Norse Mythology Mythology I

Background “Norse” refers to Danes, Norwegians, Swedes (a.k.a. “Vikings”) The Viking Age was A.D. Vikings spread from Scandinavia to Iceland, Greenland, Ireland, Scotland, Russia, and North America Norse myths reflect the nature of the Viking people

Sources Elder Edda or Poetic Edda: a group of poems by various authors that were probably written in the tenth century Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson  Written around 1200 A.D.  Includes retellings of most of the poems from the Elder Edda  Influenced by Christianity

The NORSE WORLD

YggdrasilL “The World Tree” World is separated into 9 realms on three levels Most important: Asgard (home of the gods), Midgard (home of men), Jotunheim (home of giants), and Hel/Niflheim (home of the dead) Asgard and Midgard are connected by Bifrost, the rainbow bridge

GODS of the NORSE

Æsir and Vanir Two races of gods in Norse mythology Æsir are the more war-like gods: Odin, Frigg, Thor, Balder and Tyr Vanir are the more peaceful fertility gods: Njord, sea god, and his children, Freyr and Freyja These clans battle, exchange hostages, etc.

ODIN Son of Bestla and Bor, brother of Vili and Ve Father of Balder, Tyr, Heimdall, and others The All-Father, God of Battle Dwells in Valhalla, where he welcomes courageous warriors after death Possesses Gungnir, a great spear which he can use to start wars Rides Sleipner, the eight-legged horse who is the fastest steed in the world

Thor God of Thunder, strongest god Son of Odin and Jord (Earth), husband of Sif Protects Asgard, battles giants Owns the war hammer, Mjolnir, which, when thrown at a target, returns to the owner Also owns a belt which boosts his strength and a pair of special iron gloves His chariot is drawn by two goats, which he can eat and resurrect

Balder God of innocence, beauty, joy, purity, and peace Son of Odin and Frigg Killed by a trick of Loki Will return to rule after the end of the age

Loki Son of giants, father of the Fenris-Wolf, Midgard serpent, Hel, and Sleipner Married goddess Sigyn, had two sons Trickster hero/god, neither fully good or bad Able to change shape and gender Never worshipped by men

tyr God of single combat and heroic glory Once thought to be head of the Norse pantheon, later said to be son of Odin Sacrificed hand to bind the Fenris-Wolf

frigg Wife of Odin Goddess of marriage, motherhood, fertility, love, household management, and domestic arts Has the power of prophecy but does not tell what she knows Is said to have woven or spun the clouds

Freyja Daughter of Njord, the sea god, and twin sister of Freyr Goddess of love, sex, beauty, prophecies and attraction Owned the necklace Brísingamen, and a cloak of feathers, which let her change into any bird Rides in chariot drawn by cats Often desired and fought for by gods, giants, and dwarves

freyr Son of Njord, the sea god, and twin brother of Freyja Fertility god; rules over rain, shining of the sun, and produce of the fields Marries a giantess, Gerd Rides a boar with golden bristles Has a magical sword and a magical ship

Heimdall Guardian of the gods and Asgard Blows the horn Gjall if danger approaches Stationed at Bifrost, the rainbow bridge Extremely acute senses, does not sleep Son of nine different mothers

The Norns Three women: Urd (fate), Verdandi (being) and Skuld (necessity) Weave the tapestry of fates in which each person's life is a thread, even the gods’ Live by a root of Yggdrasill Guard the spring of fate

The Valkyries “Choosers of the Slain” Always female Give victory in battle according to Odin’s will Servants in Valhalla Origin, names, and powers differ according to various myths

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