Well, let me start by saying that I’m not an expert on religion, but I can certainly share some information about Thor and the old Norse religion.
Thor is one of the most well-known gods in Norse mythology. He is the god of thunder and lightning, and is often depicted as a strong and powerful warrior wielding his famous hammer, Mjolnir. In Norse mythology, Thor is the son of Odin, the chief god, and the earth goddess, Fjorgyn.
The old Norse religion, also known as Norse paganism, was the belief system of the Vikings and other Norse people during the Viking Age, which lasted from the 8th to the 11th century. It was a polytheistic religion, meaning that the Norse people worshiped multiple gods and goddesses.
The Norse gods and goddesses were believed to have control over different aspects of life, such as war, fertility, and the natural elements. Thor, for example, was worshiped as the protector of mankind and the defender against giants and other enemies of the gods. He was often called upon for strength and protection in battle.
Now, as for the practice of the old Norse religion after the introduction of Christianity, it’s important to note that there was a gradual process of Christianization in the Norse world. With the spread of Christianity, many Norse people did convert to Christianity, and the old Norse religion did decline in popularity.
However, it’s also believed that some aspects of the old Norse religion continued to be practiced in secret or under a Christian veneer. This was likely due to a combination of factors, including the deep cultural and ancestral ties to the old religion, as well as the syncretism that often occurs when two religions come into contact.
For example, some Christian churches in Scandinavia were built on the same sites where pagan temples once stood, and some Christian rituals and practices may have incorporated elements from the old Norse religion. This blending of beliefs and practices is not uncommon in religious history.
It’s also worth mentioning that in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the old Norse religion, often referred to as Heathenry or Asatru. There are now modern-day practitioners who seek to revive and reconstruct the old Norse religious beliefs and practices, although their interpretations may vary.
While the old Norse religion did decline in popularity with the spread of Christianity, it’s likely that it continued to be practiced in some form, either in secret or under a Christian guise. The exact nature and extent of this continued practice is difficult to determine, but it is a fascinating aspect of Norse history and mythology.