History of Vanatru
History of Vanatru
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A brief history on the Vanatru
A brief history on the Vanatru
Vanatru is a denomination of modern Heathenism (or Scandinavian/Germanic Paganism) focused on the pantheon of gods called the Vanir in Icelandic lore (Anglicized: “Wanes”). The term translates to “True to the Vanir”, and is derived from the Icelandic term “Ásatrú”, which means literally means “True to the Aesir”, i.e. “Faithful to the Gods”.
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Why call yourself “Vanatru” instead of just “Heathen” or “Asatru”?
Why call yourself “Vanatru” instead of just “Heathen” or “Asatru”?
Focusing on the Vanir means our perspective and practices aren’t quite the same as those in Asatru. The majority of recorded lore is Icelandic. Icelandic lore is primarily from the perspective of the Aesir, and specifically contrasts the Vanir in several places. A majority of Icelandic or pan-Germanic Heathens are focused on an Aesir-centric religious perspective whether they do so intentionally or not. They generally include the Vanir and allied Jotnar as part of the “Greater Aesir” and make no particular effort to explore the Vanir as a distinct group beyond that They are fertility gods. There’s nothing wrong with that as far as it goes, and for most Heathens that’s plenty to work with. But for those of us specifically dedicated to the Vanir, it’s just not enough.
Vanatru is Heathen spiritual practice from a Vanir-centric perspective. This requires specific efforts and boundaries on the part of Vanatruar that we need to be able to maintain within our own spaces. Most Vanatruar I know do call themselves Heathen in casual conversation, especially for larger gatherings where they are joining other Heathens for some community practice.
Who are the Vanir?
The Vanir are a separate tribe of gods who were once at war with the Aesir, eventually becoming Their allies. The Aesir (Odin, Heimdal, Frigga, Thor, Tyr, etc.) exchanged hostages with the Vanir in order to end the First War. Freyr and Njordh were the hostages offered to Asgard. Freyja also went, although it’s not clear if She was a hostage or went for reasons of Her own.
Njordh is a god of seafaring, protecting sailors, fishers, merchants, and probably sea-going raiders as well. He is associated with the wealth that can be gathered by faring forth by sea. Freyr (“Lord”) and Freya (“Lady”), both together and separately have domain over love, fertility, magic, and wealth, as well as various associations with death. Freyja is associated with beauty, and is the first chooser of the slain, sometimes depicted as a female warrior. Freyr and Njordh are associated with peace and good seasons, and mortal Sacred Kingship.
Freyr and Freya are twins, and were likely married before They came to Asgard. Njordh is Their father. Their mother is Njordh’s sister who is not otherwise named in any surviving lore. Snorri has the Aesir separating those pairings, ruling that siblings could not be married in Asgard. In my experience, the Vanir still honor those marriages, and Freyr and Freyja frequently act like lovers.
The three went on to marry others while in Asgard. Njordh married the Frost Jotunja Skadhi, who is associated with winter sports and hunting. She is mentioned repeatedly throughout the lore. Freyr married the beautiful etin Gerd, who is mentioned repeatedly, but only in reference to Her marriage to Freyr. Freyja married Odr, who is not otherwise mentioned. The linguistic similarity between “Odr” and “Odin”, and the frequent equating of Freyja with Frigga in other parts of the Germanic world prompt many scholars to assume Odr is Odin. In practice, we have found Odr’s identity to be a proper Mystery, the answers to which must be sought individually and directly.
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