Eldaring is a German

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organisation founded in 2000 and launched in 2002. It operates as an umbrella organisation for local groups and independent practitioners.

History

Eldaring began in 2000 as a private Internet mailing list before it officially was registered as an organisation in 2002. The name is derived from the Old Norse word ''eldr'' which means "fire". It initially functioned as the German branch of the American organisation The Troth but eventually became independent. It was active in the

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. Elsewhere, Eldaring officials have associated their views with 's and Jan Assmann's concept of "primary religion", which refers to religions that have evolved within a culture, society and language, rather than having been Revelation, revealed. Eldaring operates as a network of Germanic neopagans. The members generally regard religion as a private matter and are not expected to commit to the organisation, beyond using it as a platform for contacts and service. Members can be active in local divisions called ''Herde'' (), local ''blót'' groups, special interests groups, and participate at annual events. The ''blót'' rituals may take place around a fire and include sacrificial gifts and libations in veneration of gods and ancestors. Eldaring generally emphasises the reliance on academic research for the reconstruction of pre-Christian practices, but recognises that not much documentation exists in many cases. Like The Troth, it views the ''Poetic Edda'' as a source for references and orientation, which should be supplemented by summaries of academic research. The organisation generally rejects Folklore, folkloristic sources, although some members have argued in favour of making exceptions. Eldaring publishes the magazine ''Herdfeuer'' () since 2003. It is politically neutral but has as a stated goal to increase public awareness and acceptance of its religious views.

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