Germanic pagan gods were a central part of the belief system of the Germanic tribes that inhabited Europe before the Christianization of the region. These gods played a significant role in the daily lives of the people, and their worship was closely tied to nature, war, and the cycle of life. One of the most famous Germanic gods was Odin, also known as Woden or Wotan. Odin was considered the king of the gods and was associated with wisdom, war, and poetry. Often depicted as an old man with a long beard and wearing a wide-brimmed hat, he was said to have sacrificed his eye in exchange for ultimate wisdom. Thor was another prominent god in Germanic paganism.

Germanic religion and mythology

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• World History Encyclopedia - Norse Mythology
• Ancient Origin - Norse Creation Myth: Fire and Ice from the Abyss
• Humanities LibreTexts - Norse Mythology
• McClintock and Strong Biblical Cyclopedia - Norse Mythology
• Norse Mythology for Smart People - Who Were the Historical Vikings?

While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

• World History Encyclopedia - Norse Mythology
• Ancient Origin - Norse Creation Myth: Fire and Ice from the Abyss
• Humanities LibreTexts - Norse Mythology
• McClintock and Strong Biblical Cyclopedia - Norse Mythology
• Norse Mythology for Smart People - Who Were the Historical Vikings?

Professor of Ancient Icelandic Literature and Antiquities, University of Oxford, 1953–75. Author of Myth and Religion of the North; Origins of Icelandic Literature; and others.

Christie and Stanley E. Adams, Jr., Centennial Professor of Liberal Arts, University of Texas at Austin. Editor of The Indo-Europeans, Fourth and Third Millennia and others.

Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

Germanic religion and mythology, complex of stories, lore, and beliefs about the gods and the nature of the cosmos developed by the Germanic-speaking peoples before their conversion to Christianity.

Germanic culture extended, at various times, from the Black Sea to Greenland, or even the North American continent. Germanic religion played an important role in shaping the civilization of Europe. But since the Germanic peoples of the Continent and of England were converted to Christianity in comparatively early times, it is not surprising that less is known about the gods whom they used to worship and the forms of their religious cults than about those of Scandinavia, where Germanic religion survived until relatively late in the Middle Ages.

Thor was another prominent god in Germanic paganism. Often depicted as a powerful warrior with his trusted hammer Mjölnir, he was the god of thunder and protector of mankind. Thor was known for his strength and his ability to control the weather, making him a popular deity among the Germanic peoples.

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Freyr was another important god in Germanic paganism. He was associated with fertility, prosperity, and peace. As the god of agriculture, Freyr was worshipped to ensure a good harvest and bring abundance to the people. His symbol was the boar, and it was believed that he rode a golden-bristled boar named Gullinbursti. The Germanic pantheon also included goddesses such as Frigg, the wife of Odin and queen of the gods. Frigg was associated with love, marriage, and childbirth. She was often depicted as a wise and caring mother figure, and her role was to protect the family and ensure their well-being. Another notable goddess was Freya, the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. She was associated with sensuality and was often depicted as a beautiful and desirable woman. Freya was also associated with war and death, as she had the power to choose half of the warriors who died in battle to reside in her realm, Folkvangr. In addition to these main gods and goddesses, there were numerous minor deities in Germanic paganism, each with their own specific roles and domains. These gods and goddesses were worshipped through offerings, sacrifices, and rituals, which were often conducted in sacred groves or outdoors to connect with nature. With the spread of Christianity, Germanic paganism gradually declined and was eventually replaced by the new religion. However, some aspects of Germanic mythology and folklore continued to influence European culture and literature, leaving a lasting legacy of the pagan gods and their stories..

Reviews for "Nerthus: The Earth Goddess and Patroness of Agriculture in Germanic Mythology"

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Gefjon: The Goddess of Agriculture and Fertility in Germanic Paganism