Ragnvald Odiakarl
1484 ᛦ

Ragnvald’s date of birth is unknown, but he was executed in 1484, and almost certainly lived his entire life in the 15th century in Sweden. His second name, Odiakarl, means “Óðinn’s Man.” We know precious little about his life, outside of his case which is recounted here. 
 

Ragnvald was put on trial on October 27th, 1484, for having stolen from a number of churches in the southern portion of Uppland. He robbed the churches in Skepptuna, Markims, Orkesta, and Vallentuna. Stealing from a church during this time was sacrilegious, yet Ragnvald did this without fear, as he knew that he owed no allegiance to the foreign Christ. Once on trial, Ragnvald openly admitted to being a “pagan,” saying that he had been a devout follower of Lord Óðinn for seven years by that point. All of this implied that some number of Swedes still held troth with the Æsir, 500 years after much of the nation had converted to Christianity. 
 

Ragnvald Odiakarl was, of course, found guilty by the Christian Swedes and was burned alive. Not once did he attempt to apologize or betray his loyalty to the Æsir, and he died as he had lived for the last seven years—as a man of Óðinn! 
 

Hail Ragnvald Odiakarl!