Emma Karlsson

This is an interesting book although not what I was expecting. I am interested in Viking mythology, pagan deities, and the historical genesis of literary heroes. This author says that she was raised Christian but never shied away from her Swedish heritage. In fact, she says she was disconnected from Christianity since it wasn’t the religion of her ancestors. This book is an encouragement to become a practitioner of Norse paganism by following her guidebook and the initiative of the reader to immerse themselves in the writings, mythology, and exercises of paganism. Karlsson says that this will necessarily mean a rejection of other religious traditions like Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Karlsson says that curiosity is not enough to be a pagan. The practitioner will have possess a desire to be pagan. Without practice, you would be merely an observer. Karlsson says that the best place to start is with the gods and goddesses of Norse polytheism. These gods are not perfect in behavior but that this would not hinder them from being held aloft as gods. The easiest way to access the gods is by reading the poetic Edda and the Prose Edda. After that the Sagas provide much more material to satisfy the reader’s interest. Karlsson shows some familiarity with the sociological and anthropological aspects of Norse traditions but she gives short shrift to Christianity as too ritual oriented and lacking personal engagement with object of religion. She does acknowledge that Christianity eclipsed Norse paganism by the 10th century. Karlsson argues that despite Christianity’s triumph many Norse traditions survived within Christianity. She then goes on to pay tribute to the Vikings. The main reason I found this work interesting was the chapter on the cosmos. Although Karlsson gives a poor exegesis on the Christian doctrine of creation she summarizes Norse mythological conception of the "gap" which transforms into the realms of fire and ice and the primeval cow. This was very interesting before she covers the calendar days like father’s day in mid-winter and mother’s day at the end of winter. The Kraken is described briefly. Karlsson mentions writers Gaiman and Lovecraft as means of illustrating some similarities between imaginative conceptions. For some reason Karlsson endorses Wicca and Wiccans which are not reputable. She does warn against Norse pagans who are racists or white supremacists. Skin heads in other words. At least she has sense enough to warn off on that. There are some bibliographical notes provided which you can consult. Overall this book is not a historical excursion toward clarity on Norse chronology or mythology. It is a book promoting paganism and pagan lifestyles. There are reasons why a reader might want to know this. Mainly because following any spiritual path without a competent and trustworthy guide could lead to disastrous results. The endorsement of any shaman is also a red flag for the same reason. This book as a summary of Norse ideas, I feel is its best use. I will continue to read and buy more books on Vikings, Norse mythology, pagan cosmological & belief systems.… (mehr)