Viking Mythology

Viking MythologyMythologyMythology, like religion, gives us insight into the beliefs and attitudes of a people.

Viking Religion was known as Paganism, which is a broad term for any non-Abrahamic, Polytheistic religion.

Viking mythology was passed down in an oral tradition which means it was not written down until later on in history. (Like Greek mythology and First Nations storytelling.)

By the time they were written down, Christianity had come to Scandinavia. There may be some Christian influence when they were recorded.

Viking beliefs were polytheistic (They had many gods)

Viking beliefs were passed down as stories. Many revolved around characters such as Thor and Loki.

From the Viking Gods we get the days of the week for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Asgard-Home of the GodsYggdrasil-The World TreeMidgard-Earth or Middle EarthJotunheim-Land of the GiantsHel-Land of the DeadOdinKing of the Gods, also known as the Allfather.

Also known as Woden from where we get Wednesday.

Traded his eye for a sip from the well of knowledge learned of his own eventual defeat at the jaws of Fenrir the Wolf during Ragnarok.

Destined to lead the Gods to defeat against the giants at Ragnarok.

Powerful, but not all-powerful like a Monotheistic God.

ThorThor was the Thundergod.

He was the most popular of the Gods. A real Vikings Viking he could be clever but preferred to solve his problems with his fists.

A miniature Hammer, Mjolnir, was a common good-luck necklace even after Christianity was adopted.

Destined to die fighting against Jormungand, the World Serpent during Ragnarok.

TyrViking God of War.

Lost his hand to the giant wolf, Fenrir.

From Tyr we get Tuesday

Destined to die fighting Fenrir during Ragnarok.

Freyja / FriggGoddess of Fertility

Wife of Odin.

May be two goddesses, or one.

From Frejya we get Friday.

Loki

Son of Odin and a Frost Giant.

Half-Brother of Thor, Loki accompanies him on many adventures in Norse Mythology.

A Trickster, Loki sometimes helps Thor, sometimes causes trouble. He has the ability to change is shape.

Destined to fight against the Gods during Ragnarok.Fenrir

One of the Children of Loki

Enormous Wolf.

Chained up by Tyr but bit off his hand.

Destined to break free and kill Odin during Ragnarok.Jormungand

Another one of Lokis Children.

Also known as the Midgard Serpent or the World Serpent.

Was an enormous sea serpent that could stretch around the world.

Had a very powerful venom.

Destined to be destroyed by Thor during Ragnarok but its venom kills Thor after he takes 9 steps.Ride of the Valkyries

Viking Afterlife ValhallaValkyrie They took brave soldiers to ValhallaViking Heaven was known as Valhalla

You got to Valhalla by dying a heroic death.

Valkyries took heroic warriors to Valhalla after death

Warriors feasted and battled in Valhalla, awaiting Ragnarok which was the final battle and the end of the world of the Viking Gods.

Viking Afterlife HelHel is where everybody who did not go to Valhalla ended up.

It was looked after by Lokis daughter, also named Hel, who was half woman and half corpse.

It is dark, dreary and extremely cold.

Vikings had a difficult time with Christian concept of Hell They didnt mind a little warmth!

Ragnarok

Viking story about how the world will end.

The Gods battle against the Giants and monsters.

All the warriors of Valhalla will participate.

Everyone dies on both sides.

Afterwards, the world will rise again with only one god remaining (Baldur) and with two people left to re-populate Midgard.

Closure / ExtensionViking beliefs were as brutal as their lifestyle. Being maimed, settling problems with violence and having it all end up in a massive brawl.

Critical Thinking: Did Viking beliefs effect their actions? Or did Viking actions effect their beliefs?