice of regular rites and meditation.