Nordic pre-Christian religion was one of the most significant factors of formation of Nordic culture, particularly Denmark. Nowadays Asatro is one of the most exceptional factors of creating different kinds of organizations, which are undoubtedly examples of multidimensional social and, primarily, religious phenomena.Throughout its’ history Asatro passed different stages — from main religion in the Viking Age, to the symbol of the past glory during the end of the 18th century and first half of the 19th century — period of Proto-Romanticism and Romanticism, to the modern days’ societies, which interpretate the basis of Nordic paganism and so elaborate their own philosophy.The period of Romanticism in Denmark can not be left without attention, because for Asatro it was an age of the new recognition and revival. This, however, should not be interpreted as the beginning of the history of neopaganism as a religious flow. The Danish romanticism should be appreciated as the time of acknowledgment with pre-Christian religion, its’ rediscovery and laying the foundation to all the future organizations.
Asatro is a term to define the belief in old Nordic Gods. However, it is not the only term used. In Danish language there are several terms, which reveal different sides of Asatro as a part of the system of various pagan beliefs and social phenomena in itself.
Neopaganism in Denmark as well as in other Nordic lands differs from the other religions on one important point. While most of religions have the set of rules and values, Asatro does not have a similar system. As regards main values and ideals there are different approaches to defying them according to the chosen term. As a part of «new paganism» Asatro focuses on nature, which corresponds to the concept of impersonation of the world, which is enlivened by the Gods.
However, it is incorrect to define the values of Asatro as a set of moral rules, since there are no any dogmas, but the ideals, which are worth to follow. Another source which influenced neopagan communities is the Icelandic sagas as a reflection of Viking Age Iceland’s social structure. This influence can be noticed in the way how modern rituals are organized. However, appealing to the historical sources differs in the neopagan communities as well as their interpretation, which often is more individual, despite the undisputable presents of common trends. It is hard to overestimate the importance of media and Internet in the development of Asatro as a modern religion as well as lockdowns and pandemics of 2020—2021. This actualized the specific duality of Asatro — the combination of individuality and community.