Barbarian Rites

“Barbarian Rites provides a wealth of facts free from ideological or interpretive overlay, yet does so in a prose that can be read for pleasure as well as instruction. One feels the secure weight of lifelong scholarship behind this book.” * Joscelyn Godwin, author of Atlantis and the Cycles of Time *
“Professor Hasenfratz presents both a solid introduction to the mysterious world of Germanic spirituality and something that goes well beyond the introductory as he demonstrates many deeper insights through his lively comparative and holistic approach.” * Stephen E. Flowers, Ph.D., director of the Woodharrow Institute and author of The Secret of the Rune *
“A number of books describe the pagan gods of the ancient Norsemen, but very few explain why pagan beliefs appealed to so many for so long. In this outstanding English translation of Barbarian Rites, Hasenfratz engages Germanic spiritual tradition seriously and empathetically. He provides an important and useful resource for students of northern European religions at all levels.” * Stephen Harris, associate professor of German and Scandinavian Studies at the University of Massachu *
“Do NOT pass this book by.” * Michael Gleason, Independent Reviewer, August 2011 *
“Despite their barbarism, Hasenfratz situates the Vikings within Indo-European culture, and suggests that their view of the end of this world and the coming of a new age will resonate with today’s new age philosophy.” * Publishers Weekly, September 2011 *
“An interesting read for those who are drawn to the ways of Thor, Odin and all their kin.” * Nicholas Breeze Wood, Sacred Hoop Magazine, September 2011 *
“Far from being a dry academic text, this is a captivating book that will inform and entertain all levels.” * Psychic Magic, Autumn 2011 *
“This is a must-read for Heathens and an essential text for scholars of ancient civilizations. A hearty “Well Done!.” to the author and translator for an unflinchingly honest look at this culture, and to Inner Traditions for publishing this singular text.” * Elizabeth Hazel, FacingNorth.net, October 2011 *
“Barbarian Rites presents the reader with a clean and delightful overview, a treasure hoard of information about the religious and spiritual world of the North. Its reach will satisfy the scholar who wants to make sure he has a complete overview from the creation Gap to Ragnarok, from Yggdrasil to the casting of runes. Moynihan’s translation is appealingly clear, and his etymological footnotes add to the reader’s enjoyment.” * G. Ronald Murphy, SJ, Prof. of German, Georgetown University *
“The book, which ends with scholarly notes, a bibliography, and an index, should be considered indispensable for all readers with an interest in the roots of Heathen culture.” * Barbara Ardinger, Witches and Pagans Magazine *
“An exploration of the early religious cultures of the Germanic tribes, Barbarian Rites offers a scholarly look at the history of this ancient culture. It begins by asking what constitutes a Germanic tribe, then proceeds to answer that question by offering in-depth analysis of their social structures, cosmography, pantheon and so on. A wonderful and dense book for anyone interested in the ritual practices of ancient cultures.” * Witches’ Almanac, December 2013 *
“A fascinating and easy read… . If you have ever been intrigued about the Vikings and their way of life, this book is a must. It will certainly be a keeper for my professional library for a long time to come.” * Barbara-Lynn Freed, Transformational Times *

Hans-Peter Hasenfratz, Ph.D., is professor emeritus of the history of religion at the Ruhr University in Bochum, Germany. The author of numerous works in German on ancient cultures and religions, he lives in Bochum, Germany.

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