Another name for the religion is the Icelandic "Ásatrú", which translates as "Æsir belief"—the Æsir being a sub-set of deities in Norse mythology. This is more commonly rendered as "Asatru" in North America, with practitioners being known as "Asatruar". This term is favored by practitioners who focus on the Nordic deities of Scandinavia, however is problematic as many self-identified Asatruar worship entities other than the Æsir, such as the Vanir, valkyries, elves, and dwarfs. Although initially a popular term of designation among practitioners and academics, usage of "Ásatrú" has declined as the religion has aged.