Channel Button

There are 4 articles on this title. You are reading the article ranked and rated #4 by Helium's members.

Religion & Spirituality   >

Pagan & Earth-Based Religions

Get a Widget for this title

Introduction to theodism

Theodism is a North American tribal movement, and a variant of Germanic Neopaganism. Theodism is also known as odisc Gelafa, meaning "tribal belief", and seeks to revive the religion, society and culture of its Germanic ancestors.

Unlike more common religions such as Christianity, Theodism does not have denominations as such - rather than extracting desirable portions of the Germanic belief, modern-day Theodists instead continue their ancestors' tradition of intertwining culture, society and religious belief as a single way of life. They do, however, have thiods, which are tribes, led by sacral chieftains.

Theodism is tribal and ritual in nature - rites are conducted in ancient Germanic, livestock is offered as sacrifice to the Gods, oaths are sworn, bondsmanship is practised, and ritual garb is worn to emulate the costume of Germanic pagans.

Theodists believe that everyone is born worthless and unproven - nobility is therefore proven by one's deeds rather than any birthright or heritage. As mentioned before, oaths play an important part in Theodism, as they hold the society together. Luck is also an important concept, and is tied in with oaths, as breaking the latter will damage not only the individual's luck, but that of anyone present when the oath was sworn. Oaths are sworn during a ritual known as Sumbel, over a sanctified alcoholic beverage, often mead or ale. An appointed officer known as the yle ensures that no oaths are sworn over the sumbel cup that cannot be kept. Once sworn, the oath is binding.

Similarly to many other pagan religions, Theodism practises the concept of Right Good Will - this states that individuals shall treat each other in an above-board fashion, and no-one shall willingly harm another without compelling reason. As humans are flawed creatures, Theodists see this completely altruistic ethic as the only means of maintaining their society.

Learn more about this author, esprit libre.
Contact this writer Click here to send this author comments or questions.


Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

Introduction to theodism

  • 1 of 4

    by Mary Paliescheskey

    Theodism is a modern term for a branch of Germanic neopaganism located in North America. The theodists are based on German

    read more

  • 2 of 4

    by Michele Van Pelt

    Started in 1976 by Garman Lord in Watertown, New York, Theodism , which means "tribal belief" is focused on the lore, beliefs

    read more

  • 3 of 4

    by Darian Peters

    Theodism was originally the polytheistic faith of the Anglo-Saxons, the amalgamation of tribes who settled in England from

    read more

  • 4 of 4

    by esprit libre

    Theodism is a North American tribal movement, and a variant of Germanic Neopaganism. Theodism is also known as odisc Gelafa,

    read more

Add your voice

Know something about Introduction to theodism?
We want to hear your view. Write_penWrite now!

100501

Featured Partner

Presidential Climate Action Project (PCAP)

The Presidential Climate Action Project (PCAP) has partnered with Helium, giving you the chance to write for a cause....more

What is Helium? | Buy Web Content | Contact Us | Privacy | User agreement | DMCA | User Tools | Help | Community | Helium’s Official Blog | Link to Helium

Helium, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 USA