Discover the untamed paganism of the Vikings and the Germanic tribes prior to the complete Christianization of Europe • Explores the different forms of magic practiced by these tribes; including runic magic; necromancy (death magic); soul-travel; and shape-shifting • Examines their rites of passage and initiation rituals and their most important gods; such as Odin; Loki; and Thor • Looks at barbarian magic in historical accounts; church and assembly records; and mythology as well as an eyewitness report from a 10th-century Muslim diplomat • Reveals the use and abuse of this tradition’s myths and magic by the Nazis Before the conversion of Europe to Christianity in the Middle Ages; Germanic tribes roamed the continent; plundering villages and waging battles to seek the favor of Odin; their god of war; ecstasy; and magic. Centuries later; predatory Viking raiders from Scandinavia carried on similar traditions. These wild “barbarians†had a system of social classes and familial clans with complex spiritual customs; from rites of passage for birth; death; and adulthood to black magic practices and shamanic ecstatic states; such as the infamous “berserker’s rage.†Chronicling the original pagan tradition of free and wild Europe--and the use and abuse of its myths and magic by the Nazis--Hans-Peter Hasenfratz offers a concise history of the Germanic tribes of Europe and their spiritual; magical; and occult beliefs. Looking at historical accounts; church and assembly records; mythology; and folktales from Germany; Russia; Scandinavia; and Iceland as well as an eyewitness report of Viking customs and rituals from a 10th-century Muslim diplomat; Hasenfratz explores the different forms of magic--including charms; runic magic; necromancy; love magic; soul-travel; and shamanic shape-shifting--practiced by the Teutonic tribes and examines their interactions with and eventual adaptation to Christianity. Providing in-depth information on their social class and clan structure; rites of passage; and their most important gods and goddesses; such as Odin; Loki; Thor; and Freyja; Hasenfratz reveals how it is only through understanding our magical barbarian roots that we can see the remnants of their language; culture; and dynamic spirit that have carried through to modern times.
#2689566 in Books Westholme Publishing 2007-01-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.20 x 6.00l; 1.53 #File Name: 1594160325320 pages
Review
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Well Done!By James W. DurneyRegimental histories require a great deal of an author. There is the temptation to get lost in the details of daily life and produce a 19th Century soap opera. This is a history of personal hope; disappointment; unrequited love; lust and ambition that wears most readers out. Regiments have a limited view of major battles; producing a limited view of the war raging around them. Fewer still; actually have a defining moment around which the author can build the story. An author that accepts these challenges must love the regiment. This produces a new set of problems as the author may expect the reader to share their passion and be unwilling to produce a "warts n all" history. In these cases; the glass is always half full until the reader tires of how great they were statements. The brigade is becoming the unit history currently in favor. Being the operational unit on the battlefield; the brigade is more involved; more likely to see major action and reach that defining moment. Civil War readers have been blessed by the publication of a number of good brigade histories.I approached this book with turpitude. Following Wittenberg's work; I know this is "his regiment" and worried he might lose some of his critical eye. I feared the book would get lost in daily life; politics of regimental elections and details of horsemanship. I was unsure if cavalry regiment would have sufficient battles to make an interesting book. My fears all prove groundless.The regiment/brigade problem is solved by always placing the regiment within the brigade. The result is a detailed account of the regiment's fighting within an account of the brigade's action. This keeps the reader in the battle without losing the contribution made by the regiment. The reader is kept very aware of the overall situation; which in turn introduces the regiment's reaction. This allows for an intelligent development of the story making an easy enjoyable read.This is not a 19th century soap opera but a good account of the raising; training and life in a Civil War cavalry regiment. Early on; in a "wouldn't it be nice to have" the men are armed with a nine foot lance from the Napoleonic wars. This lance; gave them their name while making them the butt of numerous jokes. A long series of skirmishes; battles and campaigns showed these men to be an outstanding regiment. Brigaded with the regular Army cavalry; this volunteer regiment exceeded all the service requirements until accepted as equals.This was a very active regiment; the list of actions is four pages long; with one of the highest casualty rates among cavalry regiments. While we are not pulled through the mud for every action; the book has enough detail for us to understand the evolution of the Union Cavalry from little more than targets to the dominate force on the battlefield. We participate in that process moving from messengers to warriors and graduating at Brandy Station. Mr. Wittenberg has extensive knowledge of cavalry operations and limitations. He places that knowledge to good use by showing us how difficult life was for a cavalryman and his horse.I have given the book only four stars because I feel it is not the equal of "Plenty of Blame to Go Around" or "The of Battle of Monroe's Crossroads" but will not argue with those that feel this is a five star book too.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. easy to readBy Noseguard76well researched; easy to read; compelling account about a hard fighting Regiment.2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. rushes lancersBy Eduardo Fantasticothis book is exceptional in its detailed content. i am enjoying the reed; the book came to me quickly and is like brand new.thank you so much sincerly ed cavallucci
