1. Norse Mythology The Northern Myths

2. Myth revisited What is a myth? –Fiction? –Fact? –The truth, the “word” of a culture –A way of explaining the unexplainable –Includes gods and goddesses

3. Northern/Norse Myths Myths of the Scandinavian people –Sweden –Norway –Denmark –Iceland First written in 1200 A.D. –Author Snorri Sturluson –Prose Edda –Christian influences

4. Norse Way of Life Climate –Cold –Windy –Snowy/icy Lifestyle –Sailing –Fishing –Raiding –Little agriculture –Some farming

5. Norse Mythical World Alfheim World of the elves Asgard World of the Aesir Jötunheim World of the giants and frost-giants. Midgard Home of mankind. Muspelheim World of fire and the fire-giant, home of the giant Surt. Nidavellir Home of the dwarves Niflheim World of the ice and that of the dead, which is also known as Hel. Svartalfheim World of the black elves (svartálfar) Vanaheim Home of the Vanir

6. Norse Saga Similar to legends –Stories of great heroes – “what is told” Similar to epic –Narrative in prose or poetry Völsung Saga