norse mythology essay introduction

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Norse Mythology: Legends, Characters, Deities, and Culture

Norse mythology encapsulates the religious beliefs of ancient Scandinavian societies. Known by some as the religion of the Vikings, Norse myths were orally shared for hundreds of years before the introduction of Christianity. Tales of daring were told through skaldic poetry, while legends became permanently ingrained in the history of would-be nations. Today we’ll tackle the “known” of old Norse lore, as it has been interpreted from the 8th century onwards.

Table of Contents

What is Norse Mythology?

When someone says “Norse mythology,” one may think immediately of characters like Odin, Thor , and Loki. In some cases, they will be able to recall a single important myth, like Ragnarök. However, there is so much more richness within Norse myths than just a couple of memorable characters and an apocalypse.

Norse mythology refers to myths that are part of the Old Norse religion. Also called Nordic, Scandinavian, or Germanic mythology, Norse mythology is a collection of tales originating from centuries of oral tradition. The first complete written account of Norse mythology is from the Poetic Edda (800-1100 CE), a collection of Old Norse poems and myths written by various authors.

How Old is Norse Mythology?

Since so much of Norse mythology was based on oral traditions of Germanic peoples it is hard to pinpoint when exactly this ancient mythology began. Archaeological evidence suggests that Old Norse Mythology is at least 300 years older than the infamous Viking Age (793–1066 CE).

Where is the Norse Mythology From?

Norse mythology is the collective myths of Germanic tribes throughout ancient Germania and Scandinavia. It was the primary religion of the European north, until the introduction of Christianity (8th-12th centuries CE). Norse myths likely developed from the Proto-Indo-European mythology of prehistory.

Is Norse Mythology and Vikings the Same?

Norse mythology is the pagan system of beliefs that is usually associated with Vikings. However, not all Vikings continued their practice of the Norse religion after the introduction of Christianity and other religions. There are theories that on top of Christianity and Old Norse religion, Islam was also present in the northern regions, being introduced through the Volga Trade Route.

Otherwise, the popular 2013 show, Vikings did reflect some events in Norse mythology. In particular, Vikings artistically portrays the life of legendary 9th-century Viking, Ragnar Lodbrok. A few episodes and plot points do have larger Norse mythological implications involving some characters, such as Ragnar, his son Björn, and Floki (hm… that sounds somewhat familiar).

The Norse Gods and Goddesses

The old gods of Norse mythology are separated into two distinct groups: the Æsir and the Vanir. Somewhat akin to ouranic and chthonic deities, the Æsir and Vanir cover opposing realms. Despite this, there are a select number of Norse gods and goddesses that belong to both divine clans.

We can thank an ancient war for that! Once upon a time the Æsir and Vanir went to war. Lasting for years, the two clans only made up after an exchange of hostages, thus explaining why some Vanir are counted amongst the Æsir ranks.

Ancient Scandinavians viewed the gods as beings with the ability to offer protection, insight, and guidance. They were, by all accounts, dedicated to the affairs of Midgard; Thor, specifically, was considered to be the champion of man. The deities could be summoned, called upon, and manifested in times of need.

Interestingly enough, though they had the keystones of godhood, the Norse gods weren’t immortal. Their longevity was gained through the regular consumption of enchanted golden apples, which were kept by the goddess of youth, Idunn. Without the apples, the gods would suffer sickness and old age. So we guess you could say that an apple a day will keep old age away.

One notable thing is that Idunn’s apples did not equate to immortality. Even with the apples, the Norse pantheon was susceptible to death. Their mortality is especially highlighted in the myth of Ragnarök where (spoiler alert) nearly all of the gods die.

The Æsir gods and goddesses are the “major” Norse gods. They were more commonly worshiped compared to the Vanir, who had cults on a lower scale. Marks of the Æsir are strength, physicality, war, and wit. Modern veneration of the Æsir is called Ásatrú, which can combine polytheistic beliefs with ancestor worship.

• Magni and Modi

According to myth, the Æsir are descendants of Búri. Famous for being the progenitor of the Æsir, Búri was freed by the primeval cow Auðumbla from a mass of rime stones. He is described as being fair and mighty and would bear a son, Borr, the would-be father of Odin, Vili, and Ve.

Unlike the Æsir, the Vanir gods and goddesses are not descendants of Buri. Befitting of the mystical Vanir, their origin is somewhat of a mystery as well. The lore varies between the Vanir originating from Vili and Ve (who we otherwise don’t know much about) or beginning with the chthonic goddess, Nerthus. From then on, Nerthus either married or became the Vanir patriarch, Njord.

• Hnoss and Gersemi

Who are the 3 Main Norse Gods?

Out of all the Norse gods, there were three that are considered the “main gods.” Sort of, at least. Odin, Thor, and Freyr were among the most revered of all the gods; thus, they could be considered the three main deities.

There is a theory that the Vikings and other Germanic peoples would change out their supreme deities. Of course, this varied throughout regions as well: no one was necessarily bound to have a specific god be above the rest. That being said, it’s thought that Tyr was initially the head of the pantheon, then Odin, and towards the end of the Viking Age Thor began to grow in popularity. Freyr had always been a fan favorite, with the god Ullr being significant enough to have numerous sites named after him.

Who is the Most Powerful Norse God?

The most powerful of the Norse gods is believed to be Odin, though there are a slew of powerful gods in the pantheon. Breaking everything down, Thor and Odin are just about neck-in-neck for the position of mightiest deity. Either god has some crazy magical buffs that certainly make them stand out above the rest.

Who is the God of War in Norse Mythology?

There are several gods of war in Norse mythology. By that, we mean most of the Æsir are associated with warfare. The Vanir? Not so much.

The main “god of War” is Tyr. What – were you expecting Kratos? In all seriousness, Tyr was the god of war – namely treaties – and justice. He was considered the bravest of the Æsir, having sacrificed his hand to bind the great wolf Fenrir.

Religious Practices of Norse Mythology

The religious practices linked to Norse mythology are scantly recorded. Honestly, we know almost next to nothing about the religious worship of ancient Germanic peoples: everything we think we know is inferred from later records – oftentimes through an outside perspective – and archaeological discoveries. Much of what we know is through the eyes of a Christian author, over one hundred years after the fact.

There are accounts of rites of passage, especially of those being incorporated into a family, whether by birth, adoption, or marriage. As for funerary rights, there is a lot of archaeological evidence available. Unfortunately, it appears that there was no exact principle to follow, as both burials and cremations occurred. It is unknown if there were certain funerary rites associated with the afterlife the deceased would go to, whether that was Valhalla, Fólkvangr, or Helheim.

Old Norse religious beliefs were steeped in polytheism and ancestor worship. While the major Norse pantheon included many gods and goddesses, individuals would also venerate their deceased family members. The family unit was extremely important, and the departed were believed to offer guidance from beyond the grave. More than that, though, ancient Germanic peoples were staunch believers in rebirth through generations.

Most people love a good festival, and the ancient Norse are no different. Since there is limited information regarding all the festivities that would have been staged during the peak of Norse paganism, below is a collection of known festivals, many of which are in honor of pagan gods .

• Veturnáttablót

Additionally, the historian Adam of Bremen had recorded that Uppsala would host a festival every nine years where nine males of every animal (humans included) were ritually hung in a sacred grove. This was likely a festival to honor Odin since hanging was innately tied to the deity. It relates to his sacrifice to gain all-knowing wisdom, which included giving his eye to Mimir’s Well; throwing himself onto his spear, Gungnir; and hanging from Yggdrasil for nine days and nine nights.

Festivals would be celebrated on large and small scales. Priestesses would usually lead the celebrations. Similarly, smaller festivals such as Álfablót – a sacrifice to the Elves – would be led by the women of the household.

Unlike some scholars’ beliefs, Viking women absolutely fit within the “Viking ethos.” Women undoubtedly had agency within the religion and based on our current knowledge, they enjoyed great amounts of equality within their societies. Although not all religious festivals were led by women, many were.

As with most cultures throughout ancient history, there were sacrifices made to honor the Norse gods and goddesses. Whether through physical offerings, libations, sacrificial feasts, or blood the deities got their fair share of recognition.

The more common sacrifice recorded is blot , the sacrifice of blood. Usually, this was animal blood, although human sacrifices were practiced. Blood would be sprinkled over an altar. Alternatively, there are records of the heads and bodies of animals being suspended from a pole or a sacred tree.

As you can guess, animal sacrifices were commonplace. They were described in the Poetic Edda, Prose Edda , and several sagas from the time. The twins Freyja and Freyr accepted animal sacrifices, per written accounts, namely those of oxen or hogs. However, from all of the ritual sacrifices discovered, it has been difficult to tell what sacrifice was made to what god.

Human sacrifices were also heavily recorded by Adam of Bremen, describing individuals being ritually sacrificed through drowning, hanging, and sacrificial suicide. Moreover, the execution of criminal offenders and prisoners of war may have been carried out with sacral undertones. In more recent years, there has been the theory that bog bodies – mummies found in peat bogs – may have been human sacrifices. Treasures such as chalices, cauldrons, and royal wagons have also been discovered in bogs over the centuries.

Far from one in a million, disposing or depositing items in wetlands is a trend that archaeologists have noticed throughout Scandinavia. This seemingly ritualistic act continued from the 1st to the 11th centuries CE. The only comparable ritual deposits found on land have been in groves, suggesting that there was a religious significance to the wetlands.

There is not much knowledge available on cults as they pertain to the Norse religion. Thus, we believe that veneration was interwoven with daily life, though the extent of which is currently unknown. It is thought that rites and rituals were performed in both private and public, though there are no first-hand accounts of such being the case.

Gods were worshiped individually and en masse ; whether or not there were specific cultic rites tied to any specific myth can only be speculated. There are certainly implied connections, such as those described in the works of Adam of Bremen, but no direct, undeniable evidence. Just who the supreme deity appeared to have shifted with time and region; for example, Thor’s apparent cult was extremely popular throughout the Viking Age.

The Nine Worlds and Yggdrasil

According to Norse mythological tradition, there isn’t just the Heavens, Earth, and Underworlds. There were in fact Nine Worlds in the Norse universe that surrounded an ultra-mega world tree called Yggdrasil. These legendary Nine Worlds were as real as Midgard (Earth), the realm in which mankind would reside.

The realms of Norse myth are as follows:

• Álfheimr/Ljósálfheimr
• Niðavellir/Svartálfaheimr
• Jötunheimr/Útgarðr

The world tree Yggdrasil is situated in the center of the worlds, though is said to be slowly rotting. It is cared for by the three Norns, who tend to it with sacred water pulled from the Well of Fate ( Urdarbrunnr ). Yggdrasil has three distinct roots that reach into Hel, Jötunheimr, and Midgard respectively, and is described by historians as an ash tree. Furthermore, Yggdrasil had three important wells at its base, those being Urdarbrunnr; the “Roaring Kettle” Hvergelmir, where the great beast Nidhogg gnaws at the roots (and on corpses!); and Mímisbrunnr, better known as Mimir’s Well.

Myths and Legends of Norse Mythology

Someone once described Norse mythology as being a Dungeons and Dragons campaign where the Dungeon Master just never says “no.” To be fair, that’s an on-the-nose assessment. Though despite all the chaos that goes down in many known myths from ancient Scandinavia, there are two that are incredibly significant.

That’s right, folks: a creation myth and that one crazy apocalypse we mentioned a bit back.

The Creation Myth

The Norse creation myth is pretty straightforward. Odin and his two brothers, Vili and Vé, take the corpse of the jötunn Ymir and chuck him into the Ginnungagap. Since he is a giant, different parts of his body make up the world as we know it. So, yeah, we’re all existing on the dead body of a long-dead jötunn.

When it comes to the creation of mankind, that too was up to Odin and his brothers. Together, they created the first man and woman: Ask and Embla. Depending on the interpretation, Ask and Embla could have been found by the three deities or literally made out of two trees they found. Either way, Odin gave them life; Vili gave them their understanding; and Vé gave them their senses and physical appearance.

The Doom of the Gods

Now, as far as Ragnarök goes, it is perhaps one of the most retold tales of Norse mythology. Marvel has done it, there are graphic novels detailing the harrowing events, and pretty much most people know the general information about the infamous “Twilight of the Gods” (and no, we aren’t talking about a YA novel here).

Ragnarök was first mentioned by the völva that addresses a disguised Odin throughout the poem, Völuspá. She says, “Brothers will fight, bringing death to each other. Sons of sisters will split their kin bonds. Hard times for men, rampant depravity, age of axes, age of swords, shields split, a wind age, a wolf age, until the world falls into ruin.” So, it is pretty bad news.

During Ragnarök, the Nine Worlds and Yggdrasil fall to ruin, destroyed by Loki, the Jötnar, monstrosities, and the spirits of Hel . Neither the Jötnar nor the gods emerge victorious, with only a select number of deities surviving the ordeal. Of the residents of Midgard, only a man and a woman (Lif and Lifthrasir) live through Ragnarök. They would go on to venerate Baldr, Odin’s son, who is reborn as the ruler of the new world.

Heroes and Legendary Kings

There’s just something about hero tales that humanity adores. We love seeing our favorites beat the odds and save the day. Luckily, Norse mythology is far from short of heroes. Though set apart from the divine progeny heroes of Greek mythology , Norse heroes performed feats that were nothing short of miracles.

Interestingly enough, there are not many known demi-gods in Norse myths. Those that are mentioned don’t have extensive legends surrounding them. More often than not, they are usually outshined by broader culture heroes and legendary kings.

Below is a handful of heroes and legendary kings that are mentioned in a handful of Norse myths and literature:

• Bödvar Bjarki
• Guðröðr of Skåne
• Halfdan the Old
• Helgi Hundingsbane
• Hrólfr Kraki
• Ragnar Lodbrok
• Raum the Old

Mythical Creatures

While the main gods themselves are a fascinating bunch, there are many mythical creatures in Norse mythology that are deserving of attention. Though there are hapless beings that surround the world tree, Yggdrasil, other creatures inhabit other worlds (there are nine, after all). Some of these mythical creatures aided and abetted the gods only to later betray them. From dwarves to elves, to battle-hardened psychopomps, Scandinavian mythology had them all:

• Dáinn, Dvalinn, Duneyrr and Duraþrór

Mighty Monstrosities

The monsters of Norse stories are downright frightening things. From the chilling undead to literal dragons, many monsters could chill one to the bone. Oh, and we can’t possibly leave out the many giant wolves with their insatiable hunger that are everywhere .

Looking at the sky? Yep, there are wolves up there chasing the sun and moon. Planning on taking a walk to clear your head? Careful, you may stumble across the canine son of Loki (who is very different from the serpent son of Loki). Even in death, there will be a huge, blood-drenched best boy waiting at the gates of Hel to howl at your arrival.

In Scandinavian mythology, monsters are in direct opposition to the gods. The Vikings believed that these beasts are inherently malevolent with no room for redemption. More than standing against the gods, the monsters of Scandinavian mythology are also suggested to stand against the current order. Most have distinct parts to play in the myth of Ragnarök, where the gods are destroyed and the world rises anew.

• Fossegrim (The Grim)
• Jörmungandr
• Sköll and Hati Hróðvitnisson

Legendary Items

The legendary items of Norse mythology act as defining traits of the characters they are attached to. For example, there would be no Thor without Thor’s hammer; Odin wouldn’t be nearly as powerful if it wasn’t for his spear; likewise, the gods would be just supernaturally-gifted mortals if it weren’t for Idunn’s apples.

• Brisingamen
• Hymer’s Cauldron
• Idunn’s apples
• Járnglófar and Megingjörð
• Skíðblaðnir

Famous Artworks Inspired by Norse Mythology

Artwork depicting Norse mythology is epic. From the Viking Age, much of the surviving artwork is in the Oseberg style . Noted for its interconnectivity and its use of zoomorphic forms, the Oseberg style was the dominant approach to art throughout much of Scandinavia during the 8th century CE. Other styles used include Borre, Jellinge, Mammen, Ringerike, and Urnes.

When looking at pieces from the time, wood carvings, reliefs, and engravings were popular. As was filigree and the use of contrasting colors and designs. Wood would have been a common medium, but its susceptibility to damage and deterioration means that only a small fraction of wooden artworks have survived to the modern world.

The Oseberg longship (from which the style gains its name) is one of the best surviving examples of Viking craftsmanship. It displays the use of ribbon animals, gripping beasts, and ambiguous shapes that are staples of the Oseberg style. The most surviving pieces of Viking art are various metal works, including cups, weaponry, containers, and jewelry pieces.

There is plenty of mystery surrounding the meaning of Viking artworks as they pertain to Norse mythology. Nonetheless, they offer a spectacular look into the lives of the ancient peoples of northern Europe.

Famous Literature about Norse Mythology

As with most ancient religions, adaptations of Norse mythology to literature originate from its oral traditions. Northern mythology, as it stands, is filled with fantastical realms and compelling deities. Efforts to translate rich oral history into written literature began around the 8th century CE. Primeval stories, once only spoken, were bound within the pages of books by the 12th century CE and made increasingly popular by Snorri Sturluson’s Prose Edda .

Most literature about Norse mythology is from Scandinavian countries during the Middle Ages. Written as either skaldic poetry or Eddaic verse, these pieces dealt with famous legends and historical figures. More often than not, the reality was intertwined with myth.

• The Poetic Edda
• The Prose Edda
• Ynglinga Saga
• Heimskringla
• Heiðreks Saga
• Völsunga Saga

Famous Plays on Norse Myths

Not many adaptations of famous tales from Norse mythology have made it to the stage. Performances, unlike those of the Greeks and Romans, were not tied to a particular deity. In more recent years there have been attempts to bring myths to the stage, especially through smaller theater companies. Vikingspil , or Frederikssund Viking Games, has been one of the companies to have hosted dozens of performances in the past. As of 2023, their theater is staging Sons of Lodbrog , which deals with the unrest that follows the death of the hero, Ragnar Lodbrok.

Other attempts at interpreting ancient Norse mythology have been attempted in Wade Bradford’s Valhalla and The Norse Mythology Ragnasplosion by Don Zolidis.

Norse Mythology in Films and Television

When discussing Norse mythos in popular media, there are a lot of fantastical elements at play. Between the popularity of the Thor films from the Marvel Universe and the hype that surrounds the show Vikings , there is plenty of Norse mythology media out there. Most of them capture the essence of the myths: the splendor, the cunning, and the heart of them all. You’ll be cheering for the heroes and cursing the villains.

Much of what is taken from Norse mythology for use in films and television has been from the Poetic Edda and the later Prose Edda . These pieces of literature, though our lifeline to the oral traditions of Norse paganism, attempt to capture long ago myths. The earliest piece in the Poetic Edda may still have been written 300-400 years after the inception of Norse mythology.

Even God of War: Ragnarök , though it has a beautiful story, amazing graphics, and on-the-nose characterization of the gods, could only do so much with the information that is available on Norse myth. By no means does that mean those experiencing it love it any less.

The lack of readily available knowledge of Norse mythology can lead artists and writers alike to make their own interpretations. It is fair to say that pop culture has taken a few modern liberties with its interpretation of traditional Norse mythology. While there are many wonderful shows and movies that attempt to capture the soul of Norse myths, directors and screenwriters can only hope to do justice to the lost oral traditions.

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Introduction

Teutonic religion extended through Germany, Scandinavia, and England in the Dark Ages, and as Christianity supplanted it the old gods and rites were destroyed and forgotten. Much of our knowledge of this religion stems from The Elder Edda and The Younger Edda, which were compiled in Iceland during the Middle Ages. The Eddas project a stern and gloomy view of the cosmos and of man's role in it.

The world was created when Odin and his brothers slew the primeval Frost-Giant Ymir, and it will come to an end when the Giants rise against Odin and his comrades and kill them in battle. Certain doom awaits the gods and men alike, but in the face of that doom the one noble activity is war, and to die courageously fighting was the only way to enter Valhalla, the warrior's paradise. Love in the Norse tales was often accompanied by murderous passions, and treachery was commonplace. The world here is a hard, cold, bitter place in which to live.

Despite the starkness of this picture the Norsemen took intense pleasure from such things as friendship, drinking and eating, making love, outwitting strangers, avenging wrongs, and fighting bravely. They were a fierce, hard-headed race, and their myths take no pains to conceal it.

We will examine the creation and destruction of the universe, some tales of the gods, and the epic stories of Beowulf, the Volsungs, and Sigurd. These will give a more vivid and detailed version of how the Norsemen saw the world and what they valued.

Supernatural Races in Norse Myth

The Aesir were the primary race of gods, which included Odin, Thor, Tyr, Balder, and Heimdall, among others. They lived in Asgard and held temporary power over the cosmos. Aging like mortals, these gods renewed their youth by eating magic apples. Their reign would end and they would die at Ragnarok, when evil overcomes good in a final battle.

The Vanir were a secondary race of gods, not essentially different from the Aesir. In ancient times the Vanir and the Aesir battled one another until a compromise was reached in which the Vanir were admitted into Asgard. Among these gods were Frey and his beautiful sister Freya.

The Giants , whether Frost-Giants or Mountain-Giants, were terrible magicians who lived at Jötunheim, engaged in contests with the gods, and would shatter the cosmos at Ragnarok.

The Dwarves were a subterranean race of craftsmen.

The Valkyries , "choosers of the slain," were female warriors who selected brave mortal fighters who died in battle to live in Valhalla in Asgard. Attendants of Odin, the Valkyries were also immortal waitresses that refilled the drinking cups in Valhalla. They were visible only to men about to die fighting.

The Major Norse Gods

Odin (Woden, Wotan) was the chief god, a master of wisdom, magic, and poetry. A protector of courageous noblemen in war, he was also the god of the slain. Odin was blind in one eye, wore a golden breastplate and helmet, carried a magic spear, and rode an incredibly swift, eight-legged horse named Sleipnir. On his shoulders perched two ravens, Hugin and Munin (thought and memory), that flew throughout the world and reported everything to him each night.

Frigga was Odin's wife, who was also wise. She protected brave warriors whom Odin neglected. Both Frigga and Odin had extramarital sexual encounters.

Thor was the god of thunder, a powerful deity, upright in character but fearsome to his enemies. He protected peasant warriors and possessed a belt that doubled his strength, iron gloves, and a magic hammer, Mjölnir, which always struck its target and returned to Thor's hand.

Balder , the son of Odin and Frigga, was especially favored and loved by nearly every being in the world, but he was the first god to die, killed by Loki's treachery.

Tyr presided over public assemblies, legal matters, and battles. His hand was bitten off by Fenrir the wolf, a monstrous enemy of the gods.

Frey was the god of vegetation and fertility.

Freya , his sister, was the goddess of love and beauty.

Heimdall was the watchman of the gods, stationed on the rainbow bridge, Bifrost, that led to Asgard. His trumpet would announce doomsday.

Loki , although allowed in Asgard, was the son of a Giant. Full of malice and cunning, he perpetrated much mischief until the gods bound him in a cavern with a venomous serpent to torment him. He fathered three mighty monsters, including Fenrir the wolf and the Midgard Serpent.

Hel was goddess of the netherworld, and half her face had human features while the other half was blank. She ruled the dead.

Creation and Catastrophe

At first there was only a great void. But to the North of this void there formed a region of mist and ice, while to the South grew a region of fire. Niflheim was the name of the North, and Muspellsheim of the South; and the heat from the latter melted some of the ice of the former, which shaped Ymir, the Frost-Giant with a human form. From Ymir's sweat came the race of Giants, and as the glacial ice melted further a huge cow was created to feed the Giants. This cow in turn was fed by salt contained in the ice. One day it licked the ice and hair emerged, on the next day a head, and on the third day Bur emerged, fully formed. Bur had a son, Buri, who had three sons — Odin, Vili, and Ve. These three were a new race, not Giants but gods. They banded together and murdered Ymir. Most of the other Giants drowned in Ymir's blood, which created a great sea. From Ymir's body the three gods made solid land, the earth, and from Ymir's skull they made the vault of the heavens. Odin and his brothers then created the race of dwarves from the maggots in Ymir's body. Other gods joined these three, and together they erected Asgard and all its halls to be their own home.

Having established their supremacy, the gods made the first mortals, shaping a man from an ash tree and a woman from a vine. The gods bestowed breath, energy, a soul, reason, warmth, and freshness on this first couple. And from their male descendants Odin chose only the bravest to live in Asgard after they died, for these warriors would aid him in the final showdown with the forces of evil.

The cosmos was supported by a tremendous ash tree, Yggdrasil. One of its roots extended to Niflheim, which was the netherworid; another to Jötunheim, the dwelling place of Giants; another to Midgard, the home of man; and one to Asgard, the home of the gods. In its upper branches lived a squirrel and an eagle, while at its rootage lived the serpent Nidhögg, which gnawed away, until at the end of time the whole structure would collapse. In the meantime the Norns, or Fates, watered the tree to keep it from dying.

Odin knew the power of the gods was not eternal, for he and his comrades would die when the Giants and demons rose against them. The last fight would take place at Vigrid, a field one hundred miles in length and breadth. Odin would be swallowed by Fenrir the wolf, but his son would avenge him. Thor and the Midgard Serpent would destroy each other; so would Loki and Heimdall; and Tyr would slay Garm, the fierce dog of Niflheim, and be clawed to death in turn. The stars and all heavenly bodies would plummet from the sky as the earth sank beneath the sea. The twilight of the gods would become night, and the universe would exist no more.

Yet there still existed a power, the Nameless One, that would give birth to a new world beyond the edge of time.

Previous Love Tales — Pyramus and Thisbe, Baucis and Philemon, Pygmalion, Vertumnus and Pomona, Hero and Leander, Cupid and Psyche

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Essay Sample about Viking Age: Norse Mythology

Introduction

From 793- 1066 AD during the Middle Ages, Norsemen, also known as Vikings, took raiding, colonizing, conquest, and trading to a whole new level. Starting their journey in Europe and eventually reaching North America. During this time period the Scandinavians changed history in many places around the world; Ireland, England, Russia, and many other European countries. Throughout this time period there are many important characters to take note of, Odin, Thor, and Loki. There are many more but these tend to be the most talked about. Along with the characters there were also a few literacy techniques throughout the story worth mentioning. 

From earliest times Odin was known as the war god and poets, he was discovered long ago in heroic literature as the protector of heroes. Odin was one of the most powerful Norse gods and has archetypes like wisdom, knowledge, healing, death, and war. Odin was a great magician among the Gods associated with runes. He was a tall, old man, with a following beard and one one eye, in which he gave in exchange for wisdom. He ruled over the ‘hall of slain’ or more commonly known as Valhalla. Odin had one of the most important tasks of all, imbuing the first people with spirit and life, while Vili and Ve gave the power of movement and the capability of understanding. Due to Odin’s role in the Norse universe, he was known as the Giver of Life. In today’s day some religions may consider him to be a modern day God. He ruled over the Aesir, a group of deities, throughout Norse mythology. We learn many lessons from Odin, one being learning is a lifelong process, it begins in early childhood and continues on until your last breath. Whether you realize the chance to better yourself or no, Odin sure did. He would sit with intelligent ravens, high throne, magical runes, etc. He was able to observe the whole cosmos with his ravens scouring over the Nine Worlds whispering in his ear what they had seen, and drinking the holy water that provided him with infinite knowledge, he could read magical letters that carried the destiny of many. 

Another popular character in Norse mythology is Thor, the god of thunder, the sky, and agriculture. Thor is the son of Odin, chief of the gods, and husband of Sif, the fertility goddess. Thor is known to be holding a hammer, which is used to associate lightning, thunder, storms, sacred groves and trees, strength, the protection of mankind, hallowing, and fertility. Thor’s core values are community, trustworthiness, compassion, and adventure. Throughout Norse mythology Thor’s courage and sense of duty was unshakeable, he had physical strength which was unmatched compared to other gods. Some could call him unstoppable when it came to battle.  

The last character worth explaining in Norse mythology is Loki. He was known for his cunning tricks and ability to change his shape and sex. Some of the time Loki is busy getting the Æsir out of trouble, other times he’s the reason they're in trouble in the first place. Loki is also known to be a companion of Odin and Thor. He pulls tricks throughout the story like spoiling the feast, cutting Sif’s hair, morphing into a female horse, and playing with Thor’s hammer. All of which are what make him such an exquisite character and so meaningful. 

As explained this reading is known for its poetry and or personification, another character not mentioned was Ymir.  He was a hermaphrodite who could reproduce asexually, he was said to be the first being, who happened to be a giant created from drops of water. The name Ymir comes from the word “Screamer.” He was considered to be formless but that didn’t stop the gods from giving him a meaning, making his words out of screaming, metaphorically speaking, the wordless voice is the raw material from which words are made. Once he passed the world creation began, by using the remains of the giant. Ymir was dragged into the center of Ginnungagap, where they created the world. His blood became the oceans, rivers, and lakes. His flesh became land. 

Kenning was another way the book captured its characters. Kenning was an expression in Old English and specifically used in Old Norse poetry which tends to have metaphorical meanings throughout the word or periphrasis. One common example would be “man of rings.” the kenning would be in the word “king.” In this story kings were men who gave out rings so it is fitting to call a king a “man of rings.” Another example in the story is, “The splendid hater of the fire of the sea defends the beloved of the enemy of the wolf; ships’ prows are set before the steep brows of Mim’s friend’s wife...” Folklore often associates gold with bodies of water, which is what the “fire of the sea” is referring to. Kenning is for gold. “Splendid hater of [gold]” refers to a king giving out gold to his followers as if he is trying to get rid of it. The “enemy of the wolf” is the god, Odin, who fights the wolf Fenrir. The last part refers to the word “beloved.” Odin uses this word for the Earth-goddess, Jord, some believe this was Odin’s wife. “Mim’s friend” is once again talking about Odin, and his “wife” Jord. Quotes like these can go on for a while and can take awhile to “decode” in order to better understand. 

Overall each one of these characters shaped Norse mythology and they are the true reason we know so much about it now. With the use of poetry and god-like characteristics all five characters had an outstanding impact as a viking.

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Ultimate Guide to Norse Mythology

Norse mythology is the compilation of the stories, religious practices, and myths of the ancient Nordic people. These texts span a period of time beginning in Norse paganism and continuing through the medieval era, during which most of Scandinavia converted to Christianity.

Pantheon of gods and goddesses worshipped by the Norse clans

The Norse gods and goddesses are the array of deities honored by ancient Nordic worshipers. They primarily came from two different tribes, the Aesir and the Vanir, but were united in their efforts to fight the jötnar , a tribe of giants dwelling in another realm of the world tree Yggdrasil.

Popular Resources

Norse Cosmology

The assembly of cosmic realms, creation and destruction myths of Norse mythology

Norse cosmology focuses on how the Norse people perceived the cosmos and their place in it. It includes their creation myths, the nine realms of the universe, and their perception of the inevitable end of both humanity and the gods in the form of Ragnarok.

• Nine Realms
• Ginnungagap

Norse Literature

Body of texts informing most of what is known of ancient Norse mythology and religion

The Norse texts which provide the vast majority of knowledge of Norse mythology are recordings of oral histories dating from the 13th century. The most fundamental of these texts include the Prose Edda and Poetic Edda , the sagas of Icelanders, and inscribed objects such as amulets and runestones.

• Poetic Edda

English History

Norse Mythology

Where did norse mythology start.

Norse mythology is the body of mythology practised in Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden and Denmark) stemming from paganism and continuing after the introduction of Christianity.

Norse mythology encompasses figures and stories from numerous sources, medieval manuscripts, archaeological evidence and folk tradition, from before and after the pagan era. Some of these deities include Thor, Odin, Freyja, Skaoi, Njoror and Loki.

Complexity In Norse Mythology

This religion was animistic (the attribution of a soul to flora, fauna and inanimate objects), polytheistic (the worship of multiple Gods), pantheistic (the universe is a manifestation of the deities) and held a cyclical view of time. Like many other early religions, the mythology has very clear myths about the creation of the universe and humanity as well as having divine explanations for day and night, weather and natural phenomenon.

Most of the surviving mythology we know of today centres around the plight of the gods and the tales surrounding their world. Norse mythology consists of nine worlds that all surround a central cosmological tree, Yggdrasil. All beings inhabit these nine circles- the Viking Gods reside in the heavenly realm of Asgard, humanity inhabits Midgard, and the other worlds are inhabited by beings such as elves, giants and dwarves. Travel between the worlds was very common in myths and legends, where Gods, humans and other beings would interact directly.

Human Origins In Norse Mythology

Humanity was created from the flesh of Ymir, a primordial being and the first two humans Ask and Embla were born. Norse mythology has similar themes of an apocalyptic end, the world will be supposedly reborn after Ragnarok, a battle between the Gods and their enemies, in which the world will be enveloped in flames and then born anew, fertile and green and once again two humans can repopulate the earth. Elements of the cosmos were personified like many other ancient cultures, the Sun was Sol, a Goddess, the Moon was Mani a God and the earth was Joro another goddess. Units of time were personified in the Viking’s deities, Dagr and Nott, day and night respectfully.

Norse mythology is recorded in dialects of Old Norse, a North Germanic language, spoken during the European Middle Ages . These texts were recorded in manuscripts from oral tradition in Iceland during the thirteenth century. Poems and Sagas have given the best insight of beliefs and deities worshipped amongst the Norse people.  Objects from archaeological finds have been interpreted as depicting Norse mythology, such as amulets with Thor’s hammer found amongst pagan burial sites, and small female figures interpreted as Valkyries.

Evidence collected in records, place names and manuscripts have led historians to concur that Thor was the most popular deity amongst the Vikings .

Thor is portrayed as a valiant defender of humanity with his hammer Mjolnir, and laying waste to jotnar who are foes of the gods and humanity. Loki is the trickster God, often referred to as a shapeshifter, who is responsible for conflict and turmoil amongst the Gods and humanity.

Odin is frequently mentioned in surviving texts, portrayed as one eyed with a wolf and a raven flanking him, he pursues knowledge throughout the worlds.

In a selfless act, Odin hangs himself on Yggdrasil to gain knowledge of the runic alphabet, which he then passed on to humanity. Odin is also the ruler of Valhalla, the Viking comparison of heaven and thus he is often associated with death.

Valhalla, a majestic and enormous hall in Asgard was the afterlife for the warriors who had died in combat, where one would clash in battle all day and then spends your nights feasting, celebrating and participating in general debauchery. Warriors in Norse culture were held in very high regard.

Other gods include Odin’s wife, Frigg who is omniscient, and Freyja who shares half of the dead with Odin and brings the deceased to her afterlife field of Folkvangr.

The God, Njoror is associated with ships and seafaring as well as wealth and prosperity, he is in love with Skaoi, the mountain goddess of hunting and skiing, though the love is ill-fated as neither can be away from their homes of the sea and mountains respectively.

The Norse afterlife has various destinations for the dead. Hel, a murky realm ruled over by a Goddess with the same name. As mentioned above, Valhalla and Folkyangr were other destinations for those slain in battle.

The goddess Ran claimed those who died at sea, and the Goddess Gefjon ferried virgins upon their death. On top of all of these different ends a soul may meet, reincarnation is frequently referenced in texts describing myths and Norse mythology.

Norse Mythology is a complex belief system with numerous deities and potential afterlives, but the stories and beliefs offer great insight into the Norse people. The mythology depicts a warrior and naval-based culture, concerned with honour through battle and soldiers with little fear of dying.

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Old Norse Mythology—Comparative Perspectives

Citation:   Hermann, Pernille, Stephen A. Mitchell, and Jens Peter Schjødt, eds., with Amber J. Rose. 2017. Old Norse Mythology—Comparative Perspectives . Milman Parry Collection of Oral Literature 3. Cambridge, MA: Milman Parry Collection of Oral Literature. http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:hul.ebook:CHS_HermannP_etal_eds.Old_Norse_Mythology.2017 .

Methodological Challenges to the Study of Old Norse Myths: The Orality and Literacy Debate Reframed

Source evaluation, oral-derived texts.

The resigned conclusion of this passage about the elusory character of eddic poems may very well be an implication of a lack of methodological concern and of a textually-biased view of the texts. Implicit to the questions of age and provenance are text-bound ideas of “works” as finalized textual units, and ideas about the possibility of exact dating and arranging the poems in chronological order are organizing principles that are not readily adaptable to oral texts nor, most likely, to oral-derived texts.

Text-Context

Parallel with an increased awareness of “performance” and “living orality”, it becomes relevant not merely to reconstruct the myths themselves, but also to recontextualize them. Thus, in acknowledging that in an oral situation, meaning emerges as much from the context as from the text itself, it becomes increasingly important to scrutinize in which ways it is possible to recontextualize the myths.

However, some new pathways have been laid out (see Jochens 1993), implying that dichotomizing tendencies that have otherwise been dominant, say, between genres like history and fiction (Clunies Ross 1998; Hermann 2010) or between pagan traits and Christian influence (Lönnroth 1969; Vésteinn Ólason 1998), are not as firm as they may appear. For instance, Jürg Glauser has proposed that less focus on genre distinctions, that is, on textual classification and chronology, as well as an increased focus on alternative “concepts of text” (Glauser 2000a, 2007) may break down classifications that otherwise have guided our understanding of the source value of the texts. Studies in saga-texts increasingly turn attention to the number of ways in which these texts are discursively indebted to cultural, historical, and ideological forces at the time of each text witness, as well as to the reception of texts (Quinn and Lethbridge 2010). In having other foci than those literary approaches that emphasize author, literary borrowings, and the question of origins, future studies that follow up on such pathways may very likely bring to light new aspects of the textual material, aspects that will also inspire the study of myths in context.

Myth performance

Books with non-ecclesiastical content were also read aloud in front of audiences. It has long been emphasized, and it is generally accepted, that this was the case for saga-texts; and it has been argued as well that eddic poems were intended to be read out loud and possibly even to be acted dramatically (Lönnroth 1979; Mitchell 1991; Gunnell 1995a, 1995b; Mundal 2010). This argument shows that when transferred to written form, the narrative material was potentially realized and received in a context that retained dimensions that otherwise confine themselves to oral situations. This observation thus locates the written texts in multi-media and multidimensional situations, where books and visible signs on the page would have been accompanied by such features as voice and bodily orientation.

Words and images

Diachronic and synchronic approaches

Works cited, primary sources, secondary sources.

Norse Mythology

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Summary and Study Guide

Norse Mythology is a 2017 collection of short stories by British author Neil Gaiman. The stories are retellings of tales from ancient Norse mythology, presented mostly in retrospect by an unnamed narrator. Through frequent addresses to the audience , the narration evokes the oral tradition of storytelling.

In the beginning, there was nothing but darkness and fire until the creation of the nine worlds. Odin and his brothers create other beings; Odin, the all-father breathes life into them. The nine worlds are joined by the world tree, Yggdrasil. Among these worlds are Asgard, the world of the gods, Midgard, the world of the mortals, and Muspell, the world of flame, and Jotunheim, the world of the giants. In Jotunheim, Odin sacrifices his eye to drink from Mimir’s well of knowledge.

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Loki , the trickster god, cuts off Thor's—the mightiest of the gods—wife's hair. To assuage Thor’s anger, Loki tricks dwarves into fashioning treasures for the gods. Among these treasures are Odin’s spear, Gungnir, and Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir—the mightiest weapon in Asgard.

Loki’s sneaks off three times and each time has a child with the giantess, Angrboda. His daughter Hel becomes the ruler of the underworld. His child Jormungundr becomes the Midgard serpent, which will grow to encircle the world and kill Thor during Ragnarok. His son Fenrir , a giant wolf, is tricked into bondage by Odin, because Odin has had visions of Fenrir during the end times. Fenrir vows vengeance against the Aesir.

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Kvasir, the wisest of the gods, is born of the commingling of the spit of the Aesir and the Vanir. He is tricked by two elves, killed, and turned into mead. This mead is the origin of all poetry in the world. Odin steals the mead from the giant, Suttung.

Thor, Loki, and Thialfi—Thor’s mortal bondservant who can run faster than anyone—journey to the land of the giants. The biggest giant they encounter, Skrymir, suggests they travel to meet Utgardaloki, a giant king. Utgardaloki challenges the three travelers to contests, which turn out to be illusions. Loki can eat almost as fast as a wildfire consumes matter. Thialfi can run almost as fast as a thought travels. Thor can drain the ocean and can nearly hold his own against old age.

Frey has everything he could want, but something feels like it's missing. He sneaks his way to Odin’s stronghold and sits in his throne. From there, he sees and falls for the beautiful Gerd. He sends his servant to fetch her, and the two are soon married. He gives his servant his magical sword as payment; this leads to his death at Ragnarok.

In order to obtain a cauldron large enough to brew mead for the gods, Thor visits the sea giant, Hymir, stepfather of the war god, Tyr. Thor and Hymir go fishing. While Hymir catches whales, Thor catches and nearly hauls in the Midgard serpent.

Thor and Frigg’s son, Balder , is the most beloved of the gods. In order to avoid a prophesy that seems to indicate he will die, Frigg makes everything—except mistletoe—swear an oath that it will not harm him. Loki gives Balder’s blind brother, Hod, a mistletoe dart to throw. This slays Balder.

The gods capture Loki and his sons. They make his son Vali kill his other son, Narfi. They use Narfi’s entrails to bind Loki to a stone in a cave. The wind a serpent in the stalactites above him; from then until Ragnarok, the serpent drips poison into Loki’s face. His wife, Sigyn, collects the poison as it drips to spare her husband the agony.

Ragnarok will be signaled by a winter that never ends. Fenrir, grown impossible huge and powerful, will escape bondage—as will his father, Loki. The Midgard serpent will flood the world and poison the ocean. Loki will go to Hel and raise an army of the ignoble dead. Heimdall, the watchman god, will sound the alarm. Odin will raise an army of the warriors of Valhalla and lead the gods into battle.

Frey will fall to Surtr of the fire world. Thor will fall, poisoned after slaying Jormungundr. Odin will be consumed by Fenrir, and avenged by his son, Vidar. Loki and Heimdall will fall in battle together. All will be reduced to ash, except for Yggdrasil and those taking refuge in its branches. The few surviving Aesir—along with Balder, back from the dead—will make up the pantheon of Idavoll; the world will begin again.

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