A controversial Norse neopagan group embracing a blend of mythology and identity politics.
The Wolves of Vinland is a neopagan organization founded in 2006 by brothers Paul and Matthias Waggener in Lynchburg, Virginia. The group combines elements of Norse paganism, tribalism, and controversial political ideologies, drawing heavily on Viking-inspired rituals and Odinist beliefs. Since its inception, the organization has expanded to include chapters in other states, most notably the Cascadia chapter in Washington state.
Practices and Beliefs
The Wolves of Vinland practice a form of Germanic neopaganism that emphasizes physical fitness, martial arts training, and outdoor survival skills. Members engage in rituals and ceremonies inspired by their interpretation of pre-Christian Norse traditions, including animal sacrifices and the use of runic symbols. These practices are often conducted at their compound, known as Ulfheim, located near Lynchburg.
The group’s activities include rigorous physical training, such as mixed martial arts and weightlifting, as well as wilderness survival skills. They also participate in ritualistic practices aimed at connecting with Norse gods and enhancing personal and communal strength. These rituals often involve animal sacrifices and other forms of bloodletting, which they believe are vital to forging strong communal bonds and connecting with ancient traditions.
Ideology and Controversy
The Wolves of Vinland’s ideology includes a strong focus on individual empowerment, self-reliance, and a rejection of modern societal norms. They advocate for a return to what they perceive as a more authentic, primal way of living, often expressing disdain for conventional authority structures. The group emphasizes the importance of brotherhood and loyalty among its members, fostering a close-knit community that operates somewhat like a fraternal organization.
The organization has attracted significant attention and controversy due to its secretive nature, exclusive membership, and association with far-right political ideologies. While the group does not explicitly identify as white nationalist, many of its members and leaders have expressed views aligned with white identity politics and anti-modernist sentiments.
In 2018, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) classified the Wolves of Vinland as a hate group, citing the organization’s extreme ideologies and activities that align with neo-völkisch movements. The group has been linked to various controversial activities and ideologies, including white supremacy and anti-Semitic beliefs.
Membership and Structure
Membership in the Wolves of Vinland is selective and involves a rigorous initiation process. Prospective members are expected to demonstrate physical prowess, commitment to the group’s ideals, and willingness to participate in its rituals and activities. The organization maintains a hierarchical structure, with leadership roles often determined by physical and ideological tests.
Members of the Wolves of Vinland are known for their distinctive appearance, which includes traditional Viking tattoos, runes, and other symbols associated with Norse paganism. They typically wear black clothing and often adorn themselves with wolf imagery, symbolizing their view of themselves as modern-day warriors.
Influence and Study
The Wolves of Vinland’s ideology draws heavily from the writings of Jack Donovan, an author associated with the group who promotes a vision of masculinity rooted in tribal warrior culture. Donovan’s ideas about male strength, honor, and rejection of modern society have been influential in shaping the group’s ethos and practices.
Despite its controversial nature, the Wolves of Vinland has attracted a dedicated following among those drawn to its blend of neopagan spirituality, masculine tribalism, and anti-modern philosophy. The group maintains an active online presence, sharing images and videos of their gatherings and promoting their worldview through various social media platforms.
The organization’s practices and beliefs have been the subject of academic study, particularly in the fields of religious studies and sociology. Researchers have examined the group’s role in the broader context of neopagan movements, far-right ideologies, and contemporary masculinity discourses.
While the Wolves of Vinland remains a relatively small organization, its unique combination of spiritual practices, political views, and lifestyle choices has made it a notable entity within the landscape of alternative religious movements and fringe political groups in the United States.
image via The Cut
