Introduction

Every day lexicon plays an integral part in both our ability to communicate with others and define ourselves. The dictionary definition for lexicon is, humorously enough, “the vocabulary of a language, particularly in dictionary form”. However, the true depth of lexicon, when considering its abstractions and cultural implications, is profound. To understand a culture’s lexicon is to gain access to the inner workings and worldview of that culture, as language (and the vocabulary that acts as its skeletal structure) is nothing less than a people’s outward expression of the lens with which they survey the world.

            Just as a lexicon cannot truly confine itself to a neat, orderly definition, so it is with the formation and development of one. Like matter, never created ex nihilo, new lexicons are born from old lexicons out of some necessary adaptation in communication. By studying the source of a lexicon and the individual lexemes within one we obtain vital knowledge about both the lexicon and the respective culture surrounding it.

            Every subculture has a particular lexicon that is used by its members – both to express ideas their mother language is unequipped to handle and to create a sense of belonging within the group (to be “in the know”). There is one spiritual subculture that has created its own lexicon through a sort of hybrid between modern and ancient Germanic words. The subculture is known by some as Germanic Heathenry (an umbrella term, with subcategories/sects such as Asatru, Theodism, etc.). Often called “the Viking religion” by outsiders – a grave injustice to the depth of the spiritual path and is analogous to reducing Christianity to the label: “the Crusader religion” – it covers a far broader spectrum than that brief time period or those particular famous conquerors. Times have changed in recent years and smaller, tribal folkways can now thrive without the threat of overt persecution from larger, monotheistic religions. Germanic Heathenry is among the revived ancient folkways to rise from the sacrificial ashes of its martyred ancestors.

            The words and phrases used in this lexicon vary greatly from sect to sect and tribe to tribe. Like their ancestors, Heathens do not operate with a pope or a centralized hierarchy; while many terms are used to mean similar ideas across tribal lines, even these more “universal” Heathen terms can vary. It is important to treat the subject of vocabulary within Heathenry holistically and as a discussion rather than as a series of one sentence dictionary definitions. The fact that definitions vary so widely within the folkway and that centralization is often looked at with almost irrational fear (and at the very least, intense suspicion) gives us insight into the diversity of personalities within. There is no neat box in which to place the followers of the Old Ways; there is no simple mold to define them and categorize them. They are some of the best specimens of humanity and some of the worst. Furthermore, the revival of the Elder Path – particularly its subculture community – is relatively young and in a transitional stage much like puberty: filled with both conflicting emotions and youthful zest. Germanic Heathenry is anything but static, ever growing and constantly adapting, much like the ancient culture it fostered. So shall it be with its lexicon.

An annotated bibliography will appear at the bottom of each blog posting, giving credit and reference material to specific work within the body. I have been a diligent student of the Elder Path for over 6 years now and am also something of an authority on the subject as well. Full annotations will not be given to repeat citations.