So I know this is quite an odd question, but I am wondering if anyone can point me towards some sources or general understanding of the development of Nordic religion/mythology. My background is in SA religion, and so I am specifically wondering if we see a kind of specifically "spiritual" literature develop in Nordic religion as we do in South Asia? And by spiritual I mean some kind of conscious meta-awareness of existential problems as such. We don't *really* see this in the Vedas proper or the Puranas, and it isn't until around 600 BCE ish that we see the development of these more philosophically reflective works that seem to take existential questions of humanity or being itself as a self-conscious object of inquiry. I know I could be said to be a bit guilty of overly teleological thinking with regards to the development of religion here, but I nonetheless do believe certain broad patterns, often corresponding to large sociological changes, can be observed in the development of religious ideas. Anyways, any thoughts/source would be much appreciated!
There's nothing. Literally nothing. There are 0, zero, ZERO, nil, nada, zilch sources on the pre-Christian religions of the Norse and broader Germanic people written by practitioners of that religious tradition. All of our surviving sources on the practice of this religious tradition are from outside sources, mostly Christian, though one Islamic as well.
I have written on the paucity of sources numerous times, but here are some answers to similar questions you might be interested in!