Heathen vs. Paganism — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 1, 2024
Heathenry focuses on the pre-Christian traditions of Northern Europe, while Paganism is a broad term for polytheistic or nature-based religions.
Difference Between Heathen and Paganism
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Heathenry is specifically tied to the pre-Christian cultures and religions of Northern Europe, including Norse and Germanic paganism. It emphasizes ancestor veneration, polytheism, and a deep connection to nature. Whereas Paganism is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of religious practices and beliefs, including but not limited to Wicca, Druidism, and Hellenism, that are typically polytheistic or pantheistic and often focus on the reverence of nature.
While Heathen rituals often include blóts (sacrificial offerings) and sumbels (drinking ceremonies), aimed at honoring gods, ancestors, and the land spirits, Paganism encompasses a diverse array of practices, from ceremonial magic in Wicca to the celebration of seasonal festivals in Druidism. This diversity in ritual practice reflects the broad spectrum of beliefs within Paganism, as compared to the more culturally focused practices of Heathenry.
Heathen ethics are heavily influenced by concepts like frith (peace and social order) and honor, which guide interactions within the community and with the divine. Pagan paths, on the other hand, may follow a more eclectic or personal set of ethical guidelines, with many adhering to the Wiccan Rede's directive of "An it harm none, do what ye will" or similar ethical principles that emphasize personal freedom and responsibility.
In terms of deity worship, Heathenry focuses on the gods and goddesses of the Norse pantheon, such as Odin, Thor, and Freyja. Paganism, by contrast, can involve the worship of deities from various pantheons, including but not limited to the Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Celtic, reflecting its inclusivity and adaptability to individual belief systems.
The community aspect in Heathenry often manifests through kindreds or hearths, small groups that gather for rituals and social events, fostering a sense of kinship and shared beliefs. Paganism, while also community-oriented, may be more individualized or eclectic, with practitioners often coming together in covens, groves, or loosely affiliated networks, highlighting the diversity within the Pagan community.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Pre-Christian Northern Europe traditions
Broad, nature-based or polytheistic religions
Practices
Blóts, sumbels, ancestor veneration
Diverse, includes magic, festivals, rituals
Ethics
Frith, honor
Varies, often includes the Wiccan Rede
Deities
Norse pantheon (Odin, Thor, Freyja)
Various pantheons (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Celtic)
Community
Kindreds, hearths
Covens, groves, networks
Compare with Definitions
Heathen
Centered around concepts like frith and honor.
The heathen community emphasized frith in their gatherings.
Paganism
Involves worship of deities from multiple pantheons.
Her pagan altar featured deities from Greek, Egyptian, and Celtic pantheons.
Heathen
A follower of the pre-Christian traditions of Northern Europe.
The heathen honored the old gods through a traditional blót ceremony.
Paganism
Can be eclectic, with many adhering to the Wiccan Rede.
As a pagan, he lived by the principle of harming none in his actions.
Heathen
Often organized into kindreds or hearths.
The local heathen kindred met monthly to strengthen their bonds.
Paganism
A broad term for a variety of nature-based or polytheistic religions.
She found her spiritual path within paganism, exploring various traditions.
Heathen
Focuses on Norse gods and goddesses.
She offered a prayer to Freyja, reflecting her heathen beliefs.
Paganism
Encompasses a wide range of rituals and ceremonies.
Their pagan group celebrated the solstice with a ritual in the forest.
Heathen
Includes rituals such as blóts and sumbels.
At the sumbel, each heathen shared stories of their ancestors.
Paganism
Includes covens, groves, and informal networks.
The pagan community's annual gathering drew people from various paths.
Heathen
A person who does not belong to a widely held religion (especially one who is not a Christian, Jew, or Muslim) as regarded by those who do
A chance of salvation for the heathen
My brother and I were raised, as my grandma puts it, as heathens
Paganism
Paganism (from classical Latin pāgānus "rural", "rustic", later "civilian") is a term first used in the fourth century by early Christians for people in the Roman Empire who practiced polytheism or ethnic religions other than Judaism. In the time of the Roman empire, individuals fell into the pagan class either because they were increasingly rural and provincial relative to the Christian population, or because they were not milites Christi (soldiers of Christ).
Heathen
Relating to heathens
Heathen practices
Paganism
A religion other than one of the main world religions, specifically a non-Christian or pre-Christian religion
Converts from paganism to Christianity
Heathen
An adherent of a religion that does not worship the God of Judaism, Christianity, or Islam.
Paganism
An adherent of a polytheistic religion in antiquity, especially when viewed in contrast to an adherent of a monotheistic religion.
Heathen
Such persons considered as a group.
Paganism
A Neopagan.
Heathen
Heathen An adherent of a Neopagan religion that seeks to revive the religious beliefs and practices of the ancient Germanic peoples.
Paganism
One who has no religion.
Heathen
One who is regarded as irreligious, uncivilized, or unenlightened.
Paganism
An adherent of a religion other than Judaism, Christianity, or Islam.
Heathen
Such persons considered as a group.
Paganism
A hedonist.
Heathen
Not adhering to the Christian religion (though usually excluding the Jews); pagan.
Paganism
Any indigenous polytheistic religion.
Most people in that region practise their own form of paganism.
Heathen
(by extension) Uncultured; uncivilized; savage, philistine.
Paganism
Any of a class of religions often associated with nature rituals.
Various neopagan movements have arisen, each advancing its own form of paganism. Some are monotheist.
Heathen
Alternative case form of Heathen.
Paganism
The state of being pagan; pagan characteristics; esp., the worship of idols or false gods, or the system of religious opinions and worship maintained by pagans; heathenism.
Heathen
A person who does not follow a Christian religion; a pagan.
Paganism
Any of various religions other than Christianity or Judaism or Islamism
Heathen
(by extension) An uncultured or uncivilized person, philistine.
Heathen
Alternative case form of Heathen.
Heathen
An individual of the pagan or unbelieving nations, or those which worship idols and do not acknowledge the true God; a pagan; an idolater.
Heathen
An irreligious person.
If it is no more than a moral discourse, he may preach it and they may hear it, and yet both continue unconverted heathens.
Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance.
Heathen
Gentile; pagan; as, a heathen author.
Heathen
Barbarous; unenlightened; heathenish.
Heathen
Irreligious; scoffing.
Heathen
A person who does not acknowledge your God
Heathen
Not acknowledging the God of Christianity and Judaism and Islam
Common Curiosities
What is Heathenry?
Heathenry is a religious movement reviving the pre-Christian traditions of Northern Europe, focusing on Norse and Germanic paganism.
What defines Paganism?
Paganism is an umbrella term for religions that are polytheistic, pantheistic, or nature-based, with diverse practices and beliefs.
How do Heathen and Pagan practices differ?
Heathen practices are closely tied to Norse culture, including specific rituals like blóts, whereas Pagan practices are more varied, encompassing anything from ceremonial magic to seasonal festivals.
Can Heathenry be considered a form of Paganism?
Yes, Heathenry can be considered a subset of Paganism, specifically focusing on the pre-Christian traditions of Northern Europe.
Do Pagans have a common ethical guideline?
While diverse, many Pagans adhere to the Wiccan Rede's principle of "An it harm none, do what ye will" or similar ethical beliefs emphasizing personal responsibility.
What is a kindred in Heathenry?
A kindred is a community group in Heathenry that gathers for rituals, worship, and social events, fostering a sense of shared belief and kinship.
What ethical principles do Heathens follow?
Heathens often adhere to principles like frith and honor, guiding their conduct within their community and in their reverence for the divine.
Can Pagans worship deities from any culture?
Yes, Pagans may worship deities from a variety of cultural pantheons, including Greek, Egyptian, Celtic, and more, reflecting the inclusive nature of Paganism.
How does Heathenry view the afterlife?
Views on the afterlife in Heathenry can vary, but many believe in realms like Valhalla or Hel, where souls go based on their deeds.
Who are the deities in Heathenry?
Heathenry focuses on the Norse pantheon, including gods like Odin, Thor, and goddesses like Freyja.
What is a coven in Paganism?
A coven is a group of Pagans, often Wiccans, who gather for rituals, worship, and magical work, typically under the guidance of a High Priestess or Priest.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
