"That rabbit has a clock" Lmao

I was once called a godless heathen by a Christian in my unit. I laughed and said ‘heathen? Yes. Godless? I have more than you’

"One of the perks of following the Norse gods is every once in awhile a Christian will call me a dirty heathen... In which case I get to say... 'yEAh!' " Best quote ever. 😂 Great video, Ocean.

I’d much rather share the company of a man who can publicly laugh at his own religion, Over one that will publicly ridicule their company’s faiths for religious gain.

"if somebody treats you a certain way due to your religion, probably not someone you want to forge a friendship with anyway" very well said!

"You dirty heathen!" "Hey, I'm not dirty!"

Also in response to the last line: Most people see religion as a linear progression from polytheism to atheism, but really its a big ball of wibbly wobbly, faithy waithy... stuff.

Honestly as someone who grew up agnostic and currently identifies as an atheist this is so cool. I've always found religion so fascinating from a cultural standpoint and it's cool to hear the perspective of a polytheist

As a Christian, I love watching videos about other religions. It’s just so fascinating to learn what others believe in, even though they’re so different. Plus, I’m Norwegian. So I’ve always felt a kinship with Norse Pagans, as their beliefs are also the beliefs of my ancestors. I love you guys!

All terms can be used. I like Asatru as a name, since it sounds like it relates to the Gods. But, at the same time... Heathenry is, for me, taking back the word from those who used it as an insult. Making it our word, is perhaps, one of the most powerful moves we can make.

"Living in the south, that can sometimes be unpleasant." FEEL THAT. Hahahaha. Being a heathen in the bible belt is sometimes pretty damn wild.

I told a few friends of mine over and over again that I was a polytheist. I refered to "gods" plural on multiple occassions. I told them about my dedications to Athena. A few days ago I said I might get myself a necklace with a pagan/heathen symbol because while I wear owls all the time no one really associates that with Athena and they were like, "why would you do that?" To which I said, "because it will make me feel as if I'm part of a larger community and feel closer to the gods." And that's when they told me they thought I was an atheist and all this talk about polytheism/heathenry/worship of Athena was an elaborate joke. I genuinely thought I was out of the broom closet with them and they thought I was being edgey.

As an Icelander it feels so surreal to me to see how much the word Ásatrú is associated with the AFA outside of Iceland. Like, there's a whole country where that's just our word for Norse paganism. You grow up using it regularly in history and religion classes, join the Ásatrúafélag once you're old enough, etc. Then one day you google the word and get smacked in the face with white supremacists and neo nazis

"Hold the heathen hammer high"

It's nice to see someone well-spoken and presentable talking about our faith. Good job.

I enjoy the Heathen title, personally. Sometimes I do say "I am Heathen, a Norse pagan" as a clarification to others who might not know the difference between a heathen and a Heathen & gives them some kind of context to my belief system.

As a Christian I find all this to be fascinating, I believe everyone should be open minded and learn some bits and pieces of each religion. We all believe in something greater than ourselves and we should all respect that.

Hail to our ancestors Hail to the Æsir Hail to the Vånir Wise words and healing hands while we live friends

This is interesting. I am a Dane, and I use the term "Asatro" - Asatru. For most people I speak with, it is a generel term for the religion. Not meaning we only believe in the aesir, many still believe in multiple lines of Gods/goddesses and vættir. Obviously, there is many differences in paganism between America and Europe/Denmark. I am starting to understand exactly how different our religions are (yet, still somehow the same) by watching your videos. :)

Thanks for the clarifications. Honestly I was part of an atheist community where many people used "heathen" and now I know that is inappropriate. I became interested in your channel because I attended the Midgardsblot Festival in Norway, and witnessed and was part of a lot of Norse pagan ritual which I found really exciting and inspiring. And I wanted to learn more about the community, culture, and terms. Your channel is great! I think I'm forming my own path as someone who still strongly identifies as atheist, but love the way ritual and shared beliefs can create community. Plus I'm a history/folklore nerd

"Asatro" is a well-established term in Swedish and likely the other mainland Scandinavian languages, to the degree that it's commonly used to refer to historical Nordic polytheism in school textbooks and such.

Oh that’s cool didn’t know Heathen actually came from the sagas, shows how many I’ve read 😅.

As an Atheist, I generally don't call myself a Heathen unless I'm looking to get a rise out of some narrow-minded Christian. But I love learning about other religions and the history and mythologies attached to them, especially pre-Christian stuff. I can honestly say I had no idea about the definition of Heathen and I will happily correct those that try to use it against me now with the way you explained it, and not apply it to myself so readily! Thank you for the information, it makes me want to learn more and I'll be watching more of your content as well as finding more on the topics you were only able to brush over in 11 minutes.

Another name you can use is Seidr. Which is basically icelanding for "The Way" or "The Tradition". In Sweden we use the term "Fornsed", which means ancient way/tradition.

I'm a Christian and love studying norse mythology, its very fascinating

Language is a funny thing. In Danish, I don't mind the word for heathen ("Hedensk") but in English I've always found out to sound wildly offensive. I don't like pagan either, but it's always a personal choice, of course. I also don't see our old beliefs as a "religion", because that word has certain connotations that doesn't really fit my idea of what the old beliefs are. To me, Asetro is more like a set of traditions to honour, rather than any organised faith. I suppose Hávamál is the closest we get to a guide on how to live life - even if there's no hard line on whether or not you'd be considered a practitioner or not, if you did or didn't follow the advice in the màl. But again, I think a lot of our preferences comes down to languages as well.

In America, me & my brother are apart of S.O.F (Sons Of Fenrir) an organization, or association or a clan if you may call it. We follow the Norse mythology. We really embrace the religion proudly. I appreciate all the knowledge you tell . Keep it up brother.

I always thought that “Heathan”referred to someone that was not a Christian. Thank you for clearing that up for me!

Your outfit in this is so fucking good Makes me really want a Hellenic equivalent to the mjolnir necklace

"Find a way, or make one." I love that saying. Something I've lived by for some time now without placing words to it. You got yourself a new subscriber. Thank you for the information on the different labels for norse polytheism. I'm a recent convert and this has helped me figure out what I believe. Archetypal Pagan.

My first intro to religion was my Apache/German grandmother, who went to church every time the doors were open, but in the very small (less than 300 people) village was jokingly called the witch . She taught me to not just accept the religion but to find yours and there were different ones that led to the same place . Little did that little four foot nothing woman know or maybe she did that she was my greatest guide and teacher. And still is.

You are among the finest pagan scholars I've ever had the pleasure to hear lecture. . Thank you for this very eloquent analysis, clarifying the different emphasis of those who follow these different Nordic paths. I am a Gnostic Christian with strong interests in Celtic Reconstructionism, Advaita Vedenta, and Tibetan Bonpo Shamanism. Now, through the inspiration if your work, I have been compelled to delve into your path. I used to try to figure out how it all fit together, until years later I realized it doesn't! But I do feel that all these inner teachings of the different esoteric religions have validity at their own level, and all contribute to our universal human spirutual heritage, which is needed now more than ever. Hail to you, my friend.

"Sometimes Christians are like your a dirty heathen and I'm just like.....yah" 🤣🤣🤣 I felt that

As a Hellenic Reconstructionist myself, finding terms that others can understand is a big struggle. I definitely relate. I despise the term 'pagan' but have had to use it many times because they wouldn't recognize Hellenist, polytheist, Orphic, etc. The worst part is when they don't know what "pagan" means, and then it's just like "I'm actually not pagan, I just use that term because it's easier for the public to recognize." Nonetheless, it's always awkward trying to talk about religion which is why I usually opt not to talk about it altogether.

I am so happy that a rabbit hole has led me down a path to finding your channel. I have been a hidden practitioner for some time, and just now recently opening up and being more free with talking about my faith.

Very focused, straight forward, informative video. I often have trouble explaining polytheism to others; I'm glad to have found your channel my friend. Have a good day!

The gods were and now are again worshiped throughout the Germanic world (Germany, England, and Scandinavia) so I hate to localize it by just saying Norse. Therefore I prefer to say either Heathen or Germanic pagan.

Absolutely amazing descriptions! I would say after 10 years of working in the faith that you're doing a great job!

If you're doing it right, you don't need a label. Just live in the world as it is and keep adapting. Historical wisdom can be of benefit, but learning to put aside things that drag you down or cause strife and find ascendant ways to face new challenges is the ideal.

This was honestly really cool. I’ve got a good friend in my school that converted to paganism earlier this year or last year so it’s really nice to get some explanations to questions I haven’t even thought of. Thanks for that

I've learnt and understood so much more since finding your channel, thank you kindly.

Been awhile since I watched one of your videos ocean. Love how you explain what I've failed to about our religion. It's been a decade (left a year after I was confirmed) since i asked myself "am I a Roman Catholic because I believe in it, or was told to believe in it". When I need guidance, I often find myself returning to your videos to learn more about our religion. I've read a little bit about it in a book of world religions my brother got. As soon as I started reading about the Norse pantheon, I instantly felt a strong connection to it. Great video and thank you for teaching me about many things.

Extremely well spoken and fantastic insight. Thank you.

Love your work

This actually brought up an interesting point for me. For me i have always seen heathen in a very different way to how you just spoke of it. This has actually changed my viewpoint on a few things. Thank you.

just wanted to comment to comment. Appreciate the content and as always great work! Very helpful in narrowing down my own identification.

So glad to have found this channel. Very informative to both problematic groups as well as general advice. I have only recently begun to follow heathenry and I very much so appreciate your content.

Truly informative. Ice been struggling with this alot

When I use the word polytheist, people tend to take me way more serious. Heathen- you talked about the issue, ,most will think I am an atheist, If I say Norse pagan, some smile, saying "Marvel" and asking me If I worship Chris Hemsworth or T. Hiddleston... Joke aside, its a difficult thing, because especialy the norse paganism is so divided in how to live and practise the faith, its mindboggling. and there are the people who watched to much Vikings and thinking of themself as a new age Ragnar Lothbrock, or some badass warrior born in the wrong century, yelling ODIIIIIN on the top of their lung ( allfather may not be deaf!). calling themselves Heathens, and finally this highly despised political/race fraction which especially here in germany still makes you an outcast if you wear a mjolnir or have Runes on you. Or the esoteric wannabees who are running around in fantasy robes and calling themselves the TRVUEST seidr or rune masters ever seen and embarassing not just themselves but everyone who openly show his faith in the old gods. If somebody asks me, I say Norse heathen ,or polytheist.

I like heathen because it seems more generalized that can describe a broad range of northern pagan traditions. Norse pagan seems very culturally and linguistically specific. Asatru seems specific to organizations, less grass roots.

Thank you, I am glad that I come across your videos. This video has expanded a lot and helped me to clarify a lot.

This is a solid, well thought out, and great example of parsing out the many MANY dynamics and idiosyncrasies about belief on the subject matter. Great stuff!

Jason and the Argonauts was one of my favorite movies growing up. Great video Ocean!

I’m a Christian, I have Norse heritage, even though I personally don’t worship or believe in the Norse Gods, I find them so cool to learn about. They had great craftsmanship, to my surprise they were very hygienic, I love learning about Ragnorak, Odin, Thor, Loki, and Freyja. They’re just badass in general

This is such a great video! Can’t wait to see what else your channel has to offer.

Just found your videos and I am sooooo happy I did - thank you for your clarity!

That intro is epic You heathen. Laughs hysterically YOU HAVE NO IDEA

If anyone ever calls you a "dirty heathen" just respond: "HEY! ... I'm not dirty"

I want to just leave this here; I thank you Ocean keltoi. I stumbled upon you, and from your videos, livestreams, and book recommendations I am delving deeper into my research of Norse heathenry/pagan. I made a comment before about being drawn to the religion due to really loving norse mythology, but was always scared to try to get into religion in general due to my experiences with christianty. I better understand there shouldn't be a fear to follow beliefs and religions that you agree with, and once I have space I'm going to happily make a prayer and alter to the gods. Thank you for helping me start to find my path towards norse heathenry.

Dude that outro is a banger!

Yeah yeah cool video great points... but did you guys hear that 🔥 outro music!

It's actually very nice to actually see another Norse Polytheistic brother. This actually made my day.

this was very informative, great video!

I love this channel, thank you you for this work.

"All my friends are Heathens, take it slow."

That was very clearly and concisely put, thank you! I must say, I started out more in the reconstructionist camp, but have moved more into the Norse Pagan area as I have continued my studies in various areas of History and animism, etc. So yes, there is definitely a gradient between the terms. I still use heathen at times.

Defining this stuff can certainly be tough. Thanks for this as it's really informative.

Thank you. I am really enjoying your content. Please keep it up.

I personally prefer the term 'Forn Sidr' or 'Forn Sed', which means 'the old way' because that's what our ancestors did. They practiced traditions that, although they changed over time like any tradition, had their origins in far ancient days when they were simply the custom as everyone in these cultures and regions understood it.

Thank you for opening the way in a positive, constructive fashion.

Amazing breakdown, Thank you Very much. Skol!

Amazing video!! Thank you!!

I find other religions fascinating. I don't come from a place of judgment but rather a willingness to learn.

The intro alone has me hooked

How am I just finding this channel... concepts broken down so well for my tiny brain. Thank you!

Thank you Ocean. This has in equal parts answered questions and generated others.

I appreciate your scholarly yet accessible way of explaining the differences. I am a Norse Polytheist that also works as an ordained "Christian" clinical chaplain (and former Army Chaplain) in a conservative community and often have the opportunity to educate folks about the differences of terms like pagan and heathen.

I’m so glad I found this, I’ve been searching for the Norse religion, I want to further study and become immersed

I found this both very interesting informative thank you

First time to your channel and I am floored. This was such a good video. Thank you for making it!

Muslim here and I’m really appreciating the introduction and explanation of Norse religion.

Hail to thee, Ocean! And merry we meet again.

I’ve just stumbled across this channel while doing some more research on my beliefs ( Anglo Saxon paganism) I found this to be quite informative you have a new subscriber buddy keep up the good work may oden be with you

I keep coming back to your channel. I was raised on these stories and beliefs it’s not new to me but I find you’re the only one I’ve seen that I can relate to and not get annoyed. 😆I was taught to refer to it as belief system not a religion I was asked why by a Christian and I just say because we don’t preach it we actually live it. He was shook and brings it up every time I see him. 🤣

Thank you for a great channel. You are one of the few talking about our faith in a knowledgable way and gives good credibility. You often refer words in an Icelandic language viewpoint, and I get it. Icelandic and Faeroeic languages are as close to old Norse language of what we have today. I am Swedish although now in North Carolina. In Sweden, we use the word Asatro as a name for the faith, the word is 2 words put together, Asa, the Aesir and Tro, meaning belief or faith. In Sweden this was the name of those believing in the Norse gods long before the modern religion.showed up again. It has no political connections. To become a legally recognized religion in Sweden there are a number of prerequisites that has to be met. One if them is the amount of followers. It was difficult for the followers to get enough names on a petition so the national organization merged with those following Fornsed or Forn (ancient) Sed (customs) and you can see where the word Seidr comes from. Fornsed for us are not only the Seidr but it includes the presence Norse followers. Asatro or Norse Paganism is a official religion in Sweden, it means it could have its officials conduct marriages (legal), officiate funerals, the "church tax" part of income tax can go to your belief system instead of the Lutheran Evangelical church. Word Hedning for us means Hed, a big open area with usually nothing more than grass and low hanging bushes, rarely.any trees. Like a prairie but smaller. The ending ning as in Hedning (heathen) means it is someone from.such a place. It has till recently been used as a derogatory term for non Christian's and pre-Christians. Growing up in.Sweden it was used to talk about someone or a group of people not being followers of the Christian faith or Judeic faith. Even followers of islam would fall into the heathen umbrella. Cheers from North Carolina

I truly thank you and I thank the Gods for finding your channel. I found your channel when I was searching Danheim-Odin and I see your video about "the wisdom of Odin" and I was surprised cause being heathen for a year now I watched his videos but your video and very clear evidence about him and his followers have had me unfollow him on Instagram and unsubscribe to his channel. Thank you sir for than information and the warnings signs I didn't see Tyr guide you brother 🐺🙏 and keep the great videos and content going 🔥

This was really cool. I was having a very nice conversation with someone on Reddit who recommended me to this channel. Starting watching this playlist just to get a feel and see if I would like to continue. I definitely will watch it all. Then maybe I will reach out to you because I would like to introduce my community into modern practices/understandings of pagans,/polytheism

Thanks! This cleared some things up for me!

I just use heathen, though I rarely speak to anyone I know about my beliefs (discretion is required in small town Canada). I'm new here, I'm enjoying your videos.

I love that in the comment section of your videos there's Muslims, Christians, Mormons, agnostics and obviously heathens lol and nobody's throwing rocks at others, rather they're exchanging opinions.

a very objective video man, new sub

I wanted to take the time, to thank you, for your perspective on the topic. You speak clearly, and are easily understood, which can sometimes be challenging, when you are listening to people, talk about the topic at hand. That's the difference, between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is intelligence, and wisdom, is the ability to explain that knowledge/intelligence. I just subscribed to your channel, and look forward to hearing more from you.

Came across this video randomly, but thank you for it. Very interesting and informative. I've recently been reading Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman and I really liked it. I'm myself an atheist, but I find polytheistic religions very interesting and fun. What I like about the Gods of ancient Greeks or Norse Gods is that they behave just like humans, they are not perfect and they can be malicious if they want to.

In Denmark we also use the term asatro. I'm glad to see our old believes being used. I think it's sad how scandinavia was open to other cultures and religions and how christianity took advantage of it, and how they've been through the ages towards our old believes/ways. And the funny thing is that christians in the nordic countries will credit the tolerance and good will to their religion, when it's actually the opposite, it's how the nordic people always have been, and that christianity actually was the complete opposite. I remember my wife's grandma couldn't understand how I wasn't christian with the high moral standards I had etc. (I was laughing inside and thinking do you really need someone to tell you how to be a good person in order to be one?)

This is very informative thanks, going to look into this further.

I absolutely love this!

Interesting how this video was on my recommended... I’ve always had a strong gravitational pull towards Norse history and the gods and honestly feel they are just as real as any other. I’ve never been huge on religion (for myself or beliefs) but have always had an open mind and loved learning about different religions but the one that has grabbed my attention and felt tugged by was the old gods. I don’t know how to explain it but I feel as I’ve found something for me but don’t know how to pursue it or where to begin if I wanted lol.

That intro quote. I felt that 🤣👍

Thanks for the helpful insight, this definitely comes with a lot of nuances in the religion that is hard to understand for people new to it like myself

This was an awesome video, thank you! I am learning about these atm as I want to know what path is right for me and heathenism has been doing so for a long time.