I learned that the term “Heathen” was a Roman derogatory term for the Germanic Tribes, literally meaning “From The Heath Lands”

They were a thorn in the side of the Roman Empire, kicking their arses a bunch of times, but eventually being subjugated and becoming the same religion as the Romans. Except that they weren’t, they pretended to, but kept their old religion. So they were the Stormcloaks from Skyrim.

Edit to add: I also heard that the Roman statues had little dicks because civilised men were supposed to have little dicks but the Heathens had great big Animal cocks.