Rokkatru, a Path To Avoid
Rokkatru, also known as the “Right Way,” is a dangerous and destructive path that should be shunned by all Norse Pagans. This modern interpretation of Norse Paganism emphasizes individualism and the worship of deities associated with chaos, mischief, and trickery, such as Loki. While it may be appealing to some individuals who have a strong animosity towards modern society and wish to see the current social order destroyed, Rokkatru is incompatible with the values of traditional Norse Paganism and should not be welcomed within the Norse Pagan community.
The literal translation of Rokkatru is “twilight faith,” which refers to the belief that certain deities, such as giants, can only exist within the twilight hours of the Nine Worlds. This emphasis on chaos and destruction is incompatible with the values of traditional Norse Paganism, which emphasizes community, honor, and loyalty.
Some of the deities and types of beings worshiped in Rokkatru include:
Loki: Loki is a deity known for his trickery and betrayal, causing chaos and destruction in Norse mythology. He is responsible for the death of the god Baldr and has betrayed his fellow Aesir on multiple occasions. Loki cannot be trusted and is a dangerous and destructive deity.
Giants: Giants, or jotnar, are often depicted as chaotic and destructive beings in Norse mythology. They are frequently opposed to humans and their societies and are known for causing destruction and death. Worshiping giants as deities would align with Rokkatru’s focus on chaos and destruction, but goes against the values of traditional Norse Paganism.
Hel: Hel is the goddess of death and the underworld in Norse mythology. While she is often depicted as being cold and unforgiving, it is important to recognize that she serves a necessary function in Norse mythology by watching over the dead and ensuring that the cosmic laws are upheld. In this way, Hel can be seen as a positive force, as she follows the rules and serves a needed function in the cosmos. However, it is also true that Hel is unyielding in her strict adherence to the rules of the dead staying dead, and this can be seen as a negative trait. Some traditional Norse Pagans may choose to worship and trust Hel, recognizing her important role in the cosmos, while others may view her as a deity that should not be trusted or worshiped due to her cold and unforgiving nature. Her overall nature seems to be neutral, and unbiased, despite her being born from Loki.
Jormungandr: Jormungandr is a giant serpent that is said to be so large that it surrounds the entire world. It is a destructive and dangerous being that is associated with the end of the world, Ragnarök. Worshiping Jormungandr would align with Rokkatru’s focus on chaos and destruction, but goes against the values of traditional Norse Paganism. At Ragnarök, Thor manages to kill Jormungandr, the giant serpent that surrounds the world, but dies in the process.
Fenrir Wolf: Fenrir is one of the deities that is worshiped in Rokkatru. Worshiping Fenrir Wolf, a giant wolf in Norse mythology, aligns with Rokkatru’s focus on chaos and destruction. Fenrir Wolf is known for his immense size and strength, and is said to be destined to kill the god Odin during Ragnarök, the end of the world.
Worshiping Fenrir Wolf, Jomungander, or any being that is responsible for the death of a Norse god, goes completely against the values and beliefs of Norse Paganism. In Norse Paganism, the gods are revered and respected, and their deaths are seen as a tragic and significant event. Worshiping a being that is responsible for the death of a god, such as Fenrir Wolf, or Jomungander, would go against the values of respect and reverence for the gods that are central to Norse Paganism.
The deities worshiped in Rokkatru, such as Loki, are not benevolent or supportive of human society or stability. In fact, Loki is known for his trickery and betrayal, causing chaos and destruction in Norse mythology. This goes against the values of loyalty, honor, and community that are central to traditional Norse Paganism.
It is also important to recognize that Loki, in particular, is not a deity that can be trusted. In Norse mythology, Loki is responsible for the death of the god Baldr, one of the most beloved and virtuous deities in the pantheon. He also betrayed his fellow Aesir on multiple occasions, causing chaos and destruction in the process. In this way, Loki goes against the values of trust, loyalty, and honor that are central to Norse Paganism.
Furthermore, Rokkatru’s emphasis on the destruction of modern society and traditions completely disrespects the ancestors and their achievements. Respect for the ancestors is a key pillar of Norse Paganism, and the destruction of all that they have built and established is a grave disrespect to their memory and legacy.
In Norse mythology, the giants are often depicted as opposed to humans and their societies. These giant beings, also known as jotnar, are often depicted as chaotic, destructive, and malevolent, and they frequently attempt to work towards the destruction of human society.
One example of this is the giant Fafnir, who was originally a mortal man but was transformed into a giant after acquiring a cursed ring of power. Fafnir became consumed with greed and used his newfound strength and size to terrorize his community, hoarding gold and killing anyone who stood in his way.
Another example is the giant Hrungnir, who was known for his immense size and strength. Hrungnir fought against Thor, the god of thunder, and was ultimately killed in the battle. However, before his death, Hrungnir caused significant damage and destruction, including the death of Thor’s servant, Thjalfi.
Additionally, the giant Surtr is depicted as the leader of the fire giants and is said to be the bringer of the end of the world, Ragnarök. Surtr is often depicted as wielding a sword of flames and is associated with the destruction of the world and the death of the gods.
These examples demonstrate the giants’ hostility towards humans and their societies and their desire for destruction. While some Norse myths may depict giants in a more neutral or even positive light, it is clear that the giants are often portrayed as being opposed to humans and their societies.
It is important to recognize that not all giants in Norse mythology are evil or destructive. Some giants, such as Skaði, are depicted as being allied with the Aesir and Vanir deities and are even married to some of them. However, it is also true that many giants in Norse mythology are depicted as being opposed to humans and their societies and are known for causing destruction and death.
It is certain that Rokkatru, a modern interpretation of Norse Paganism that emphasizes the worship of chaotic and destructive deities, would focus on the worship of the evil and destructive giants in Norse mythology rather than the more neutral or positive giants. This aligns with Rokkatru’s emphasis on chaos and destruction, but goes against the values of traditional Norse Paganism, which emphasizes community, loyalty, and honor. While it is true that not all giants in Norse mythology are evil or destructive, the giants worshiped in Rokkatru are those that embody the destructive and chaotic nature of the tradition. These giants, such as Fafnir and Hrungnir, are known for causing destruction and death and are opposed to humans and their societies. Worshiping these giants goes against the values of traditional Norse Paganism and should be avoided.
In summary, Rokkatru is a dangerous and destructive path that goes against the values of traditional Norse Paganism. Rokkatru should not be considered the “right way” or a legitimate interpretation of Norse Paganism. It should be shunned by all Norse Pagans and not welcomed within the community. While there may be aspects of modern society that need to be changed and improved, this should not be done through the destruction of traditions and foundations, but rather through respectful and meaningful dialogue and action.
