Description
A controversial examination of the influence and presence of the Norse god Odin in contemporary history and culture
Exploring the influence of the Norse god Odin in the modern world, Richard Rudgley reveals Odin's central role in the pagan revival and how this has fueled a wide range of cultural movements and phenomena.
Rudgley argues that it is Odin and not Jesus Christ who has the single most important spiritual influence in modern Western civilization. He analyzes the Odin archetype--first revealed by Carl Jung's essay on Wotan--in the context of pagan religious history and explains the ancient idea of the Web--a cosmic field of energies that encompasses time, space, and the hidden potentials of humanity-the pagan equivalent to the Tao of Eastern tradition. The author examines the importance of the concept of wyrd, which corresponds to "fate" or "destiny".
He examines how the concept of subterranean and mythic realms, such as the Hollow Earth, Thule, and Agartha, and mysterious energies like Vril were manifested in both occult and profane ways and investigates key occult figures like Madame Blavatsky, Guido von List, and Karl Wiligut. Rudgley provides pagan analyses of Tolkien and the Lord of the Rings and documents the impact the Odin archetype has had on nationalist and fascist groups in America and Europe.
Examining pagan groups in Europe and America that use the Norse template, Rudgley reveals true paganism as holistic and intimately connected with the forces at work in the life of the planet. Showing how this "green" paganism can be beneficial for dealing with the adverse consequences of globalization and the ongoing ecological crisis, he explains how, when repressed, the Odin archetype is responsible for regressive tendencies--a reflection of the unprecedented chaos of Ragnarok--but if embraced, the Odin archetype makes it possible for like-minded traditions to work together in the service of life.
About the Author
Richard Rudgley is a critically acclaimed author, documentary filmmaker, and TV personality whose books have been translated into 13 languages. In 1991 he became the first winner of the British Museum Prometheus Award for his book, The Alchemy of Culture. His other books include The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Substances, Lost Civilizations of the Stone Age, Barbarians, and Wildest Dreams. He lives in Victoria, British Columbia.
Reviews
"In this fascinating work, Richard Rudgley provides a gripping and enlightening guidebook to the 'lost continent of the European imagination' as well as a necessary warning about the dangers of letting the 'Odinic experiment' get out of hand." * Gary Lachman, author of Lost Knowledge of the Imagination *
"Richard Rudgley understands the god Odin, who goes wherever knowledge is to be found no matter the danger involved. Thus, we find Rudgley delving into many areas of infamy in The Return of Odin because that is where the search leads. To do this is brave, and I salute any author who dares it." * Ian Read, former editor of Runa magazine and rune master with the Rune-Gild *
"The Return of Odin takes off from Carl Jung's prophecy of the reemergence of Odin and his repossessing the spirits and souls of the Germanic people. Well-written and broad in its overview, I am sure some parts will cause controversy with those following the resurrected Germanic spiritual path. It makes for thought-provoking and stimulating thinking." * Robert N. Taylor, author of Remnants of a Season *
Book Information
ISBN 9781620557273
Author Richard Rudgley
Format Paperback
Page Count 336
Imprint Inner Traditions Bear and Company
Publisher Inner Traditions Bear and Company
Weight(grams) 549g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 10mm
Exploring the influence of the Norse god Odin in the modern world, Richard Rudgley reveals Odin's central role in the pagan revival and how this has fueled a wide range of cultural movements and phenomena.
Rudgley argues that it is Odin and not Jesus Christ who has the single most important spiritual influence in modern Western civilization. He analyzes the Odin archetype--first revealed by Carl Jung's essay on Wotan--in the context of pagan religious history and explains the ancient idea of the Web--a cosmic field of energies that encompasses time, space, and the hidden potentials of humanity-the pagan equivalent to the Tao of Eastern tradition. The author examines the importance of the concept of wyrd, which corresponds to "fate" or "destiny".
He examines how the concept of subterranean and mythic realms, such as the Hollow Earth, Thule, and Agartha, and mysterious energies like Vril were manifested in both occult and profane ways and investigates key occult figures like Madame Blavatsky, Guido von List, and Karl Wiligut. Rudgley provides pagan analyses of Tolkien and the Lord of the Rings and documents the impact the Odin archetype has had on nationalist and fascist groups in America and Europe.
Examining pagan groups in Europe and America that use the Norse template, Rudgley reveals true paganism as holistic and intimately connected with the forces at work in the life of the planet. Showing how this "green" paganism can be beneficial for dealing with the adverse consequences of globalization and the ongoing ecological crisis, he explains how, when repressed, the Odin archetype is responsible for regressive tendencies--a reflection of the unprecedented chaos of Ragnarok--but if embraced, the Odin archetype makes it possible for like-minded traditions to work together in the service of life.
About the Author
Richard Rudgley is a critically acclaimed author, documentary filmmaker, and TV personality whose books have been translated into 13 languages. In 1991 he became the first winner of the British Museum Prometheus Award for his book, The Alchemy of Culture. His other books include The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Substances, Lost Civilizations of the Stone Age, Barbarians, and Wildest Dreams. He lives in Victoria, British Columbia.
Reviews
"In this fascinating work, Richard Rudgley provides a gripping and enlightening guidebook to the 'lost continent of the European imagination' as well as a necessary warning about the dangers of letting the 'Odinic experiment' get out of hand." * Gary Lachman, author of Lost Knowledge of the Imagination *
"Richard Rudgley understands the god Odin, who goes wherever knowledge is to be found no matter the danger involved. Thus, we find Rudgley delving into many areas of infamy in The Return of Odin because that is where the search leads. To do this is brave, and I salute any author who dares it." * Ian Read, former editor of Runa magazine and rune master with the Rune-Gild *
"The Return of Odin takes off from Carl Jung's prophecy of the reemergence of Odin and his repossessing the spirits and souls of the Germanic people. Well-written and broad in its overview, I am sure some parts will cause controversy with those following the resurrected Germanic spiritual path. It makes for thought-provoking and stimulating thinking." * Robert N. Taylor, author of Remnants of a Season *
Book Information
ISBN 9781620557273
Author Richard Rudgley
Format Paperback
Page Count 336
Imprint Inner Traditions Bear and Company
Publisher Inner Traditions Bear and Company
Weight(grams) 549g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 10mm
