The Merseburg Spells: Germanic Paganism

This book is great read for those interested in the mythical prehistory of Europe and topics like historical paganism and the occult. In 1841, German historian Georg Waitz discovered two spells in Old High German alliterative verse in Merseburg, Germany. These spells, known as the Merseburger Zaubersprüche, provide an extraordinary view into the pre-Christian beliefs of Germanic speakers in continental Europe. The spells are short but profound. The first calls upon a supernatural group of women, the Idisi, while the second calls upon six gods, including Odin, Frigg, Baldr, Fulla, the personified Sun, and Sinthgunt.

This second edition goes into the spells but is chock full of supplemental materials that explore the history and more, accompanied by beautiful illustrations. Inside are also discussions from some prominent figures in Norse and Germanic folklore and myth.