E38: Heathen Exceptionalism

E38: Heathen Exceptionalism

In Episode 38 of I Am Heathen, Einar takes a hard look at one of the most uncomfortable questions facing modern American heathenry: have we truly left behind the ideas of spiritual chosenness and exceptionalism, or have we simply dressed them in runes, ravens, and Mjölnirs? Beginning with the story of Ask and Embla in the Völuspá, we explore the humble origins of humanity within Norse cosmology and contrast that vision with the rise of identity-driven spirituality in the modern age. From Viking aesthetics and social media culture to American exceptionalism, Protestant notions of chosenness, religious deconstruction, and spiritual trauma, this episode examines how old psychological frameworks can survive even after old religions are abandoned. What happens when faith becomes performance? When spirituality becomes branding? When the search for meaning transforms into the pursuit of superiority? Drawing from Norse mythology, American history, and personal reflection, Einar makes the case that the wisdom of the old stories may lie not in conquest, certainty, or supremacy, but in reciprocity, humility, and our place within the living world. Through the stories of Ask and Embla, Odin's endless search for wisdom, and the survival of Líf and Lífþrasir after Ragnarök, this episode challenges listeners to reconsider what it truly means to be heathen in the modern world.

E37: Go Outside!!

What happens when modern life pulls us further and further away from the natural world? Drawing inspiration from Star Trek, environmental conservation, culinary ethics, and Norse Pagan spirituality, Einar Blackthorn explores the concept of "Re-Wilding" and humanity's increasingly fractured relationship with nature. From childhood experiences inspired by Ansel Adams and environmental activism through the Sierra Club, to lessons learned as a chef confronting the realities of industrial food systems, this essay examines the spiritual, emotional, and ethical importance of reconnecting with the land. Through reflections on hiking, stewardship, ethical food practices, conservation, and the Norse Pagan relationship with the landvættir, this piece argues that modern society's obsession with speed, consumption, and instant gratification has left many of us disconnected from the world that sustains us. Re-Wilding becomes more than simply spending time outdoors. It becomes an act of resistance, healing, and spiritual renewal. Whether you are a Pagan, Heathen, witch, environmentalist, hiker, chef, or simply someone searching for a deeper connection to the natural world, this essay offers a compelling call to step away from the noise of modern life and rediscover the sacredness of nature.

E36: What is a Heathen?

What does it actually mean to be a Heathen in the modern world? In this episode of I Am Heathen, Einar tackles one of the most common questions asked by both newcomers and curious outsiders: What is a Heathen? Beyond the stereotypes, Hollywood portrayals, Viking aesthetics, and internet arguments, we explore the deeper meaning of Heathenry as a living spiritual tradition rooted in community, reciprocity, personal responsibility, and authentic living. This episode examines how modern Heathens can honor the wisdom of the past without becoming trapped by it. We discuss the importance of building frith, cultivating meaningful relationships, living with integrity, and carrying ancient values into a rapidly changing world. Most importantly, we explore the responsibility each generation has to leave the faith stronger, wiser, and more inclusive than they found it. Whether you're a lifelong practitioner, new to Norse Paganism, curious about Heathenry, or simply interested in alternative spiritual paths, this episode offers an honest conversation about faith, identity, and finding your place in the modern age.

E35: The AI Invented Rap Beef

What happens when AI-generated Viking rappers start accusing each other of plagiarism? In this episode of I Am Heathen and So Can You, Einar Blackthorn dives headfirst into one of the strangest corners of the internet: the rise of AI Viking rap, TikTok drama, and the hilariously absurd spectacle of creators arguing over originality in a genre largely powered by algorithms. But beneath the memes, diss tracks, and digital mead hall drama lies a fascinating piece of Norse history. Long before rap battles, roast battles, and social media callouts, the Norse practiced flyting: a form of ritualized verbal combat where poets, warriors, and rivals competed through wit, insults, and reputation-destroying bars. Was flyting the Viking Age version of battle rap? What role did honor, gossip, and public reputation play in Norse society? And what might Loki's legendary insults in Lokasenna teach us about modern internet feuds? Join Einar as he explores: ⚔️ The rise of AI Viking rap on TikTok ⚔️ Why accusations of plagiarism in AI music are so bizarre ⚔️ The history of flyting in Norse culture ⚔️ Loki's greatest verbal takedowns in Lokasenna ⚔️ Honor, reputation, and social combat in Viking Age Scandinavia ⚔️ How battle rap and flyting share surprisingly deep roots Whether you're a heathen, history enthusiast, Viking culture nerd, battle rap fan, or simply someone trying to make sense of the internet's latest descent into madness, this episode has something for you. Skål, and keep the fires burning, my friends.

E34: Stupid Sexy Protagonists

Why did so many gamers lose their minds over the reveal of Laufey in God of War? In this episode of I Am Heathen, Einar Blackthorn dives into the backlash surrounding God of War's portrayal of Laufey, the mother of Loki, and explores a bigger question: Why are we so obsessed with physical beauty in modern entertainment? From social media outrage and gaming discourse to the unrealistic expectations placed on female characters, we examine what happens when audiences judge a character's worth based solely on appearance. We also discuss Deborah Ann Woll's performance as Laufey, the mythology surrounding Loki's mother, and why historical Norse sources give us far less information about Laufey than many people assume. Along the way, we tackle reactions from major gaming commentators, including Asmongold, discuss the growing culture-war mentality surrounding video games, and ask whether we've become more interested in appearances than storytelling.