~I made a choice to abandon my old lack of belief of nothing to try to connect with my ancestors in some way & while you don't directly say anything to support my practice, you have helped to clarify things. For me Asatru is going to be more about learning a path based on stories than following any specific interpretation. You've already taught me how to say my own religion today so this is very helpful. Don't fret on little mistakes too much, I likely wouldn't have ever even known of it if you hadn't spoken about it. Thanks!
Dr. Crawford. I really appreciate all of your videos and especially your translation of the Poettic Edda. I like how as an academic who doesn't practice, you are an unbiased and invaluable scholarly source to learn and improve my own understanding, which I can use to improve the way I interpret the God's myself.
To loosely quote Einar Selvik of Wardruna: we cannot recreate the past, instead we take inspiration from the past and use it to create something new. To me when someone I know who is neo-pagan or Asatru practices something ahistorical I remember this and it reminds me that religions, cultures, and the ways they themselves interpret the past changes all of the time. Therefore I see no harm in any of it so long as they are willing to create something new rather than claim that they know best about the past.
Exactly. No modern religion is the same as it's older forms. The only difference here is that while mainstream religions have evolved over time to their current form and have a direct continuity to their previous forms, Neo-Pagan religions are simply inspired by those older religions, rather than having a direct continuity to them.
One reason I love Einar's view is because of the realistic yet respectful stance on something that's already past, and without arrogance. I myself am a visual artist and musician and I don't think anything I create is exactly original. I believe in my influences and that what I'm trying to do in my work has already come from somewhere. I try to be apart of this continuation of artists and musicians before me. To keep the cycle and motion of creativity among humans alive. I have no desire to live in a different time or to be the best at something original to pave the way for a future movement. I just want to be apart of the human creativity cycle. I think more people who practice religion, art, and anything really should understand this :).
I have no quarrel with neo-pagans that know and acknowledge that we barely know anything about the beliefs of our ancestors and that Ásatrú and other such religions are modern inventions. If it helps you become a better person, why should anyone tell you what to believe in? What annoys me is when someone decides to replace the gaps in modern knowledge with purely fabricated ideas and starts claiming that this is some ancient truth when it's not. This is a dangerous practice that can cause much harm, as it is becoming more and more difficult to find actual nuggets of truth in the sea of misinformation.
I am a practicing Heathen, and I can say by talking to other Asatru/Heathens that you are highly respected and recommended in the community, as far as I can tell. Personally, I like your videos for the fact that you're so unbiased, knowledgeable, and frank. You separate the wheat from the chaff, which is much more than I can say about other channels on the subject. Every video you post is a valuable asset to developing my practice.
@@LJ-ej3fv As much as the value of our culture and history (and wish to preserve it), it's a connection to the set of primary values-- Honor, Integrity, Community and hospitality, Holding a man's word as an oath to his deeds/ actions to be done, and so on. Many of these values are just as important today as they were then. @Kurt Garcia I completely agree, Dr. Crawford's academic expertise on the matter is pivotal to better understanding the practice and the history/ language and how its implemented into personal practice as accurately as can be done with what little information exists. I also agree with him that beliefs are personal/ private and should be valued as such, never being forced on others, and that it is open to all to practice and connect to, just as much as any other polytheistic belief structure and cultural set of values. I am also glad that when I die, I now have the option to have Mjolnir engraved on my Military/ Veteran gravestone, just one more thing that I can connect and honor unto my forefathers.
Dr Crawford appears to be a man at peace with himself and with his place in the world. A relaxed, rational and respectful view of politics and faith is a rare thing in these times. Toi many people are shouting and spitting, but how many are listening? How many of us are truly evaluating opinions and values. Respect to you sir.
From now on, I will always carry a piece of firewood with me. ;)But seriously, one of the reasons I like this channel, being Swedish (with some basic knowledge and interest in Norse culture, history, and myths, but not on an academic level), is the fact that Dr. Crawford is *not* from Scandinavia. Sometimes an "outsider's" informed and well researched insights to ones' own culture is more unbiased than those of people who grew up with it. And facts are facts, regardless of who's delivering them.
Danish, Swedish and Norwegian people never seem to be unbiased when it comes down to our culture and history. I am a Dane and I have seen almost everything on the shelf ha ha.
Jutunheimen (mountains in southern Norway) weren't called by that name before the 19'th century. Product of romanticism, no more "authentic" than helmets with horns on them.
I bet your government had that same theory. Lol Sorry bad joke. My great grandparents were from Ostergotland. I would love to go back for a visit, but the laws/government and immigration makes me appreciate the U.S.
To be honest, you don't have to be a batshit crazy dimwit who saw the Vikings TV show and now wants to go all in on Asatru and the like. I have a degree in history and languages of the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons and I have no genetic heritage in either ethnic group as far as I know. Yeah, I get a lot of weird looks from people who think that I have no right to be fascinated by languages or cultures if I'm not descended from them.
@@jasontscott-west6037 maybe *I* misinterpreted his comment, but I don't think '@Blue Boy VAS' intended to imply *all* Ásatrú practitioners, by any means, were noobs play-acting at Norse-associated faith after watching 'Vikings'. Rather that while there were *many* of us studying and/or practicing it with diligent research & respect & commitment long before the show was dreamed up, 'Vikings' brought the Faith into a much more "mainstream" spotlight & it suddenly became considerably more "trendy" via the show's fan base. And that *subset* of "trendy" fans who suddenly call themselves Ásatrú tend have a rather lazy habit of treating the show's misinformation as their "research" & "source material" rather than studying the Sagas or language or other extant records.
@@jasontscott-west6037 *"When one studies Christian Theology they usually are expected to become a church leader of some form or another. So to get a degree in Norse Sagas purely for academic purposes seems to be a mockery of an entire ethnicity and religion."* I've studied quite a bit of Christian Theology despite not being Christian or having any intention of being one (much less a church leader), as well as theologies of other religions. Why? Because it helps form a greater understanding of how people's religious beliefs shaped society's perception of "morality" & norms & stigmas, both in the past & present. And a deeper understanding of belief systems outside of my own allows me to try to approach interaction with those other faiths & or cultures from a place of respect for their mores & taboos. (Which is astoundingly important working in the Healthcare field & having to navigate things like: a Jehova's Witness who religiously disavows blood transfusion but will die within a month without a heart transplant *or* an extremely devout Muslim woman who can't be seen unclothed by a man other than her husband, but requires open heart surgery while our only female cardiac surgeon was on maternity leave. Both of which, my understanding of their religious beliefs despite not sharing them helped come to a compromise that respected their religious restrictions while still getting them the care they needed.) The "Viking Age" was impactful to shaping the history of Western Europe. Norse religious & cultural beliefs, which the Sagas give our most significant insight into, played a role in that. How is someone pursuing a deep understanding of Norse belief & society - despite not sharing that heritage or faith - to understand the Norse & Viking world view rather than simply taking the "savage barbarian invaders" perception written of them by contemporary outside Christian chroniclers at face value, a mockery of Norse ethnicity or religion? If anything, I'd think that pursing an academic degree for a greater understanding of the Norse perspective shows a deep *respect* for both.
"... I'm a link between people who will never tolerate each other..." As I heard this, it hit me how necessary are people who can do this, especially in such divided times. Someone has to help keep the lines of communication open. And perhaps help to keep things from fracturing even more, though that may be a bit much to ask of anyone.
@@Nerukenshi1233 - Yes, but it seems less likely now than before. It seems that people are going to end up fighting it out before they come to their senses - if they ever do.
As someone who follows the old gods, I appreciate you no matter your denomination. You help us expand our understanding of our own religion and preserve what we do have for culture. In doing so you help me personally build a modern practice that honors my ancestors and their beliefs
And it was on that day, seated on a bench in rural Colorado, Guru Crawford inadvertently birthed the Cult of Logs: a group of followers so loyal to him that they, from that day forward, took up logs in their arms which they carried always, believing he would speak to them through the logs, guiding them on their pre-destined path.
To me, it's the one faith that actually called to me. I came from a household where my father was agnostic, and my mom practiced a different religion every 6-12 months, so I've experienced many different faiths, and not one called to me, not one imbued something in me, but when I started studying Asatru, I started to feel a pull, as if there was some force actually pushing me towards it, and so I started to research more of it. Since then, I've begun following the faith and praying to the Old Gods, respecting them and giving to them when I can.
This was a very personal video for you and I appreciate the realism and "heart-to-heartness" that I felt while watching this video. Thank you for always staying professional in your mannerism. I'm sure many people would love to know you on a more personal level and want to see that on this channel, but with your professionalism, you steer clear of any sort of political/religious controversies. You're simply a great educator for anyone who's interested in these related topics of interest. From the bottom of my heart, thank youfor all your work.
Interesting points which I see reflected on my own approach to the Northern European pagan traditions and historical/archaeological facts. When I do a video presenting historical and archaeological evidences people tend to judge my spirituality. I keep my spirituality private and often make it clear that my work as an archaeologist cannot be influenced by my own spirituality, a boundary must be created. When I want to share a bit of my own spiritual beliefs, I create a video solely about that. This is what it has been difficult to make, because when I show historical facts that the eddas have christian influence, people label me as someone trying to ruin the faith and that I'm a christian; when I give a more spiritual approach to a certain subject or show my own opinion on the matter, people get confused and see that I'm actually a pagan. I always make it clear when I'm giving academic work and when I'm giving spiritual understandings, I do prefer to make that boundary. My own work cannot be influenced by my spirituality, otherwise in the academic field it wouldn't be a professional, plausible research work.
I agree. Your spirituality will certainly be influenced by your work, but the opposite cannot happen. We have no religious dogma, so if one wishes to practice something in a way that isn't historically proven, one already can do it freely. There is no need to fake a historical background in order to grant importance to a certain practice. On the other hand, history is of utmost importance for many of us (myself included), and we cannot simply bind the truth to our own will. Honesty is best, always.
"I'm a link between people that would never tolerate one another." I really relate to this. The more I learn, the more I realize I know nothing. There's truth and something to learn from everyone, so it's difficult to say someone is completely wrong. I really enjoy and appreciate your videos. It's stimulating to learn from someone so knowledgeable in their field. Thank you Dr. Crawford!
If I were Asatru I think a better sacred duty than carrying a lump of firewood would be to always keep spare bedding, food and drink on hand in your home to offer guests.
Most of the Heathens I know have all of that so they can offer proper hospitality. And be prepared for whatever happens. A large part of Asatru is just having common sense 😊.
Dr. Crawford, thank you for this. Whether or not you know, you're referenced rather heavily in the Asatru and Heathen communities. We all appreciate your work, and your content gives a great deal off insight to many of us. I hope it doesn't bug you too much. :-).
I'm still laughing about your comment about getting phD in something to ensure you can never have a normal job again but a life of debt. Thank you lol.
Very well said I've always said don't talk about religion or politics or it'll end in a fight. I want to thank u again for all your hard work on these videos I've been studying everything I could since I was a teenager and your videos have helped me so much. Maybe one day I'll have the honor to meet you. Thanks again Dr. Crawford for everything.
I'm Norwegian and I grew up with Norse Mythology. My grandmother was a Norwegian teacher and told me all the stories while growing up when she babysat my sister and me and I've since read the texts myself. I'm still an agnostic but I guess I'm practicing Åsatru is some sense, as that's the belief system I feel the closest to and the one I grew up with. I have an old carved totem of Odin on top of my piano near my hallway that I nod to every time I enter or exit the house but that's the extent of it. I never took a stance on it and haven't thought about it as practicing but I guess it is.
Thank you! Professor you made a statement during the video that resonated to the Core my humanity, "Ancient Norse people didn't have a name for it, they just lived their lifes." Damn! Simple, but profound!
Adding to my post: This is why I have an issue with Abrahamic religions and their religious traditions. These traditions were only apart of a person's life after some historical event! As you stated, "they just lived it!" No historical fictious event to give living life any great importance. Thanks!
@@derrickbaustinYup, that’s the difference between a religion based on historical events by which God interacts with His Creation (such as… the Resurrection), and modern, feeling-based attempted recreations of historical practices.
@@O_Rei Just sharing my truth: I have a Godchild who can hear the All- Father speak! I've taught him, "what you call Odin speaking is your male guardian ancestor, which is an avatar of Odin's energy." These are my words from my experiences. Why am I sharing these words with you? My post is from 2019 and I have continued to teach Europeans should live connected to the ancestors of their bloodline. Don't be manipulated by those who can't hear the great call from their ancestral past. You must always follow the Soul- Passion burning from within: "Love is a lie, there's only Passion. Through Passion we find our Will- power and through Will-power we find Strength. Through our (inner) Strength, we will always be Victorious!
I'm heathen and value your knowledge about noise mythology and history. I don't need requite you to be a follower of asatru to gain insights from your videos. Ignore any who say otherwise. You are helping followers of asatru reconstruct the ancient religion indirectly. For example by highlighting an example of a possible prayer in the edges, our group as added an edited version of it in our rituals.
Jackson, I’ve been a subscriber for years and this is my first comment. I really feel like I should be having a fresh cup of coffee while you talk. Just because this seems like a mellow front porch chat. Have a great day. Thanks. Next time, I will be better prepared with coffee.
What a breath of fresh air! Thank you for your knowledge and as a practitioner of Asatru, I appreciate your information. You are a fountain of knowledge! My mother who is from Norway is tired of trying to answer my questions on how to pronounce some of Norse words.
"I have such a broad range of friends and family in terms of political views and, um, many of them would hate each other." I actually lol'd. Kindred spirit my Dude!
I really respect your stance on religion and politics, modern iterations of it or what little we know of ancient practices. This is one of the best made videos on this kind of topic that I've ever seen. Thank you for making it!
This is the most honest outside opinions about the subject that I’ve heard of because you obviously care so much about the history and study of the subject in general, thanks bro your awesome with all the free info you give
I manage a business teaching about the Vikings in the UK and have often found your videos to be a source of inspiration. In the past I have received messages from Scandinavians asking me to stop teaching because I am not `Norse’ which some seem to equate with being from a modern Scandinavian country. As if I have no right to have an opinion on a subject which I find fascinating because I do not conform to their misplaced notion of ethnic and/or cultural identity. This raises so many interesting questions but sadly despite many attempts these people often misinterpret or simply refuse to hear my complex answers to what they seem to feel is a simple topic. I agree with many of the assertions in this video. Just because Im interested in something doesn’t mean I have to be it. I act like a Viking in the classroom for the sake of my students but Im not a Viking. Thanks for putting my feelings on the matter into eloquent words. From beautiful Lancashire Im going to wish you all the best 😉
As an Asatru in the States I thank you for everything you've done. It's great having an unbiased and knowledgeable source for information on Norse myth and history. I love your translations and get people to get them whenever I can. The fact is we don't know a whole lot on how they operated back then as you point out. So if we try to follow the ways of our ancestors it can be muddy waters on what to do. I don't think there is anything wrong with forging your own path however and creating things just as long as you're honest that it's your creation. Every religion in the whole world was created. Someone came up with the stories. Someone told you how to pray. Etc. None of them are divinely inspired and as such there's nothing wrong with doing things the way you want to do them just as long as you're honest and don't go trying to convince everyone else to be like you. Christianity has dozens of branches. And even back then the different tribes of Norse Danes, Saxons, Celts, Franks, all had their own way of worshipping the same gods no doubt. So there's nothing wrong with us today filling in the blanks and creating our own rituals. But we need people like you to help keep us honest so thank you. You do great works. Also whoever is telling you you have nothing to teach them are fools. You know more than even I probably ever will about my religion and myths. Nothing wrong with that. Keep up the good work!
If you believe it was all made up and not divinely inspired then there is no point in adding made up rituals because it would all be made up so all of it would be pointless. A religion needs to have some idea of divine inspiration in order to have any point to it. One should not add made up rituals (unless those rituals have spiritual power) instead the point should be to add things from other religions which survived better then Norse paganism
@@finnwraith5319 you're incorrect. Also I don't believe it was all made up. That's simply fact. I don't need to believe in gravity to know it exists. Knowledge and faith are not the same. And why would you add things from other religions? That's just as disingenuous and they're made up too. So what's the difference in making up your own? You contradict yourself.
@@casthedemon because if its based on some divine power then its not made up. If you add something from some other religion based on divine power it is not made up. If you add something you made up your self then that is just something made up. It is not a contradiction to point that out
As someone new on the Path through Asatru I am 100% greatful for your work and free teachings as they help so much. I am surprised you dont but thats largely to how many people within the Astatru community that have suggested your teachings. Thank you so much for everything you do
mornin jackson. people will try to make u what they want u to be. i have no opinion about your opinion other than to say i'm in 100% agreement with your common sense and have enjoyed your unbiased approach to this knowledge. thank yew take care gare
When you say there are people who call you "untrue" because you're not a practitioner of the faith, I just imagine some guy with an edgy t-shirt, mjölnir necklace, and hair & beard in the "growing it out phase" (wait I look like that. Woops).
Totally, As if the costume and the tattoos make a person in tune with the Gods. More often, it looks like a social expression, then an internalized spirituality. Similar to dressing up and seeing your friends at church on Sunday. Dr. Crawford said it himself, 'our religion is based on conditioning, or conversion'. Probably a little of both.
You are a man after my own heart! I will probably watch all of your videos now that I found you! I love your well thought out and precise speeches. I’ve been up in those mountains a lot!
Beautiful. Very delicately addressed. Unfortunately, there seem to be a great many people out there who want a catechism for the Northern Tradition. I wish more folk would stop and realize is that there isn’t a “wrong” way to believe. Faith is, as you say, a deeply personal thing. As long as you aren’t hurting yourself or others and contributing to your community- why does it matter what you do in the privacy of your home? So much of the work of modern adherents to the Northern Tradition is predicated on unverified personal gnosis, anyway! Our “spiritual ancestors” weren’t exactly bookish types. We actually owe a lot to Christians. They preserved our history, and we should be grateful. No one should be telling you, or anyone else, what you should think or believe. Good for you, Dr. Crawford.
Thank you! Your videos are commonly shared within teutonic spiritual groups, the knowledge and the way you present it is highly appreciated. But I'm sure most people can tell it's a scholastic approach rather than a spiritual one, at least I've been able to. In any case, it's irrelevant, the educational value is very much still there. Keep on doing what you do, the books and videos are amazing, regardless of asatru or not. Big thumbs up!
Profesor Crawford, you are such a breath of fresh air. I really enjoy all of your work here on youtube. I have never studied the Norse Sagas but - now I am inspired to do so.
I am an atheist and I love Norse Mythology. I think of it more as an artistic lens through which you can see the world. The norse gods, especially Ođinn, are inspirations. I'm from Northern Germany and many local myths and folklore have roots in this mythology. My grandfather was a sailor and he always told me of them. That's why I feel connected to it. Thank you for your books and videos!
I learned runes in order to be able to read the runestones that can be found around the countryside here in Sweden, because I like being able to read and understand things. I took an interest in Old Norse culture because I felt I wanted to know more about my ancestors and the part they played in shaping what came after. Not once did I see a reason to believe in their gods, just like I see no reason to believe in the gods of ancient Egypt because of my fascination with that culture.
I started to believe because of my dreams I was having but that doesn't mean everyone will have a sign or something like that to make them feel called to it. I think you are one of the most wise men I have ever met.
I am loving your channel. Every now and then my old interest in Norse culture and mythology comes up as it is now. I have come across many unsavory characters during these times so it’s refreshing to have such a fountain of information coming from a skeptic and without a hidden agenda. Thank you. Also I hope now I can finally practice the language. I’m not young anymore so first I’m learning guitar since I’m pretty far along already!
Idk why, but I've been drawn to everything norse since 8th grade(1996-97). I took one of them there ancesrry tests in 2015 and discovered I have icelandic heritage. Idk if its something in the blood or spirit, but i guess, perhaps, my ancestors are pulling me home. Lol. I was amazed when I found that out. Kind of explained a lot and I still can't believe it to this day. Awesome. Great vids btw, man!
I have friend with a PhD in marine biology. At dinner once, she mentioned she was allergic to shellfish. I started "So you don't eat shrimps? But .. you..." before my brain caught up with me. Turns out, you don't have to eat everything you study!
I really love Jackson Crawford's videos, I've had an interested in Norse culture/mythology/history for a little while, and whenever I'm not sure about something, such as Ásatrú (which can be a minefield of personal opinions verses facts) I always reference what this man says, very clever and amazing at explaining things clearly and informative
You might be on to something, and to be honest. I only listen to Old Man's Child and Angantyr out of all those bands, I can hear the rest, but with those two I really listen. More a death metal guy and boy o boy do they milk the satanic goat lol. At least Illdisposed who I listen to a lot.
Then maybe he should talk about Danheim and especially Heilung. Einar Selvik has made some great stuff with Wardruna and Huggsja and Skugsja, but Heilung takes it to the next level.
Dr. Crawford, I have only recently discovered your channel and while i haven't followed it well...religiously, I really enjoy your videos. I really appreciate this one so far most of all. I have leanings towards what some call Asatru...and well your statements sum up a lot of what I feel about religion and politics and how it relates to others in our lives. Please keep up the good work!!!
Thank you for bringing your knowledge and studies to the public! Too much of our cultural history has been lost, and I appreciate you clearing up what little has survived.
Hummingbirds! I love hummingbirds. Amazing, beautiful little creatures. And I, as an Asatruar, really appreciate your educational and unbiased approach to Norse history, culture, and religion. Thank you.
The difference between history(including language), and a person's spiritual convictions, is vast. And is comparing apples to oranges. To know what the Norse gods are like, their personalities, worship them, befriend them. To know how they have been characterized by other people people over time, study their myriad representations. I find a lot of historians, and fetishists fancy themselves to be religious. It is really cool to find someone who is doing real work and from the other side of the fence. Not pretending to be religious. And also not a Christian.
another great video, and i whole heartedly agree. I'm Norwegian and find the old Norse gods fascinating, and I even have Odin tattooed on my arm, but that's how far it goes.
Dr. Crawford, deepest respect. The only thing I have a question about - it's a sea peoples religion and you're up in the mountains!? But other than that, thank you.
Just stumbled upon your videos... What a treasure... Within the myths , sagas , and stories lies a well of power that the practitioner can tap. A genetic gift from our ancestors. Your treatment of this body of work is so professional and thorough. I am enjoying your work immensely. Thank you...
I was going to say Dr. Crawford is a man I wouldn't mind drinking with but given a recent video about his struggle with alcohol addiction I'll change that to wanting to share a good meal with him. It makes me happy to see someone with this attitude toward other people's beliefs being successful. It happens too often in our current culture that everyone who has an audience has to give their opinion on every possible view they hold. I definitely understand his background as I had a similar pull to Asatru when I was in high school when I was trying to find a religion I agreed with. Interest in Asatru and Norse culture/myth has become an unofficial academic hobby of mine.
I do not practice Ásatrú, but I lean heavily towards it's core beliefs and it fascinates me. I love learning about it the same way I love learning about the history of magic and witchcraft and other religions. So glad I stumbled onto your videos about 2 years ago. I don't know how I didn't see them before that. Wish I could just come study with you!
You, sir, have played a huge role in helping me find my faith in Heathenry. Your videos on Norse philosophy and mythology present an unbiased, frank view, not clouded by modern politics or conceptions, presenting what was written as it is. I thank you for that, and i hope you continue to find peace whatever your beliefs may be.
I really appreciate your open and pragmatic approach. When people make things all about what "Team" you support, be it in politics faith or otherwise, insightful discussion where different opinions can learn some synergy, go out the window.
Loved this. Ive been Asatru for Decades and have learned so much from so many people that are not Asatru themselves. You have an incredible amount of valuable knowledge that your willing to share that so many dont. I love the videos and your work. And it has a lot of value to many people like me both Asatru and Not
just so everyone knows, the word Viking is not a name of a warrior or a scandinavian, the word Viking means journey, the vikings were farmers/blacksmiths/workers/fathers, they just went on a Viking to the west or the east. so Viking means to go on a journey/raid (viking)
As a Norse pagan your books specifically Poetic Edda was the first book I got on Norse mythology. I consider you to be a very reliable source on history side.
Thank you for helping me understand my own thoughts. I’ve become interested in my Celtic roots and the mythology but I don’t practice a specific religion (some would label it Wicca).
Thanks for coming out and telling where you stand on beliefs - not that I feel you should have. I will continue to watch and will not be judging you in any way for it.
When I visited the USA, I decided to not discuss three topics, Politics, Religion and Race. My reasoning was that my views on all three are entirely personal and I was fairly certain that someone, somewhere would be a little irate about my views. So when eventually, I was asked a question relating to one of the three subjects, I blanked it. The lady concerned raised her voice and said " I asked a question, sir" to which I replied " and I madame, declined to answer". That seemed to work.
Dammit, I wrote 'forn siðr' with a long "í." I guess my tired mind was thinking of the more common word 'síðr,' "long."
Jackson Crawford I’m sure we can forgive you, sir.
Jackson Crawford How could you have done such a thing? We trusted you! Nú eru ǫll vár feig!
~I made a choice to abandon my old lack of belief of nothing to try to connect with my ancestors in some way & while you don't directly say anything to support my practice, you have helped to clarify things. For me Asatru is going to be more about learning a path based on stories than following any specific interpretation. You've already taught me how to say my own religion today so this is very helpful. Don't fret on little mistakes too much, I likely wouldn't have ever even known of it if you hadn't spoken about it. Thanks!
Dr. Crawford. I really appreciate all of your videos and especially your translation of the Poettic Edda. I like how as an academic who doesn't practice, you are an unbiased and invaluable scholarly source to learn and improve my own understanding, which I can use to improve the way I interpret the God's myself.
I forgive you, GO POKES!
To loosely quote Einar Selvik of Wardruna: we cannot recreate the past, instead we take inspiration from the past and use it to create something new. To me when someone I know who is neo-pagan or Asatru practices something ahistorical I remember this and it reminds me that religions, cultures, and the ways they themselves interpret the past changes all of the time. Therefore I see no harm in any of it so long as they are willing to create something new rather than claim that they know best about the past.
Exactly. No modern religion is the same as it's older forms. The only difference here is that while mainstream religions have evolved over time to their current form and have a direct continuity to their previous forms, Neo-Pagan religions are simply inspired by those older religions, rather than having a direct continuity to them.
One reason I love Einar's view is because of the realistic yet respectful stance on something that's already past, and without arrogance. I myself am a visual artist and musician and I don't think anything I create is exactly original. I believe in my influences and that what I'm trying to do in my work has already come from somewhere. I try to be apart of this continuation of artists and musicians before me. To keep the cycle and motion of creativity among humans alive. I have no desire to live in a different time or to be the best at something original to pave the way for a future movement. I just want to be apart of the human creativity cycle. I think more people who practice religion, art, and anything really should understand this :).
I have no quarrel with neo-pagans that know and acknowledge that we barely know anything about the beliefs of our ancestors and that Ásatrú and other such religions are modern inventions. If it helps you become a better person, why should anyone tell you what to believe in? What annoys me is when someone decides to replace the gaps in modern knowledge with purely fabricated ideas and starts claiming that this is some ancient truth when it's not. This is a dangerous practice that can cause much harm, as it is becoming more and more difficult to find actual nuggets of truth in the sea of misinformation.
Perfectly said, by everyone in this thread really.
And Einar is a wise man as well, I always enjoy hearing his thoughts, it is refreshing to hear balanced views.
“i find it distasteful to start a youtube feud”
I really respect you for that kind of thought process.
Most of the Heathens I know regard you as one of the great living scholars of Norse culture, language, and religion. Your work speaks for itself.
I am a practicing Heathen, and I can say by talking to other Asatru/Heathens that you are highly respected and recommended in the community, as far as I can tell. Personally, I like your videos for the fact that you're so unbiased, knowledgeable, and frank. You separate the wheat from the chaff, which is much more than I can say about other channels on the subject. Every video you post is a valuable asset to developing my practice.
Exactly
Yep. He was recommended to me by a Heathen friend.
I do by no means intend to be rude, but I gotta ask - why follow a religion, where most of the myths and practices are unknown?
@@LJ-ej3fv I'm gonna assume for many of the same reasons people follow other religions: community, identity, structure and purpose.
@@LJ-ej3fv As much as the value of our culture and history (and wish to preserve it), it's a connection to the set of primary values-- Honor, Integrity, Community and hospitality, Holding a man's word as an oath to his deeds/ actions to be done, and so on. Many of these values are just as important today as they were then.
@Kurt Garcia I completely agree, Dr. Crawford's academic expertise on the matter is pivotal to better understanding the practice and the history/ language and how its implemented into personal practice as accurately as can be done with what little information exists. I also agree with him that beliefs are personal/ private and should be valued as such, never being forced on others, and that it is open to all to practice and connect to, just as much as any other polytheistic belief structure and cultural set of values. I am also glad that when I die, I now have the option to have Mjolnir engraved on my Military/ Veteran gravestone, just one more thing that I can connect and honor unto my forefathers.
Dr Crawford appears to be a man at peace with himself and with his place in the world.
A relaxed, rational and respectful view of politics and faith is a rare thing in these times.
Toi many people are shouting and spitting, but how many are listening? How many of us are truly evaluating opinions and values.
Respect to you sir.
great post
yep i love his insights
From now on, I will always carry a piece of firewood with me. ;)But seriously, one of the reasons I like this channel, being Swedish (with some basic knowledge and interest in Norse culture, history, and myths, but not on an academic level), is the fact that Dr. Crawford is *not* from Scandinavia. Sometimes an "outsider's" informed and well researched insights to ones' own culture is more unbiased than those of people who grew up with it. And facts are facts, regardless of who's delivering them.
The key being well researched and unbiased.
Danish, Swedish and Norwegian people never seem to be unbiased when it comes down to our culture and history. I am a Dane and I have seen almost everything on the shelf ha ha.
Jutunheimen (mountains in southern Norway) weren't called by that name before the 19'th century.
Product of romanticism, no more "authentic" than helmets with horns on them.
I bet your government had that same theory. Lol Sorry bad joke. My great grandparents were from Ostergotland. I would love to go back for a visit, but the laws/government and immigration makes me appreciate the U.S.
As an Icelander I agree.
i really like the way you think, especially when you said that just bc you have an interest in something does not indicate that one IS that
To be honest, you don't have to be a batshit crazy dimwit who saw the Vikings TV show and now wants to go all in on Asatru and the like. I have a degree in history and languages of the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons and I have no genetic heritage in either ethnic group as far as I know. Yeah, I get a lot of weird looks from people who think that I have no right to be fascinated by languages or cultures if I'm not descended from them.
@@jasontscott-west6037 maybe *I* misinterpreted his comment, but I don't think '@Blue Boy VAS' intended to imply *all* Ásatrú practitioners, by any means, were noobs play-acting at Norse-associated faith after watching 'Vikings'.
Rather that while there were *many* of us studying and/or practicing it with diligent research & respect & commitment long before the show was dreamed up, 'Vikings' brought the Faith into a much more "mainstream" spotlight & it suddenly became considerably more "trendy" via the show's fan base. And that *subset* of "trendy" fans who suddenly call themselves Ásatrú tend have a rather lazy habit of treating the show's misinformation as their "research" & "source material" rather than studying the Sagas or language or other extant records.
@@jasontscott-west6037
*"When one studies Christian Theology they usually are expected to become a church leader of some form or another. So to get a degree in Norse Sagas purely for academic purposes seems to be a mockery of an entire ethnicity and religion."*
I've studied quite a bit of Christian Theology despite not being Christian or having any intention of being one (much less a church leader), as well as theologies of other religions. Why? Because it helps form a greater understanding of how people's religious beliefs shaped society's perception of "morality" & norms & stigmas, both in the past & present. And a deeper understanding of belief systems outside of my own allows me to try to approach interaction with those other faiths & or cultures from a place of respect for their mores & taboos. (Which is astoundingly important working in the Healthcare field & having to navigate things like: a Jehova's Witness who religiously disavows blood transfusion but will die within a month without a heart transplant *or* an extremely devout Muslim woman who can't be seen unclothed by a man other than her husband, but requires open heart surgery while our only female cardiac surgeon was on maternity leave. Both of which, my understanding of their religious beliefs despite not sharing them helped come to a compromise that respected their religious restrictions while still getting them the care they needed.)
The "Viking Age" was impactful to shaping the history of Western Europe. Norse religious & cultural beliefs, which the Sagas give our most significant insight into, played a role in that.
How is someone pursuing a deep understanding of Norse belief & society - despite not sharing that heritage or faith - to understand the Norse & Viking world view rather than simply taking the "savage barbarian invaders" perception written of them by contemporary outside Christian chroniclers at face value, a mockery of Norse ethnicity or religion? If anything, I'd think that pursing an academic degree for a greater understanding of the Norse perspective shows a deep *respect* for both.
"... I'm a link between people who will never tolerate each other..."
As I heard this, it hit me how necessary are people who can do this, especially in such divided times.
Someone has to help keep the lines of communication open. And perhaps help to keep things from fracturing even more, though that may be a bit much to ask of anyone.
Do you still feel this way?
@@Nerukenshi1233 - Yes, but it seems less likely now than before. It seems that people are going to end up fighting it out before they come to their senses - if they ever do.
@@losthor1zon same as it ever was
As someone who follows the old gods, I appreciate you no matter your denomination. You help us expand our understanding of our own religion and preserve what we do have for culture. In doing so you help me personally build a modern practice that honors my ancestors and their beliefs
And it was on that day, seated on a bench in rural Colorado, Guru Crawford inadvertently birthed the Cult of Logs: a group of followers so loyal to him that they, from that day forward, took up logs in their arms which they carried always, believing he would speak to them through the logs, guiding them on their pre-destined path.
To me, it's the one faith that actually called to me. I came from a household where my father was agnostic, and my mom practiced a different religion every 6-12 months, so I've experienced many different faiths, and not one called to me, not one imbued something in me, but when I started studying Asatru, I started to feel a pull, as if there was some force actually pushing me towards it, and so I started to research more of it. Since then, I've begun following the faith and praying to the Old Gods, respecting them and giving to them when I can.
Would you like to know more?
I can tell you things you shouldnt know.
If you do reply YES here....
@@heimdallswife6102 yes
@@anirudh177 its a troll / bot account just ignore it
@@sonrors110 oh ok
"I'm happy to read a history of Colorado that was written by someone in Zimbabwe if it was well researched"
Mic drop
"Getting a PhD in it, Which indebts me for life and prevents me from having any sort of normal job..."
Dr. Crawford, I respect your humility and attitude about this subject. You are a fine example of a man. Thank you!
This was a very personal video for you and I appreciate the realism and "heart-to-heartness" that I felt while watching this video. Thank you for always staying professional in your mannerism. I'm sure many people would love to know you on a more personal level and want to see that on this channel, but with your professionalism, you steer clear of any sort of political/religious controversies. You're simply a great educator for anyone who's interested in these related topics of interest. From the bottom of my heart, thank youfor all your work.
Interesting points which I see reflected on my own approach to the Northern European pagan traditions and historical/archaeological facts. When I do a video presenting historical and archaeological evidences people tend to judge my spirituality. I keep my spirituality private and often make it clear that my work as an archaeologist cannot be influenced by my own spirituality, a boundary must be created. When I want to share a bit of my own spiritual beliefs, I create a video solely about that. This is what it has been difficult to make, because when I show historical facts that the eddas have christian influence, people label me as someone trying to ruin the faith and that I'm a christian; when I give a more spiritual approach to a certain subject or show my own opinion on the matter, people get confused and see that I'm actually a pagan. I always make it clear when I'm giving academic work and when I'm giving spiritual understandings, I do prefer to make that boundary. My own work cannot be influenced by my spirituality, otherwise in the academic field it wouldn't be a professional, plausible research work.
Finished watching one of your vids and subbed. Enjoyed it very much. Good to see you.
You do a great job in both areas, in my opinion!
Love your videos Arith.
I agree. Your spirituality will certainly be influenced by your work, but the opposite cannot happen. We have no religious dogma, so if one wishes to practice something in a way that isn't historically proven, one already can do it freely. There is no need to fake a historical background in order to grant importance to a certain practice.
On the other hand, history is of utmost importance for many of us (myself included), and we cannot simply bind the truth to our own will. Honesty is best, always.
I am a subscriber as well. Your work is fantastic. Thanks for speaking out on this thread.
"I'm a link between people that would never tolerate one another."
I really relate to this. The more I learn, the more I realize I know nothing. There's truth and something to learn from everyone, so it's difficult to say someone is completely wrong. I really enjoy and appreciate your videos. It's stimulating to learn from someone so knowledgeable in their field. Thank you Dr. Crawford!
If I were Asatru I think a better sacred duty than carrying a lump of firewood would be to always keep spare bedding, food and drink on hand in your home to offer guests.
Most of the Heathens I know have all of that so they can offer proper hospitality. And be prepared for whatever happens. A large part of Asatru is just having common sense 😊.
Dr. Crawford, thank you for this. Whether or not you know, you're referenced rather heavily in the Asatru and Heathen communities. We all appreciate your work, and your content gives a great deal off insight to many of us. I hope it doesn't bug you too much. :-).
I'm still laughing about your comment about getting phD in something to ensure you can never have a normal job again but a life of debt. Thank you lol.
only if you live in yankee land
@@Uchiha507 I do in fact live in yankee land unfortunately lol
I felt the same way owning a racecar. Friends will say the same thing about owning horses. 😂
Very well said I've always said don't talk about religion or politics or it'll end in a fight. I want to thank u again for all your hard work on these videos I've been studying everything I could since I was a teenager and your videos have helped me so much. Maybe one day I'll have the honor to meet you. Thanks again Dr. Crawford for everything.
I'm Norwegian and I grew up with Norse Mythology. My grandmother was a Norwegian teacher and told me all the stories while growing up when she babysat my sister and me and I've since read the texts myself. I'm still an agnostic but I guess I'm practicing Åsatru is some sense, as that's the belief system I feel the closest to and the one I grew up with. I have an old carved totem of Odin on top of my piano near my hallway that I nod to every time I enter or exit the house but that's the extent of it. I never took a stance on it and haven't thought about it as practicing but I guess it is.
Thank you! Professor you made a statement during the video that resonated to the Core my humanity, "Ancient Norse people didn't have a name for it, they just lived their lifes." Damn! Simple, but profound!
Adding to my post: This is why I have an issue with Abrahamic religions and their religious traditions. These traditions were only apart of a person's life after some historical event! As you stated, "they just lived it!" No historical fictious event to give living life any great importance. Thanks!
@@derrickbaustinYup, that’s the difference between a religion based on historical events by which God interacts with His Creation (such as… the Resurrection), and modern, feeling-based attempted recreations of historical practices.
@@O_Rei Just sharing my truth: I have a Godchild who can hear the All- Father speak! I've taught him, "what you call Odin speaking is your male guardian ancestor, which is an avatar of Odin's energy." These are my words from my experiences. Why am I sharing these words with you? My post is from 2019 and I have continued to teach Europeans should live connected to the ancestors of their bloodline. Don't be manipulated by those who can't hear the great call from their ancestral past. You must always follow the Soul- Passion burning from within: "Love is a lie, there's only Passion. Through Passion we find our Will- power and through Will-power we find Strength. Through our (inner) Strength, we will always be Victorious!
@@derrickbaustin Love is not a lie.
I'm heathen and value your knowledge about noise mythology and history. I don't need requite you to be a follower of asatru to gain insights from your videos. Ignore any who say otherwise.
You are helping followers of asatru reconstruct the ancient religion indirectly. For example by highlighting an example of a possible prayer in the edges, our group as added an edited version of it in our rituals.
I liked your analogy to being happy to read a book about Colorado written by an author from Zimbabwe.
“I worked in goddamned Berkeley...” LOL! I love this guy!
Jackson, I’ve been a subscriber for years and this is my first comment. I really feel like I should be having a fresh cup of coffee while you talk. Just because this seems like a mellow front porch chat. Have a great day. Thanks. Next time, I will be better prepared with coffee.
What a breath of fresh air! Thank you for your knowledge and as a practitioner of Asatru, I appreciate your information. You are a fountain of knowledge! My mother who is from Norway is tired of trying to answer my questions on how to pronounce some of Norse words.
"I have such a broad range of friends and family in terms of political views and, um, many of them would hate each other."
I actually lol'd. Kindred spirit my Dude!
I really respect your stance on religion and politics, modern iterations of it or what little we know of ancient practices. This is one of the best made videos on this kind of topic that I've ever seen. Thank you for making it!
What a delightfully balanced and respectful man. Whew. Fresh air in these times. Great videos!!
This is the most honest outside opinions about the subject that I’ve heard of because you obviously care so much about the history and study of the subject in general, thanks bro your awesome with all the free info you give
You’re* lol
I manage a business teaching about the Vikings in the UK and have often found your videos to be a source of inspiration. In the past I have received messages from Scandinavians asking me to stop teaching because I am not `Norse’ which some seem to equate with being from a modern Scandinavian country. As if I have no right to have an opinion on a subject which I find fascinating because I do not conform to their misplaced notion of ethnic and/or cultural identity.
This raises so many interesting questions but sadly despite many attempts these people often misinterpret or simply refuse to hear my complex answers to what they seem to feel is a simple topic.
I agree with many of the assertions in this video. Just because Im interested in something doesn’t mean I have to be it. I act like a Viking in the classroom for the sake of my students but Im not a Viking. Thanks for putting my feelings on the matter into eloquent words.
From beautiful Lancashire Im going to wish you all the best 😉
The Log Lady was a true believer :D
A broad brimmed hat and an 8 legged horse? You ain't slick odin lol. (But seriously I love your videos, very thoughtful and informative).
Oh wow, does his truck have eight wheels? o:
“Carry the Firewood!”
“Follow the Gourd!”
“No, follow the Sandal!”
Jackson has been a naugthy boy
As an Asatru in the States I thank you for everything you've done. It's great having an unbiased and knowledgeable source for information on Norse myth and history. I love your translations and get people to get them whenever I can.
The fact is we don't know a whole lot on how they operated back then as you point out. So if we try to follow the ways of our ancestors it can be muddy waters on what to do. I don't think there is anything wrong with forging your own path however and creating things just as long as you're honest that it's your creation.
Every religion in the whole world was created. Someone came up with the stories. Someone told you how to pray. Etc. None of them are divinely inspired and as such there's nothing wrong with doing things the way you want to do them just as long as you're honest and don't go trying to convince everyone else to be like you.
Christianity has dozens of branches. And even back then the different tribes of Norse Danes, Saxons, Celts, Franks, all had their own way of worshipping the same gods no doubt.
So there's nothing wrong with us today filling in the blanks and creating our own rituals.
But we need people like you to help keep us honest so thank you. You do great works.
Also whoever is telling you you have nothing to teach them are fools. You know more than even I probably ever will about my religion and myths. Nothing wrong with that. Keep up the good work!
If you believe it was all made up and not divinely inspired then there is no point in adding made up rituals because it would all be made up so all of it would be pointless. A religion needs to have some idea of divine inspiration in order to have any point to it.
One should not add made up rituals (unless those rituals have spiritual power) instead the point should be to add things from other religions which survived better then Norse paganism
@@finnwraith5319 you're incorrect. Also I don't believe it was all made up. That's simply fact. I don't need to believe in gravity to know it exists. Knowledge and faith are not the same. And why would you add things from other religions? That's just as disingenuous and they're made up too. So what's the difference in making up your own? You contradict yourself.
@@casthedemon because if its based on some divine power then its not made up. If you add something from some other religion based on divine power it is not made up. If you add something you made up your self then that is just something made up. It is not a contradiction to point that out
You’re a good guy
As someone new on the Path through Asatru I am 100% greatful for your work and free teachings as they help so much. I am surprised you dont but thats largely to how many people within the Astatru community that have suggested your teachings. Thank you so much for everything you do
You're a good man, I wish there were more teachers out there like you. Everything is far too politicized these days.
mornin jackson. people will try to make u what they want u to be. i have no opinion about your opinion other than to say i'm in 100% agreement with your common sense and have enjoyed your unbiased approach to this knowledge. thank yew take care gare
When you say there are people who call you "untrue" because you're not a practitioner of the faith, I just imagine some guy with an edgy t-shirt, mjölnir necklace, and hair & beard in the "growing it out phase" (wait I look like that. Woops).
Totally,
As if the costume and the tattoos make a person in tune with the Gods. More often, it looks like a social expression, then an internalized spirituality. Similar to dressing up and seeing your friends at church on Sunday.
Dr. Crawford said it himself, 'our religion is based on conditioning, or conversion'. Probably a little of both.
Same
🤣
I breathed heavily through my nose. You almost got me! :p
The t-shirt must be that of a metal band.
You are a man after my own heart! I will probably watch all of your videos now that I found you! I love your well thought out and precise speeches. I’ve been up in those mountains a lot!
Beautiful. Very delicately addressed.
Unfortunately, there seem to be a great many people out there who want a catechism for the Northern Tradition. I wish more folk would stop and realize is that there isn’t a “wrong” way to believe. Faith is, as you say, a deeply personal thing. As long as you aren’t hurting yourself or others and contributing to your community- why does it matter what you do in the privacy of your home? So much of the work of modern adherents to the Northern Tradition is predicated on unverified personal gnosis, anyway! Our “spiritual ancestors” weren’t exactly bookish types. We actually owe a lot to Christians. They preserved our history, and we should be grateful.
No one should be telling you, or anyone else, what you should think or believe. Good for you, Dr. Crawford.
Thank you! Your videos are commonly shared within teutonic spiritual groups, the knowledge and the way you present it is highly appreciated. But I'm sure most people can tell it's a scholastic approach rather than a spiritual one, at least I've been able to. In any case, it's irrelevant, the educational value is very much still there.
Keep on doing what you do, the books and videos are amazing, regardless of asatru or not. Big thumbs up!
Well, indirectly you are contributing to Ásatrú.
For that alone I have to thank you, Mr. Crawford.
And this is exactly why I follow you and seek knowledge from your videos, thank you for all that you do
Profesor Crawford, you are such a breath of fresh air. I really enjoy all of your work here on youtube. I have never studied the Norse Sagas but - now I am inspired to do so.
Well met Doc!
All I have to say is Drenger! Killed it. Thanks for all you do.
I am an atheist and I love Norse Mythology. I think of it more as an artistic lens through which you can see the world. The norse gods, especially Ođinn, are inspirations.
I'm from Northern Germany and many local myths and folklore have roots in this mythology. My grandfather was a sailor and he always told me of them. That's why I feel connected to it.
Thank you for your books and videos!
I'm happy you're making these videos. I'm glad your spreading your knowledge and being objective.
I appreciate you. Also, those hummingbirds at the end gave me a moment of peace, so thank you for that!
I learned runes in order to be able to read the runestones that can be found around the countryside here in Sweden, because I like being able to read and understand things. I took an interest in Old Norse culture because I felt I wanted to know more about my ancestors and the part they played in shaping what came after.
Not once did I see a reason to believe in their gods, just like I see no reason to believe in the gods of ancient Egypt because of my fascination with that culture.
I started to believe because of my dreams I was having but that doesn't mean everyone will have a sign or something like that to make them feel called to it. I think you are one of the most wise men I have ever met.
I am loving your channel. Every now and then my old interest in Norse culture and mythology comes up as it is now. I have come across many unsavory characters during these times so it’s refreshing to have such a fountain of information coming from a skeptic and without a hidden agenda. Thank you.
Also I hope now I can finally practice the language. I’m not young anymore so first I’m learning guitar since I’m pretty far along already!
As a practitioner of Ásatrù I can attest to the fact that you are highly respected in the community
Idk why, but I've been drawn to everything norse since 8th grade(1996-97). I took one of them there ancesrry tests in 2015 and discovered I have icelandic heritage. Idk if its something in the blood or spirit, but i guess, perhaps, my ancestors are pulling me home. Lol. I was amazed when I found that out. Kind of explained a lot and I still can't believe it to this day. Awesome. Great vids btw, man!
This felt like a talk with an old friend. Thank you for your videos and thank you for being so open and personal
I have friend with a PhD in marine biology. At dinner once, she mentioned she was allergic to shellfish. I started "So you don't eat shrimps? But .. you..." before my brain caught up with me. Turns out, you don't have to eat everything you study!
Yes I imagine that would be a rule virologists would take issues with XD
@@justin.booth. Geologists look like they consume their subject, even if they don't!
I really love Jackson Crawford's videos, I've had an interested in Norse culture/mythology/history for a little while, and whenever I'm not sure about something, such as Ásatrú (which can be a minefield of personal opinions verses facts) I always reference what this man says, very clever and amazing at explaining things clearly and informative
Next talk about black metal
Bechaffen Projects TRV KVLT
That is mainly satanic in nature.
I forgot to mention that my source for the lyrical themes is Metal Archives or Encyclopedia Metallum as some call it.
You might be on to something, and to be honest. I only listen to Old Man's Child and Angantyr out of all those bands, I can hear the rest, but with those two I really listen. More a death metal guy and boy o boy do they milk the satanic goat lol. At least Illdisposed who I listen to a lot.
Then maybe he should talk about Danheim and especially Heilung. Einar Selvik has made some great stuff with Wardruna and Huggsja and Skugsja, but Heilung takes it to the next level.
"I'm a link between people that would never tolerate one another." And that's why I respect you sr.
Dr. Crawford, I have only recently discovered your channel and while i haven't followed it well...religiously, I really enjoy your videos. I really appreciate this one so far most of all. I have leanings towards what some call Asatru...and well your statements sum up a lot of what I feel about religion and politics and how it relates to others in our lives.
Please keep up the good work!!!
Thank you for bringing your knowledge and studies to the public! Too much of our cultural history has been lost, and I appreciate you clearing up what little has survived.
Well done! Thank you for your sincerity.
You’re one of the good ones dr Crawford
Hummingbirds! I love hummingbirds. Amazing, beautiful little creatures. And I, as an Asatruar, really appreciate your educational and unbiased approach to Norse history, culture, and religion. Thank you.
The difference between history(including language), and a person's spiritual convictions, is vast. And is comparing apples to oranges.
To know what the Norse gods are like, their personalities, worship them, befriend them.
To know how they have been characterized by other people people over time, study their myriad representations.
I find a lot of historians, and fetishists fancy themselves to be religious.
It is really cool to find someone who is doing real work and from the other side of the fence. Not pretending to be religious. And also not a Christian.
another great video, and i whole heartedly agree. I'm Norwegian and find the old Norse gods fascinating, and I even have Odin tattooed on my arm, but that's how far it goes.
Thank you for your sincerity
Colorado certainly looks beautiful.
Goodness, I love the way he thinks.
Dr. Crawford, deepest respect. The only thing I have a question about - it's a sea peoples religion and you're up in the mountains!? But other than that, thank you.
Well heʼs American
I love your philosophy on how you view things, you have a very logical way of thinking that makes a lot of sense.
Just stumbled upon your videos...
What a treasure...
Within the myths , sagas , and stories lies a well of power that
the practitioner can tap.
A genetic gift from our ancestors.
Your treatment of this body of work is so professional and thorough. I am enjoying your work
immensely.
Thank you...
I was going to say Dr. Crawford is a man I wouldn't mind drinking with but given a recent video about his struggle with alcohol addiction I'll change that to wanting to share a good meal with him. It makes me happy to see someone with this attitude toward other people's beliefs being successful. It happens too often in our current culture that everyone who has an audience has to give their opinion on every possible view they hold. I definitely understand his background as I had a similar pull to Asatru when I was in high school when I was trying to find a religion I agreed with. Interest in Asatru and Norse culture/myth has become an unofficial academic hobby of mine.
I like this, sound, informed, non-judgemental.
I do not practice Ásatrú, but I lean heavily towards it's core beliefs and it fascinates me. I love learning about it the same way I love learning about the history of magic and witchcraft and other religions.
So glad I stumbled onto your videos about 2 years ago. I don't know how I didn't see them before that. Wish I could just come study with you!
You, sir, have played a huge role in helping me find my faith in Heathenry. Your videos on Norse philosophy and mythology present an unbiased, frank view, not clouded by modern politics or conceptions, presenting what was written as it is. I thank you for that, and i hope you continue to find peace whatever your beliefs may be.
You're a man after my own heart, Jackson.
I really appreciate your open and pragmatic approach. When people make things all about what "Team" you support, be it in politics faith or otherwise, insightful discussion where different opinions can learn some synergy, go out the window.
Good video! I actually like the sort of "detached" attitude, more than I probably would if you were clearly personally invested in the beliefs.
That was a very well thought out answer. It just adds to the respect I have for you as a person and as good un-biased source on the Norse people.
Loved this. Ive been Asatru for Decades and have learned so much from so many people that are not Asatru themselves. You have an incredible amount of valuable knowledge that your willing to share that so many dont. I love the videos and your work. And it has a lot of value to many people like me both Asatru and Not
just so everyone knows, the word Viking is not a name of a warrior or a scandinavian, the word Viking means journey, the vikings were farmers/blacksmiths/workers/fathers, they just went on a Viking to the west or the east. so Viking means to go on a journey/raid (viking)
Excellent. I dont judge peoples believe either if it doesnt hurt anybody. I like the way you think.. Thank you.
Excellent chat, thank you for sharing your thoughts. I completely understand your perspective & share many of your opinions. Have a super day.
Thank you for the video and all the shared wisdom.
Very clear. Precious end. Greetings from Argentina.
Some days I love your content even more than ordinary days. Today you do get up to guru level of content.
As a Norse pagan your books specifically Poetic Edda was the first book I got on Norse mythology. I consider you to be a very reliable source on history side.
Thank you for helping me understand my own thoughts. I’ve become interested in my Celtic roots and the mythology but I don’t practice a specific religion (some would label it Wicca).
Thanks for coming out and telling where you stand on beliefs - not that I feel you should have. I will continue to watch and will not be judging you in any way for it.
Glad I ended up on you channel you seem like an interesting person.
I like the way he put it. "...my religious and political beliefs. I have them. They are strong"
all that needs to be said
Brilliant. Thank you, Jackson.
Thank you, Dr. Crawford. Well said
When I visited the USA, I decided to not discuss three topics, Politics, Religion and Race. My reasoning was that my views on all three are entirely personal and I was fairly certain that someone, somewhere would be a little irate about my views.
So when eventually, I was asked a question relating to one of the three subjects, I blanked it. The lady concerned raised her voice and said " I asked a question, sir" to which I replied " and I madame, declined to answer". That seemed to work.
Thanks for the poem at the end, profound.