As mentioned in history.com, plans are underway to build Iceland’s first shrine to the ancient Norse gods since the country converted to Christianity all those centuries ago.
Going back to the viking era, paganism was the major belief system in Iceland until about 1000 AD. Christianity was then declared as Iceland’s official religion by the country’s legislators. The viking pagan religion was compelled underground but was never snuffed out entirely.
“ Thanks in large part to 13th-century Icelandic scholar Snorri Sturluson, who recorded the ancient Nordic mythology in the “Prose Edda.” Even among Christians, Nordic beliefs in elves, trolls and nature spirits were handed down from generation to generation. ” - history.com
Again mentioned in history.com, the Ásatrú Association in Iceland who is thought to have nearly 2,400 Icelandic followers, has announced plans to begin construction in March on the country’s first viking religious temple in more than 1,000 years. This viking temple is designed by Magnús Jensson, and is said to be built into a wooded hillside near Reykjavík’s National airport.
“ We see this as so much part of our heritage , Some people love the idea, they really want to go back to the Viking era. ” - Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson, high priest of Ásatrú told FoxNews.com.
Get the full article HERE.
