A photographic, documentary and human project: what can we learn from Ásatrú?
It is not uncommon to hear that churches are emptying and Iceland is no exception. Still largely attached to the Lutheran Church, considered the state religion, the island is now witnessing the resurgence of Ásatrú, literally «faith in the Aesir», from the Nordic pantheon. This neo-pagan spirituality has its roots in Scandinavian and Germanic traditions and resonates as a symbol of national identity and resistance to Christian influence. Following the founding of the Ásatrúarfélagið (Ásatrú Association) in 1972, it quickly gained official religious status, allowing rituals such as weddings and funerals to be celebrated within a recognized framework.
Its followers see their «religion» as inclusive and open to all, regardless of ethnic background. Its core values are rooted in respect for ancestors, loyalty, courage, the preservation of nature, and the celebration of its cycles. But can it truly be described as a «religion» in the strict sense, or is it rather a modern spirituality that seeks to reconcile respect for ancient traditions with contemporary concerns? If so, how does it achieve this?
Symbol of the Ásatrúarfélagið, the Ásatrú Association 
Symbol of the Ásatrúarfélagið, the Ásatrú Association 
Vegvisir, symbol of protection, and runes 
Runes
My project
This year, I intend to create a series of portraits featuring people of all generations who, in one way or another, identify with Ásatrú, while also documenting rituals or ceremonies connected, for example, to the cycles of nature.
WHY FILM PHOTOGRAPHY?
For this project, I have chosen film photography, a medium I consider timeless, capturing all images with a Mamiya 6 (a medium-format camera). This approach is about reconnecting with the act of reflection before pressing the shutter, embracing slowness, an approach that, to me, resonates with a subject deeply rooted in a return to origins. This choice also serves as a subtle defiance against the digital frenzy and the overwhelming flood of images that engulf us daily, often including visuals of unknown origin and questionable authenticity. And this is only the beginning… In this way, I reconnect with the essence of photography as I experienced it in my twenties.
THE ORAL DIMENSION
It seems essential to me to add an oral dimension to each portrait. Testimonies are collected and recorded in English, then transcribed and translated. Additionally, I ask each person to share an excerpt of their story in Icelandic, a language historically rooted in Old Norse, the mother tongue of all Scandinavian languages. Thanks to its isolation and strong literary tradition, Iceland has preserved a language remarkably close to medieval Norse. Its distinctive musicality makes it truly unique.
My Mamiya 6 
My Mamiya 6
I’d like to introduce myself and ask for your support...
As a professional photographer for over 25 years, I aim to combine documentary photography with life story collection, an area in which I trained in 2021-2022.
In a society that tends to dehumanize, I strongly believe in the importance of connection and exchange. This belief drives me towards a project that has been growing within me for almost three years now. Last December, I funded the first chapter of this project through the sale of my photographs.
You can find the link to the dedicated page, photos and testimonials, on my website: https://www.anouk-photo.com/asatru-english
Today, I am launching this crowdfunding campaign to allow me to continue its realization.
1st FUNDING GOAL: Launch the second part of the project by capturing additional and necessary images for a presentation dossier for the Reykjavík Museum of Photography.
GOAL: To have my documentary selected for an exhibition.
2nd FUNDING GOAL: Complete and finish the documentary work.
GOAL: To consider publication with an Icelandic publisher and/or the Ásatrú Association. No book on this topic currently exists!
In the past few weeks, I have established new contacts to carry out three to four portraits, a naming ceremony (nafngjafarathafnir, a baptism), and two rituals (Blót) around the spring equinox.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE?
By supporting me, you will be directly involved in this documentary project.
- Donate to contribute to its realization and receive a token of gratitude. Link to the gallery for the rewards: https://www.anouk-photo.com/journal-blog/2025/2/14/wemakeit
- Share this project widely with your networks or among your friends and family.
TAKK FYRIR! THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
Kári, holder of a master’s degree in pre-Christian Nordic religions 
Jónína, visual arts teacher 
Garðar As, retired entrepreneur