2022/05/20 by Mathias Nygaard · 1 citation
Arts and Humanities · Health Professions · #Religious Studies and Spiritual Practices #Folklore, Mythology, and Literature Studies #Indigenous Studies and Ecology #Norwegian #Rhetorical question #Racism #Sociology #Gender studies #Linguistics #Philosophy
paper · doi:10.18261/njrs.35.1.4
openalex publication_date 2022/05/20 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
This article draws on ethnographic material to analyse the arguments used by the two main Norwegian Asatru groups, Bifrost and Forn Sed , to counter charges of racism. Such charges are maintained by commentators who associate the groups’ teachings with extreme political movements drawing on Norse symbolism. The resulting polemic is analysed with particular focus on rhetorical strategies. To Norwegian Asatru their religion is not racist as it is an accident of history, a universal and natural form of spirituality, a practice renouncing doctrine, and as an expression of the best ideals of society. Furthermore, the groups argue that as victims of societal persecution they cannot be described as oppressors. In the present situation it appears that this discourse on racism has taken on an importance beyond its initial role. It has become a symbol of opposition to majority society, and is now central in the identity formation of adherents. Keywords Heathenry racism minority identity rhetoric