Pagan poet embracing northern independence (7)

I believe the answer is:

odinist

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'pagan' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

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(Another definition for odinist that I've seen is " One with ancient faith".)

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times and The Times.

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