1. Norse Mythology: Historical Background Course Target: I will read and analyze technical selections, legends, myths, short stories, epic poems, poems and plays for theme, journey genre, and purpose Daily Target: I will learn some background about Norse Mythology to successfully analyze its purpose.

2. Where does Norse Mythology Come From?! Primarily Norway, Sweden and Finland! Our Minne “sodan” heritage! Ya sure you betcha!

3. This is Norway-ask Ms. Charboneau about it-she’s been there!

4. Norse Mythology has its roots in the Proto-Norse Iron Age Proto-Norse was a language spoken in Scandinavia that was thought to have evolved from Proto-Germanic over the first centuries AD. It is the language used in the oldest Scandinavian inscriptions, spoken during the 3 rd - 7 th centuries. It evolved into the dialects of the Old Norse language at the beginning of the Viking Age.

5. What happened to Norse Mythology? Norse Mythology flourished during the Viking age (3th-11 th centuries when the Vikings explored Europe by its oceans and rivers through trade and warfare). Then there was the Christianization of Scandinavia somewhere around the 10 th century. Norse Mythology passed into Scandinavian folklore and there are some aspects surviving to the modern day. It then became a large influence on modern literature and pop culture.

6. Why should we care about Norse Mythology? It will be part of our study relating to Joseph Campbell’s The Monomyth-the hero cycle-a cycle that will help us analyze literatures. It has influenced literature and pop culture in Western Culture, which can help us to make connections in the world around us.

7. Some influences in Pop Culture and Modern Literature J.R.R. Tolkien’s writings were heavily influenced by pre-Christian Northern Europeans. The Lord of the Rings includes elements of mythology including elves and dwarves Marvel Comics The Mighty Thor Heavy metal lyrics including bands like Manowar, Therion, Bathory, Amon Amarth, and Tyr Video games! Final Fantasy, Too Human, Age of Mythology, World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King, Ragnarok Online, Viking: Battle for Asgard, Dark Age of Camelot, Guild Wars, etc.