Greek VS. Viking(Norse) Mythology

There are many mythologies in the world, and all of these have things in common as well as differences. A very popular mythology would be Greek mythology, Which many people know about it or at least know of it. Another not as popular mythology is Norse mythology; Norse mythology is the religion of the Norse people. The Norse people are the ancient people of northern Europe (Scandinavia, Iceland, Denmark, Northern Germany etc.

Differences A major difference between Norse mythology and Greek mythology are both cultures views of the after life and what happens there. In Greek mythology there is one allotted place for people to go after death and once they are there they stay there for all eternity. In Norse mythology there are four different places for the dead: Folkvang, Valhalla, Helheim, and Ran's hall 

The creation story The creation story, as told by Greek mythology, is very different to the Norse. In Greek mythology, the gods did not create the universe, they were created by the universe. The first descendants of Chaos were Night, Day, Heaven, and Earth. The gods were then descendants of Mother Earth and Father Heaven Within Norse mythology, the gods were responsible for building the universe.

The chasm (Vision of Life)  Norse mythology is full of despair,sacrifice, and desolation, creating a dark and gloomy portrayal of Norse culture. The only bright spot in Norse mythology is remarkable heroism. However,Greek mythology contains stories of great victories over evil, love, adventure, and a carefree life. The hero inevitably wins and mankind is always celebrated.

End of the word There is no apocalypse or end of the world for both the gods and mankind in Greek mythology , whereas many of the chief deities in Norse myths will die in the battle of Ragnarok, and mankind will also perish. 

The Greek gods ZEUS Roman name Jupiter Zeus was the supreme god of the Olympians.

Hera Roman name Juno Hera was the goddess of marriage. She was the wife of Zeus and Queen of the Olympians.

ARES Roman name Mars Ares was the god of war, or more precisely of warlike frenzy.

HEPHAESTUS Roman name Vulcan Hephaestus was the lame god of fire and crafts or the two together, hence of blacksmiths.

ARTEMIS Roman name Diana Artemis was the goddess of the hunt. She helped women in childbirth, but also brought sudden death with her arrows.

DIONYSUS Roman name Bacchus Dionysus was the god of wine.

HERMES Roman name Mercury Hermes was the messenger of the gods and guide of dead souls to the Underworld.

POSEIDON Roman name Neptune Poseidon was the god of the sea, earthquakes and horses. Although he was officially one of the supreme gods of Mount Olympus, he spent most of his time in his watery domain.

APOLLO Roman name Apollo Apollo was the god of prophesy, music and healing

ATHENA Roman name Minerva Athena was the goddess of crafts and the domestic arts and also those of war and wisdom. She was the patron goddess of Athens. Her symbol was the owl.

HADES Roman name Pluto Hades was the God of the dead and ruler of the Underworld, which was called Hades after the god. Hades abducted Persephone, who became his queen.

DEMETER Roman name Cerus Demeter was the goddess of agriculture. She was the sister of Zeus and the mother of Persephone.

Norse(Viking) gods Odin/ Woden/ WotanChief of the gods Father of Thor, Balder, and other gods Odin pierces himself with a spear and hangs on Yggdrasil for 9 days and nights to learn the secret knowledge of runes Has one eye because he traded it for a drink from the spring of clairvoyance

Valkyries and Valhalla Valkyries are female spirit warriors that ride the battlefields and find worthy slain warriors and takes them to Valhalla where they will train until Ragnarok. The northern lights are light shining off of their shields Valhalla is the Hall of the Slain. It exists in Asgard, home of the gods

Thor/ Thunor God of thunder and lightning Mjolnir (the destroyer) – an ax-hammer that can destroy giants and mountains in a single blow Has a chariot pulled by two goats. He can kill these goats and eat them and they will come back to life. Is constantly fighting the World Serpent – Jormungand He is capable of drinking an ocean

Balder “The Beautiful” and “The Good” Primarily known for his death and resurrection The favorite child

Loki God of mischief and fire Trickster figure Unknown parentage Responsible for Balder’s death and punished by having snake venom drip on his forehead Jormungand, Hel, and Fenrir are his children Will begin Ragnorak

Bragi God of poetry and eloquence Loki calls him “Braggart” and the verb “to brag” comes from his name. Married to Idun

Idun Goddess of immortality Keeps the golden apples of youth Major story deals with a giant who, with Loki’s help, stole the apples, causing the gods to wither

Freyr / Frey God of agriculture, fertility, and plenty Twin to Freyja (they are VERY close) Unlike the other gods, Freyr and Freyja are earth dieties Has a sword that can fight by itself The boar is his symbol

Freyja Goddess of love and fertility Twin sister of Frey Slept with four dwarves to get a flaming necklace, which becomes her symbol of fertility Leader of the Valkyries She takes some of the dead warriors for herself Has a chariot drawn by cats

Frigg / Frigga / Frea Mother Goddess Wife of Odin Weaves clouds She knows events in the present and future, but is powerless to change them Learning of her son’s (Balder) death, she makes everything promise not to harm him – except the mistletoe

Tyr God of war and justice Precursor of Odin Boldest of the gods Lost his hand to Fenrir, Loki’s wolf-son His symbol is the spear which has become a symbol of justice

Hod God of winter and darkness Blind Tricked by Loki into killing Balder Vali killed Hod in revenge for Balder Will return during Ragnarok

Heimdall “World Brightener” God of the dawn Great hearing (can hear grass grow) and eyesight Is the look out on Bifrost (the rainbow bridge to Asgard)

Hel Daughter of Loki Giantess Goddess of death and the underworld Half black/ half white Her face and body are human but the legs are of a corpse Has two servants: Ganglati and Ganglot Spread the plague with a rake or a broom

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