Religion in Wolves of Valhalla

Author Insights: In Wolves of Valhalla you seem to place Christianity at odds with Norse cosmology and beliefs, what did you intend to say about Christianity?

L. J.: First off, Wolves of Valhalla is not intended to disrespect Christianity, or any religion for that matter. The Eleventh Century was a period of great change in the Norse culture and many Christians believed the year 1000 AD would bring about the end of the world. Christianity was rapidly displacing the traditional Norse beliefs but this was still a time when both existed side by side. The century also saw massive political upheaval as rulers in Northern Europe fought to expand their dominions. Although most Kings and Jarls had converted by this time, and had commanded their followers do likewise, people do not just wake up one day and say, “Well that’s it for everything we’ve believed for the last thousand years or more.”

Human societies evolve; the changes are often gradual, and people hold on to the familiar for a long time. The old ways hang on, often in disguise. Names of deities are changed and their legends are transformed and folded into the fabric of the new order, familiar yet acceptable.

In Wolves of Valhalla, Thorolf, the Chieftain, has converted, but struggles to reconcile the new faith with what he was taught as a child. He stands with one foot in each world and it causes conflict, both within himself and with other people in his community. This duality is echoed in his fight against his nature as a lycanthrope. Does he reject all he has known and his very nature, or can he find a way to cope with the changes all around him? I invite you to find out.