Else Christensen
ᛉ September 12, 1913 - May 4, 2005 ᛦ
Born Else Ochsner on the 12th of September, 1913, in Denmark, she was destined to be one of the leading figures in the reforging of Ásatrú.
Although born in the small town of Esbjerg, she moved to the capital city of Copenhagen as a young woman. During this time of political polarization before the Second World War, she found herself joining the Danish Workers’ Party. Here she met her husband, Aage Alex Christensen. When the Germans invaded Denmark during World War II, they were both imprisoned due to their involvement with the Danish Workers’ Party.
Once released from prison, they emigrated to Canada. When they arrived, they almost immediately began working to secure a future for their people. Else began networking with other like-minded people across North America, first discovering Ásatrú (what many called Odinism at the time) in a pamphlet entitled “Call of Our Ancient Nordic Religion” — penned by AFA Hero, Alexander Rud Mills, who she kept as a pen pal until his death in 1964.
This began Else’s journey into building a relationship between Aryan and Æsir, immediately understanding that Ásatrú is the ethnic faith of the Aryan people. She founded the Odinist Fellowship in 1969, and continued this work until her death even though her husband passed away in 1971. She relocated to the United States shortly before his passing, and began a publication called The Odinist. This is what earned her the moniker of “Folkmother,” as she was instrumental in bringing so many of our people Home to Ásatrú in her time.
In 1993, she was taken advantage of and unknowingly used as a drug mule. She was arrested, tried, and convicted, then sentenced to five years and four months in prison. Before going to prison, however, she gave the Odinist Fellowship’s member list to Stephen McNallen, who would soon found the Asatru Folk Assembly!
After serving her time in prison, she was deported back to Canada, where she attempted to revive the Odinist Fellowship. She began another publication, Midgard Page, in 1998.
She passed away on the 4th of May, 2005, in Vancouver Island, Canada.
Else was one of a few key beacons for Ásatrú, working the will of the Æsir in lighting the torch that would bring so many of our Folk Home. Inspired by fellow AFA Hero, Alexander Rud Mills, she would later go on to pass the torch to the Herald of Óðinn, Stephen McNallen himself. She played an integral part in the reforging of our native faith, and she will be honored, now and forever more.
Else Christensen is the dedicated hero of Baldrshof. For more information and a deeper dive into the life and acts of our Folkmother, check out Baldrshof.org.
Hail the Folkmother!
Hail Else Christiansen!
Hail the Asatru Folk Assembly!
