Germanic paganism

Germanic paganism was a religion that was a form of paganism. It was practiced in Central and Northern Europe before Christianity came there. The best-known form is now called Norse mythology.

As a polytheistic religion, German paganism had many gods. The main ones seem to have been Odin, Thor and Tyr, which may have been the most important one.

Modern influence

Day Origin
MondayMoon's day
TuesdayTiw's (Tyr's) day
WednesdayWóden 's (Odin's) day
ThursdayÞunor's (Thor's) day
FridayFrigg's day
SundaySun's day

The Germanic gods have affected elements of everyday western life in most countries that speak Germanic languages. An example is the names of the days of the week: some of them come from Germanic deities. In English and Dutch, Saturn was not replaced. Saturday is named after the Sabbath in German and is called "washing day" in Scandinavia.

Many place names in England (such as Woodway House, Wansdyke, Thundersley and Frigedene) are named after the old deities of the English people.

More recently, people have created a modern form of Germanic paganism, called Asatru.


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