In Norse paganism, offerings are a central part of ritual practice; they build relationships between gods and humans through acts of respect and reciprocity. If you’ve asked “What do I offer the Norse gods?” you’re asking the right question. Offerings aren’t random gifts. They’re intentional, symbolic gestures rooted in tradition, spirit, and personal connection.

This guide walks through the types of offerings each major god or goddess is associated with and provides examples of both traditional offerings and modern tools you can use in your own practice.

What Counts as a Proper Offering?

Offerings can take many forms. Some of the most common include:

• Poured drinks (mead, ale, milk, wine)

• Food (bread, berries, butter, nuts, meat, eggs)

• Burned incense or herbs

• Symbolic items (iron, bones, carved staves, feathers)

• Handmade objects or tools

• Spoken word (songs, poems, oaths, praise)

• Devoted action (acts of service, physical work, sacrifice of time)

What matters most is intention. Offer what feels respectful and meaningful — not just what’s convenient or aesthetic.

Offerings for Specific Norse Gods

Odin – The Allfather, God of Wisdom and War

Odin values knowledge, sacrifice, discipline, and intent. He often receives offerings related to death, transformation, and seeking deeper truths.

Traditional offerings include:

• Mead or whiskey

• Iron or bones

• Ravens’ feathers

• Spoken poetry or oaths

• Long hours of study or sacrifice

Offerings and tools made for Odin:

• Incense made specifically to give to Odin as offerings

• Odin invocation oil

• Wooden altars for Odin

• Hand poured candles for Odin

• Wolf hair runes

Freya – Goddess of Love, Beauty, War, and Seiðr

Freya is associated with sensuality, witchcraft, independence, and fierce protection. She responds well to heartfelt offerings and beauty.

Traditional offerings include:

• Mead, honey, or milk

• Roses, herbs, or flowers

• Art, singing, or dancing

• Blood (in very serious ritual contexts only)

• Jewelry or small valuables

Offerings and tools made for Freya:

• Freya Ritual Kit

• Incense made specifically to give to Freya as offerings

• Freya Anointing Oil

• Freya offering candles

• Wooden altar for Freya

Thor – God of Storms, Protection, and Strength

Thor is direct, forceful, and loyal. His offerings reflect strength, stability, and everyday protection.

Traditional offerings include:

• Beer, bread, or hearty meals

• Iron tools or hammers

• Thunderstones (naturally occurring stones)

• Loud or physical displays of gratitude (drumming, stomping, etc.)

Offerings and tools made for Thor:

• Thor Ritual Kit

• Thor Incense Blend

• Thor invocation oil

• Thor Hand-Painted Altar Cloth

• Hand-Carved Altar for Thor

Loki – God of Change, Chaos, and Cunning

Loki thrives in liminal spaces. He responds to offerings that reflect cleverness, irreverence, or chaos — but also sincerity.

Traditional offerings include:

• Candy, spicy food, or unconventional treats

• Alcohol (especially anything with a bite)

• Jokes, riddles, written confessions

• Acts of defiance or trickery (used ritually)

Offerings and tools made for Loki:

• Loki offering candles

• Incense made to invoke loki

• Loki Anointing Oil

• Painted Loki Altar Cloth

• Loki Devotional Altar Setup

Tips for Giving Offerings

• Use a dedicated offering bowl or plate — not your everyday dishes.

• Burn herbs or incense safely in a fireproof vessel.

• Clean your altar space regularly.

• Speak aloud or silently — but always with intention.

• Dispose of offerings respectfully (in nature, compost, or burial, when appropriate).

If you’re ready to go deeper into Norse ritual work — including creating bindrunes, building altars, and structuring your offerings — check out:

→ Norse Ritual: Bindrunes, Offerings & A Guide for Norse Pagans