In Anglo-Saxon England, two religions can be found: Anglo-Saxon paganism and

monotheistic Anglo-Saxon Christianity. Because of that, we can say that both religions
influenced magical practices. Paganism lasted between the fifth and the eighth centuries AD.

According to Thomas, Anglo-Saxon Church used supernatural power in order to fight against
paganism. They adopted some of the magical survivals because they wanted to produce
positive social and emotional effects. However, some historians claim that magic is a pagan
survival.

There was a magical component in religion. Kings often claimed a direct ancestral lineage
from a god, particularly Woden. The most important god was Woden, and the religion was
called Wodenism. Other significant gods were Thunor and Tiw. The Anglo-Saxons believed in
other supernatural beings (or weights) such as elves, nicor, dragons. They also believe in
sacrifice of animals and inanimate objects in order to be successful in battles (or to please
God).