Thoughts on Heathen Identity

Personal and group identities play an important role in weaving the fabric of society and determining how its individual components interact with one another. Members of any minority group, such as Heathens and Ásatrúar, for example, must constantly deal with defining themselves in relation to the groups they choose to associate with, and the consequences and benefits this identification brings. It is therefore worthwhile to reflect for a moment on some of the sources of identity and the roles identity plays in greater society.

The historical Germanic Heathens derived their identity primarily from two main sources: ancestry and deeds. Ancestry, particularly what tribe one came from as well as one’s more direct ancestors, legitimized one’s existence and provided a strong source of power and luck. Personal deeds, however, could also add to or take away from one’s identity. The boasting culture of the Germanic tribes was an important means of adding to one’s own reputation. A strong identity and reputation were needed not only for favourable interactions within society, but also to ensure that one would be remembered and eulogized in Midgard even after death.

Surprisingly, things have not changed that much over thousands of years. In modern Western society, ancestry is still crucial to determining our sense of being. Many individuals feel strong connections to race, ethnic group, “tribe” (in the broad sense of the word), birth religion and family history. We are born with these inherent aspects of our identity, and they influence how we define ourselves and how others define us. Luckily, our personal deeds still allow us to modify these aspects of our identity, for better or for worse. Examining any high school will demonstrate that deeds such as academic achievement, athletic prowess, artistic abilities and success in dating will greatly influence how teenagers are perceived, and consequently treated.

One area that contributes to our identity more in modern times, and not so much in ancient times, is the groups we consciously choose to identify with. For example, in modern society we can choose our religion, our leisure activities, our political affiliation, the clubs and organizations we support, etc. These further modify and influence our personal identities.

There are thus many sources of identity, some of which we are born with, and others which we create for ourselves. It is often said we should judge people for who they are, not whom they are associated with, but this notion misses some rather key points. Identities are crucial in establishing social norms and maintaining the interactions between different parts of society. By applying labels and group identities to individuals we can quickly get a brief overview of what a person may (or may not) represent, and understand better where he or she may be coming from and what life experiences or sensibilities he or she may have. An individual’s personal and group identity can also be a source of strength and legitimacy, and provide a sense of belonging.

The problem, however, lies in taking identities to the extreme (otherwise known as stereotyping). By refusing to acknowledge heterogeneity within a group of people identified the same way, we often fail to understand the individuals we interact with. Prejudice and discrimination can also result when we do not agree with the central aspects of the identity of another group, and therefore put ourselves at odds with people who either choose to (or must by birth) identify in a certain way.

Now that we are aware of some of the sources of identity and roles it plays, we, as Heathens (or whatever else we may be) must decide to what extent we will identify ourselves within this context. Identifying strongly as a Heathen provides us with a wealth of cultural context and a wide variety of ancestors, heroes and god/desses from which we can learn and grow. However, identifying strongly can also cause us to face stereotyping (if not discrimination) from others, or at least be seen as different and weird.

We must also not be caught up too entirely in our identity that we must change our own personal beliefs and personalities just to fit those that the majority of Heathens (or whatever group we are talking about) share. Just because historical Heathens often attacked Christian settlements or were conversely attacked by Christian missionaries, for example, does not mean that modern Heathens also have to be enemies of modern Christians (which unfortunately seems to be an assumption of many Heathens I have met), as the socio-political context is extremely different now than it was a thousand years ago.

On the other hand, denying or hiding our identity can be self-defeating. I, personally, do not talk about myself in public very much, but was extremely offended to hear someone (falsely!) remark, “ah, but you don’t have any interests outside school and work so you don’t count!” I’ve also been told, “I’ve known you for two years, but know absolutely nothing about you!” And other people just think something is wrong with me and can’t figure out what. Not identifying as Heathen (despite it being a major part of your life) could thus potentially lead to just as many problems and misunderstandings as rubbing it in everyone’s face.

For some things (like race, biological gender, etc.) it is almost impossible not to strongly publicly identify as a member of a certain group. But for others, such as religion, the choice is yours. Reflecting on where identity comes from, and the benefits and drawbacks of group association, will therefore help each individual decide the degree to which he or she will publicly identify as such. Some of us are loud, proud and public, others hide away for fear of being ridiculed, shunned or accused of being something we are not, and others (like myself) find talking about such things with other people unfruitful and usually in vain. Thus, whatever degree of attention one draws to oneself as a Heathen (or member of another group) remains a personal decision, but one should never lose sight of trying to understand why one has made such a choice and the consequences thereof.

Þórsvinur