The gods and goddesses of the Anglo-Saxons played a crucial role in shaping the beliefs, culture, and daily lives of the early English people. Though much of their mythology has been lost to time, fragments remain that paint a fascinating picture of a rich polytheistic tradition.
Woden: King of the Gods
At the head of the Anglo-Saxon pantheon stood Woden, the king of the gods and a deity of wisdom and war. Cognate with the Norse Odin, Woden was a complex figure associated with knowledge, poetry, death, and battle.
As the chief god, Woden was often depicted as an older man with a long beard, carrying a spear and accompanied by two wolves. His role as a god of wisdom was reflected in the belief that he gifted the Anglo-Saxons with the runic alphabet, the basis of their writing system. This connection to knowledge and writing made him an important deity for scholars and poets.
Woden’s warrior aspect was equally significant. Anglo-Saxon warriors would offer tribute to him before battle, seeking his protection and favor. This dual nature as both a wise figure and a war god made Woden a multifaceted deity appealing to different segments of Anglo-Saxon society.
One of the most intriguing myths associated with Woden was his self-sacrifice. Like his Norse counterpart, Woden was believed to have hung himself from the World Tree for nine nights to gain wisdom. This story, hinted at in poems like “Dream of the Rood,” showcases the complex mythology surrounding this central figure in the Anglo-Saxon pantheon.
The importance of Woden in Anglo-Saxon culture is evident in the naming of Wednesday (Woden’s day) after him, a legacy that persists in modern English.
Thunor: God of Thunder
Perhaps the most popular deity among the Anglo-Saxons was Thunor, god of thunder and lightning. Similar to the Norse Thor, Thunor was widely worshipped across Anglo-Saxon England.
Thunor was associated with the weather, particularly storms, as well as the forge. Anglo-Saxons believed that the sound of thunder was Thunor striking his mighty hammer against his anvil, with lightning being the resulting spark. This connection to metalworking made him especially important to blacksmiths.
As a protector deity, Thunor was seen as a guardian of both gods and humans against threats. His popularity is evidenced by the numerous archaeological finds of hammer-shaped pendants in Anglo-Saxon graves.
Interestingly, while Norse mythology depicts Thor’s chariot as being pulled by goats, some Anglo-Saxon traditions suggested Thunor’s chariot was drawn by oxen that could regenerate after being eaten. This variation highlights the unique aspects of Anglo-Saxon mythology even when sharing common elements with other Germanic traditions.
The day Thursday (Thunor’s day) is named after this powerful and beloved god.
Tiw: God of War and Sky
Although both Woden and Thunor had associations with warfare, Tiw was considered the official god of war in the Anglo-Saxon pantheon. Cognate with the Norse Tyr, Tiw was also associated with the sky and was renowned as the most skilled warrior among the gods.
One of the most striking aspects of Tiw’s mythology is that he was believed to have only one hand. Like the story of his Norse counterpart, Tiw sacrificed his hand to the monstrous wolf Fenris. This act of self-sacrifice for the greater good likely contributed to his status as a god of justice and oaths.
Tiw’s influence on Anglo-Saxon culture is preserved in the name of Tuesday (Tiw’s day).
Frige: Goddess of Marriage and Childbirth
The most prominent goddess in the Anglo-Saxon pantheon was Frige, wife of Woden and goddess of marriage and childbirth. Cognate with the Norse Frigg, Frige played an important role in Anglo-Saxon religious life, particularly in matters related to the home and family.
Lesser-Known Deities
As a goddess associated with domesticity and fertility, Frige would have been important to many Anglo-Saxon women. Her influence is remembered in the name Friday (Frige’s day).
While the gods mentioned above form the core of the known Anglo-Saxon pantheon, several other deities are attested to in various sources, though often with less detail:
- Ing: Possibly another name for the Norse god Freyr, Ing was associated with fertility.
- Eostre: Mentioned by the Venerable Bede, Eostre was a spring goddess whose name may be the source of the word “Easter”.
- Erce/Folde/Eorðe: A Mother Earth figure mentioned in Anglo-Saxon charms.
- Rheda: Another deity listed by Bede, about whom little is known.
These lesser-known gods and goddesses hint at a richer pantheon than what has survived in historical records, suggesting that Anglo-Saxon paganism was a complex and diverse belief system.
The Influence of Anglo-Saxon Gods on Society and Culture
The worship of these gods and goddesses profoundly influenced Anglo-Saxon society. Religious festivals marked the turning of seasons and important agricultural events. Sacred spaces, both natural (such as groves and wells) and man-made (timber temples), were central to community life.
The gods also influenced Anglo-Saxon concepts of leadership and warfare. Kings often claimed descent from Woden, using this divine lineage to legitimize their rule. The warrior ethos, so central to Anglo-Saxon culture, was deeply intertwined with the worship of gods like Woden, Thunor, and Tiw.
Even after the Christianization of Anglo-Saxon England, which began in earnest in the 7th century, elements of pagan belief persisted. Place names, folklore, and certain customs continued to reflect the old gods long after their official worship had ceased.
