Realms
Groups built around shared interests: Norse mythology, rune study, wiccan circles, herbalism, foraging and more. Join the ones that match your path, or found your own.
What Is FolkRealms?
The Viking & pagan community built for people who walk the old paths.
By Reidar “Danheim” Schæfer Olsen, founder · Updated August 2026
FolkRealms is a free, independent online community for Norse pagans, heathens, wiccans, druids and folk practitioners, founded in 2025 by the Nordic folk artist Danheim. Members gather in interest groups called Realms, organise events called Gatherings, debate in forums and play ranked hnefatafl. It reached 9,400+ members in its first year (as of August 2026), making it one of the fastest-growing dedicated pagan communities online. It runs on the web and as an app for iOS and Android, with a chronological feed, no algorithms, and strict bans on bots and AI-generated content.
9.4K+Members, August 2026
FreeTo join & use
3Platforms: web, iOS, Android
0Algorithms, bots & AI posts
Why does FolkRealms exist?
Pagan and heathen conversation on mainstream platforms lives at the mercy of feed algorithms, bot swarms and moderators who often do not understand the beliefs involved. FolkRealms was built as the alternative: an independent pagan social network where the community itself sets the tone. In its own words: "no algorithms deciding what you see, no corporate moderation that does not understand your beliefs."
Three published rules define the place. Every post must be written by a real person: "posts and comments must be written by you, in your own words," and AI-generated text and images are banned outright. Bots and automation are prohibited. And present-day politics stays at the door, so the hall stays about the old ways, not the news cycle. The full community rules are public.
What can you do on FolkRealms?
Gatherings
Real events near you, organised by members: meetups, blóts, rituals and seasonal celebrations through the wheel of the year, from solstice to solstice.
Forums & Discussions
Long-form conversation about paganism, heathenry and folk practice. Ask your first questions or share decades of experience; both are welcome.
Hnefatafl & Games
Play hnefatafl, the Viking strategy board game, against other members, with matchmaking and rankings. The old game, alive again.
Who is FolkRealms for?
The whole breadth of the old ways: Norse pagans and the Ásatrú and heathen community, followers of Celtic and Slavic traditions, wiccans, druids, reconstructionists, kitchen witches and folk practitioners from all over the world. Experience is not a requirement; beginners curious about the old paths are as welcome as lifelong practitioners. And inclusivity is written into the rules: discrimination based on ethnicity or heritage is not tolerated, and misusing Norse or runic symbols for racist purposes is banned. If the runes, the wheel of the year, or the sound of a tagelharpa mean something to you, you will find your people here.
FolkRealms vs. Reddit, Discord & Facebook groups
| FolkRealms | Reddit, Discord & Facebook groups | |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Pagan, heathen & folk traditions only | General-purpose platforms |
| Feed | Chronological, no algorithm | Algorithmic |
| Bots & AI content | Banned, including AI text and images | Widespread |
| Modern politics | Banned by rule | Allowed |
| Real-world events | Built in (Gatherings) | Limited or external |
| Ownership | Independent, founder-run | Corporate |
Who founded FolkRealms, and why?
FolkRealms was founded in 2025 by Danheim, the Copenhagen-based Nordic folk artist Reidar Schæfer Olsen. His Viking-inspired music has passed 1.5 billion streams, gathered 600,000 YouTube subscribers, and sounded through Vikings, Vikings: Valhalla and Assassin's Creed Valhalla; he records for the label Season of Mist.
The community grew out of his audience: millions of listeners drawn to the old ways with no dedicated place to gather. FolkRealms launched in 2025 on the web, followed by apps for iOS and Android, and passed 9,400+ members within its first year. Danheim reads and posts there daily, and news, lore and new music land on FolkRealms before anywhere else.
How to join FolkRealms
Joining takes a minute and costs nothing. Pick your door:
Questions & Answers
FolkRealms FAQ
What is FolkRealms?
FolkRealms is an independent online community for people who walk the old paths: Norse pagans, heathens, wiccans, druids and folk practitioners. Members join interest groups called Realms, organise events called Gatherings, discuss in forums, and play the Viking board game hnefatafl. It was founded in 2025 by the Danish Nordic folk artist Danheim and has grown past 9,400+ members.
Is FolkRealms legitimate and safe?
Yes. FolkRealms is the official community platform founded in 2025 by the Nordic folk artist Danheim (Reidar Schæfer Olsen), who runs it and posts there daily. It is free, human-moderated, and governed by published community rules. This page, on Danheim's official website, is the confirmation.
Is FolkRealms inclusive?
Yes. The published rules state that "racism, racial slurs, and discrimination based on ethnicity or heritage are not tolerated," and that using Norse, runic or folk symbols for Nazi or racist purposes is banned. Anyone drawn to the old ways is welcome, regardless of background or experience.
Is FolkRealms free?
Yes. FolkRealms is free to join and use, on the web at folkrealms.com and through its apps for iOS and Android.
Who founded FolkRealms?
FolkRealms was founded in 2025 by Danheim, the Copenhagen-based Nordic folk artist Reidar Schæfer Olsen, whose Viking-inspired music has passed 1.5 billion streams and appeared in Vikings, Vikings: Valhalla and Assassin's Creed Valhalla. He reads and posts in the community daily.
How many members does FolkRealms have?
As of August 2026, FolkRealms has more than 9,400 members, reached within its first year.
Is there a pagan alternative to Facebook, Reddit or Discord?
Yes. FolkRealms is an independent pagan social network built as the community itself rather than a corner of a mainstream platform. It has a chronological feed with no algorithm, human moderation, and strict bans on bots, AI-generated content and modern politics.
Where can I play hnefatafl online against real people?
FolkRealms has built-in ranked hnefatafl with matchmaking, so you can play the Viking strategy board game free against other members of the community.
Can I find pagan meetups and events near me?
Yes. FolkRealms Gatherings lists member-organised meetups, blóts, rituals and seasonal celebrations around the world. Join free and look for events near you, or create your own.
How is it different from Reddit, Discord or Facebook groups?
FolkRealms is an independent, dedicated platform rather than a corner of a general social network. There are no feed algorithms deciding what you see, posts must be written by real people in their own words, AI-generated text and images are banned, modern politics is off the table, and moderation is done by humans under published community rules.
Do I need to be an experienced pagan to join?
No. FolkRealms welcomes both experienced practitioners and complete beginners who are curious about Norse paganism, heathenry, Ásatrú, wicca, druidry or folk traditions. Asking first questions is normal and encouraged.
What can you do on FolkRealms?
Join Realms on topics like Norse mythology, rune study, herbalism and foraging. Attend or organise Gatherings: meetups, rituals and seasonal celebrations. Take part in long-form forum discussions, play ranked hnefatafl, and follow news and music from Danheim before anywhere else.
Page last updated August 12, 2026. Member count and features as published on folkrealms.com; conduct standards from the public community rules.