By Anders Sandberg, for the Asatru tradition.
Iron or wooden idols of the gods are placed around holy places or in shrines in the homes of believers. Some are enchanted and have special powers. They are often offered small sacrifices in exchange for working, and some believers even thank them with blood if they have done especially well. Most popular are idols of Frey, which promote fertility and virility when kept in the house and good crops when placed by the fields. Instead of a humanoid idol a phallus is sometimes used. Idols of Thor protect against lightening, faeries, ghosts and evil forces (sometimes just a stylised hammer is used). Idols of Odin are rare and regarded as a bit spooky, and most are placed as guardians around sacred places (especially where oaks grow). They will somehow alert the worshippers that somebody is coming. Idols of Heimdallr are used similarly, but are often placed in the home too. Idols of Skadi gives good hunting and Idols of Njord helps sailing and fishing. Idols of Frigg are placed by the beds of children to protect them and keep them healthy.