Norse MythologyNorse Mythology

The collective myths of the Scandinavians The collective myths of the Scandinavians

(Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Iceland).(Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Iceland).

Viking EraViking Era

There are several similarities between There are several similarities between Norse Mythology and Greek/Roman Norse Mythology and Greek/Roman MythologyMythology

Norse myths were codified during the Norse myths were codified during the Viking era: 780 - 1070 Viking era: 780 - 1070

Travel as far east as the Caspian sea Travel as far east as the Caspian sea Fashioned after the fall of the Roman Fashioned after the fall of the Roman

empire empire Made many expeditions into Britain Made many expeditions into Britain

Norse Society Norse Society

An extension of the society that fashions it An extension of the society that fashions it Similar to Greek and Roman MythologySimilar to Greek and Roman Mythology

Explanation of the powerful forces which Explanation of the powerful forces which affect and shape it affect and shape it

weather, the elements, and nature weather, the elements, and nature

Gods and GoddessesGods and Goddesses super-human powers super-human powers fraught with very human frailties and flaws fraught with very human frailties and flaws

GodsGods There are three Gods who do not have There are three Gods who do not have

Roman/Greek/Norse counterpartsRoman/Greek/Norse counterparts ThorThor

Son of OdinSon of Odin God of thunderGod of thunder

axe-hammer – Mjolniraxe-hammer – Mjolnir iron gloves and a belt of strengthiron gloves and a belt of strength

AthenaAthena Greek/Roman GoddessGreek/Roman Goddess Daughter of Zeus and MetisDaughter of Zeus and Metis Virgin GoddessVirgin Goddess

embodiment of wisdom, reason, and purityembodiment of wisdom, reason, and purity LokiLoki

GiantGiant Enemy of the Norse GodsEnemy of the Norse Gods Became God through OdinBecame God through Odin Son is Fenris (Wolf)Son is Fenris (Wolf)

PaganismPaganism Europe was Christianized for almost a thousand Europe was Christianized for almost a thousand

years, but the Norwegians were still worshipping years, but the Norwegians were still worshipping their old pagan gods. their old pagan gods.

Cold and HeatCold and Heat Ymer Ymer

A giant trollA giant troll left armpit: a male and a female emerged left armpit: a male and a female emerged Feet: a son with six heads Feet: a son with six heads

Rime Giants, sometimes called trolls, but best known as Rime Giants, sometimes called trolls, but best known as JotunsJotuns

AudhumlaAudhumla a colossal cowa colossal cow Licked rock to create first GodLicked rock to create first God

Created BureCreated Bure descended the gods, whom we call descended the gods, whom we call ÆsirÆsir. .

The VikingsThe Vikings

Teutonic people (Germanic)Teutonic people (Germanic) Great chivalry Great chivalry Barbaric cruelty (war, looting, Barbaric cruelty (war, looting,

aggression, rape and other crimes)aggression, rape and other crimes) Pillaged eastern coastlinePillaged eastern coastline

Killing men, killing children, and raping Killing men, killing children, and raping womenwomen

Methods of slaughtering peasant fisherfolk Methods of slaughtering peasant fisherfolk were horrendouswere horrendous

Galwegian warriors Galwegian warriors Impaling babiesImpaling babies

VideoclipsVideoclips

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/interactive/audio_video/interactive/audio_video/