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Ymbertist Asgardianism

Though their Viking ancestors worshiped their gods independently, seeking out priests only when they needed a favor of the gods or a divination interpreted, the Futhark religion was developed into corporate worship by the Asgardian cleric Ymbert to better compete with the already established Latinian church.  Individual congregations are fairly independent, sending a representative to an annual religious Althing to decide on matters of administration and ecumenism.  The Asgardian deities function cohesively, with most threats to their instability being provoked from outside of the pantheon (with the obvious exception of Loki’s cruel pranks).    

[General Beliefs]    [Church Structure]    [Ecclesiastic Ranks]    [High Holy Days]

General Beliefs

Honor and courage are the chief virtues espoused by the adherents of the Asgardian faith.  The Asgardian gods, collectively known as the Aesir, are not too keen on dishonorable killing, destruction of sacred sites or the breaking of oaths.  They have a give and take relationship with their worshippers, granting guidance and favors in exchange for sacrifice and oaths.

Followers of the Asgardian faith are enemies of the giant races.  A goal of the faith is exterminate giants wherever they may be.  Evil giant types are granted no quarter and are engaged as soon as possible.  Even good giant types find themselves at an uneasy truce with Asgardian congregations.

Worshippers of the Asgardian pantheon have a fatalistic view of the universe.  Goddesses of fate, called the Norns, decide the destinies of the Futhark and their deities are doomed to die in the battle of Ragnarok.  These beliefs give the Futhark a grim outlook on life, but also inspire them to make the most out of the life they have.

When a Futhark dies, there are two places where their soul may go.  If the Futhark dies valiantly in battle, they are spirited off by the Valkyries to Valhalla where they feast eternally with their deities.  Otherwise, the Futhark’s spirit is whisked away to dreadful abode of Hel. 

Church Structure

The Church of St. Ymbert has no religious hierarchy; i.e. there is no “high priest” of Odin.  Each cleric is judged solely on the basis of their merits.  Every year during Yule, each Ymbertist church sends a representative to a religious Althing called the Asathing.  The representative is elected by the congregation and may be either a pastor or a layman.  During the Asathing, church doctrine is discussed as well as political alliances, construction of new churches and distribution of tithes. 

When a congregation is in need of a pastor, it petitions the Asathing to appoint a new pastor based on the needs of the church.  A pastor of a church may worship any deity deemed acceptable by the congregation.  Depending on the size of the church, a church may have one or more pastors serving different functions.  If an assistant pastor is needed, the Asathing will elect a new pastor to that specific position as well.  Assistant Pastors are not required to follow the same deity as the Senior Pastor.  Not all clerics will have a church they are involved with and are itinerant as they travel to serve communities without church buildings.  Itinerant pastors will also serve churches which are between pastors and are waiting for an appointment from the Asathing.  Itinerant pastors may participate in discussions at the Asathing, but only elected representatives may vote on the issues.    

Ecclesiastic Ranks

Senior Pastor – pastor responsible for delivering sermons and teaching the flock.

Assistant Pastor – a pastor called in by the flock to cover the needs of the congregation that the Senior Pastor is unable to fulfill. 

High Holy Days

While several deities in the Asgardian pantheon have one or more days associated with them throughout the year, there are three days which are celebrated amongst the whole pantheon. 

Valborg – this holiday is celebrated during the full moon of the second month of Spring.  For the Viking ancestors of the Futhark, this was the period when the frosts of winter were finally over and new life could be celebrated.  People spend the night singing songs and dancing around bon fires to keep witches, demons and devils away.  Observers also drink great flagons of mead in honor of St. Valborg, a Futhark hero who slew the last of the Giant kings of the Crystal Mountains. 

Midsommer – Though called midsommer, this holiday actually falls on the Summer Solstice.  (Midsommer because it falls right in the middle of the the Vernal and Autumnal equinoxes.)  Midsommer celebrates the pinnacle of good weather and is a reminder to live the good life while one can, as winter is soon approaching.  Though the day has lost some of its practical significance since Artesian winters are not as long as those of the Viking homelands, it retains its importance as a reminder of cultural ancestry and community bonding.  It is during this celebration that the Althing, an assembly of Futhark earls and other nobility, is held.  The day is also marked by fairs and tournaments.  Many handfasting ceremonies are also conducted during the day. 

Yule - The darkest day of the year for the Futhark’s Viking ancestors was the first day of winter; the winter solstice.  This festival last for twelve days and starts with the lighting of a Yule log to signify the coming end of winter.  The Yule log is cut from oak in honor of Thor to whom the tree is sacred.  Homes are decorated with mistletoe as to prevent the god Loki from finding the one sprig that is destined to slay Balder, the god of beauty and light.  During this period, the Futhark exchange gifts amongst each other as well as arrange alliances and weddings.  Feasts are held among neighbors and the nobility welcomes commoners into their feast halls.  On the twelfth night of Yule, the children of the nobility go from house to house with a great cauldron filled with a strong, warm, spiced wine singing hymns as they go.  At each house they would pour each member of the household a portion and make toasts to each other’s health.   

Asgardian Pantheon