Saxo Illusions

5.3. At one time certain individuals, initiated into the arts of sorcery,
namely Thor, Odin, and a number of others who were skilled at
conjuring up marvellous illusions, clouded the minds of simple men
and began to appropriate the exalted rank of godhead. Norway,
Sweden, and Denmark were ensnared in a groundless conviction,
urged to a devoted worship of these frauds, and infected by the
smirch of their gross imposture. The results of their deception
spread, so that all other realms came to revere some kind of divine
power in them, believing they were gods or the confederates of gods;
they rendered solemn prayers to these magic-mongers and paid the
respect to an impious heresy which should have gone to true religion.


- Gesta Danorum, Chapter 6