Valatrú
Valatrú (also called Valtrúr, Valstígr, or Valleið) is an Acrean polytheistic religion centered around a divine pantheon of gods. Odin (also called the Valföður or the Allfather), is the primary deity of this pantheon. It is the state religion of Acrea. The name Valatrú is derived from Valr, the name of Acrea's warrior class and the root of many core parts of Valatrú, and Trú, meaning oath or faith.
The origins of Valatrú are largely unknown, and its core practices, traditions, and iconography have existed since at least the 12th century BCE, with the earliest known carvings and artworks depicting the Pantheon dating from that time. A collection of writings collectively called the Æsirsögur (often simply referred to as the Sagas) are Valatrú's principal scripture. Valatrú holds Odin and Eira as supreme deities and the father and mother of the Æsir. In some interpretations, Odin has also been considered as the king of the Gods, however he is always held as the father of the Gods. According to the Sagas, Odin was created alongside Eira by the primordial entities of Ætra and Kaos, who are the be the origins of all things and of nothing, respectively. Through the marriage of Odin and Eira, the Æsir came to be. In addition to Odin and Eira, Valatrú recognises seventeen other major gods and goddesses.
The responsibility of universal ministry and unity of faith falls to the Ædís, a temple considered one of the religion's holiest sites located in Vrinnevid, near Uppsala. Protection of Valatrú religious sites has historically been the responsibility of the Templars, officially organised as the Templar Order. The Order is overseen by both the Acrean government and the Ædís, and following its establishment as an official organisation has historically played an important role in both theological matters and religious politics in Acrea.
Etymology
Beliefs
Pantheon
| Name | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Odin | God of Wisdom, Law, Order, Justice. | |
| Eira | Hearth, Home, Family | |
| Thor | Strength, Courage, Protection | |
| Tyr | War, Violence, Bloodshed | |
| Vidar | Vengeance, War | |
| Hela | Underworld, Death, Spirits, Night, Judgement, Mercy | |
| Baldr | Peace, Order, Prosperity, Light | |
| Freyr | Virility, Prosperity, Harvest | |
| Freyja | Beauty, Fertility, Love, Maidens | |
| Ran | Sea | |
| Loki | Knowledge, Mischief, Wisdom | |
| Skadi | Knowledge, Mischief, Wisdom |