1. Norse Mythology Presented by Fleury Laycook

2. Adapted from The Norse Myths By Kevin Crossley-Holland AndMythology By Edith Hamilton By Edith Hamilton

3. Vikings or Norsemen Norway Norway Sweden Sweden Denmark Denmark and eventually Iceland Iceland is the collective term for the Scandinavian people of

4. 780 A.D. to 1070 A.D During the Viking Age the Norsemen conquered and settled far to the east, west, and south. During the Viking Age the Norsemen conquered and settled far to the east, west, and south. This was made possible by the Norsemen’s superb ships and navigational skills. This was made possible by the Norsemen’s superb ships and navigational skills. The Viking Age

5. Vikings raided and then colonized Scotland Scotland Half of England Half of England Ireland Ireland Holland (Fries Land) Holland (Fries Land) France France Lisbon in Portugal Lisbon in Portugal Seville in Spain Seville in Spain Pisa in Italy Pisa in Italy Sicily Sicily

6. There were several reasons why the Vikings traveled and colonized so widely. Scandinavia had become overpopulated in relation to the arable (farmable) land. Scandinavia had become overpopulated in relation to the arable (farmable) land. The system of primogeniture (leaving the entire inheritance to the oldest son) encouraged younger sons to seek their fortune elsewhere. The system of primogeniture (leaving the entire inheritance to the oldest son) encouraged younger sons to seek their fortune elsewhere. Trade routes were expanding worldwide, thus attracting Viking traders and pirates. Trade routes were expanding worldwide, thus attracting Viking traders and pirates. The natural disposition of Vikings and their religion’s emphasis on bravery encouraged them to raid, trade, and colonize. The natural disposition of Vikings and their religion’s emphasis on bravery encouraged them to raid, trade, and colonize.

7. The word Viking means “bay-men” “bay-men” “fighting men” “fighting men” “settling men” “settling men” According to Kevin Crossley-Holland, “…most of the them lived peaceful lives, hunting, fishing, and above all farming for most of the time.”

8. Vikings Spread Across the Globe Vikings sailed east from the Baltic Sea, up various rivers and rolled their ships over land to Kiev, Russia, and Constantinople. The “Rus” or red- haired, pale- skinned Swedish Vikings gave their name to Russia. Vikings sailed east from the Baltic Sea, up various rivers and rolled their ships over land to Kiev, Russia, and Constantinople. The “Rus” or red- haired, pale- skinned Swedish Vikings gave their name to Russia.

9. Vikings sailed across the Caspian Sea to Iraq where they traded in Baghdad. (The movie The Thirteenth Warrior chronicles Arab diplomate Ibn Fadlan’s travels with the Vikings in 922 A.D.) Vikings sailed across the Caspian Sea to Iraq where they traded in Baghdad. (The movie The Thirteenth Warrior chronicles Arab diplomate Ibn Fadlan’s travels with the Vikings in 922 A.D.) Norwegian Vikings colonized Iceland in the late 9 th and early 10 th centuries and pushed west to Greenland. Norwegian Vikings colonized Iceland in the late 9 th and early 10 th centuries and pushed west to Greenland. Leif Ericson sailed to Newfoundland and New England around 1000 A.D., and North America was briefly colonized by the Norse. Leif Ericson sailed to Newfoundland and New England around 1000 A.D., and North America was briefly colonized by the Norse.

10. The Norsemen brought their culture and religion wherever they settled. Norse society was divided into three discrete social classes. Serfs (or Thralls) Serfs (or Thralls) Peasants Peasants Earls or Warriors Earls or Warriors

11. Serfs or Thralls Serfs had difficult lives. Some of these slaves were foreign captives. Serfs had difficult lives. Some of these slaves were foreign captives. They were manual laborers who were never set free. They were manual laborers who were never set free. No patron god protected this group. No patron god protected this group. The thralls and their animals lived together in one hut made of timber, turf, or clay. The thralls and their animals lived together in one hut made of timber, turf, or clay.

12. Peasants The majority of Norsemen belonged to the peasant class. The majority of Norsemen belonged to the peasant class. Thor was their patron god. Thor was their patron god. They were small farm-holders and freemen. They were small farm-holders and freemen. They lived in timber houses and their animals lived in barns. They lived in timber houses and their animals lived in barns.

13. Earls or Warriors Aristocratic upper class Aristocratic upper class Odin was their patron god. Odin was their patron god. Wealth, land, and ships were passed to the eldest son through primogeniture. Wealth, land, and ships were passed to the eldest son through primogeniture. Each wealthy landowner had followers. Each wealthy landowner had followers. Warriors were responsible and devoted family men who customarily spent the long winters at home. Warriors were responsible and devoted family men who customarily spent the long winters at home.

14. More about the Warrior Class… Leaders were chosen from this class for their valor and noble birth. (Except Iceland which was ruled by a union of chieftains.) Leaders were chosen from this class for their valor and noble birth. (Except Iceland which was ruled by a union of chieftains.) The feasts at Valhalla portrayed in myths are based on the tradition of feasting in the warriors’ halls—including stories and songs performed by scaldic poets. The feasts at Valhalla portrayed in myths are based on the tradition of feasting in the warriors’ halls—including stories and songs performed by scaldic poets. In the summer, these same men assembled crews of men for the purpose of exploring, trading, or piracy. In the summer, these same men assembled crews of men for the purpose of exploring, trading, or piracy. This was called going “viking.” It is this class whose exploits are celebrated by the scaldic poets. It is this class whose exploits are celebrated by the scaldic poets.

15. More about Norse Culture… The Norse lived physically demanding lives. Travel involved crossing cliffs and glaciers and the chance of snowstorms. The Norse lived physically demanding lives. Travel involved crossing cliffs and glaciers and the chance of snowstorms. One farm was often a hard day’s ride from the next. The Norse traveler was more likely to encounter birds and animals than other humans between settlements. One farm was often a hard day’s ride from the next. The Norse traveler was more likely to encounter birds and animals than other humans between settlements. The family unit was extremely important. Each family had to be self-reliant. Members had to be supportive of each other in times of trouble. The family unit was extremely important. Each family had to be self-reliant. Members had to be supportive of each other in times of trouble.

16. Norse Justice Anyone who injured or killed someone could not hope to get away with it. An “ordeal” might be used to determine guilt. Anyone who injured or killed someone could not hope to get away with it. An “ordeal” might be used to determine guilt. Compensatory fines were extracted from the guilty. Compensatory fines were extracted from the guilty. Serious crimes were punished by outlawry or death. Serious crimes were punished by outlawry or death.

17. Alliances Norse families cultivated friendships both for pleasure and because large groups of people loyal to one another were less vulnerable. Norse families cultivated friendships both for pleasure and because large groups of people loyal to one another were less vulnerable. A special relationship existed within the family. A maternal uncle was especially responsible for the welfare and training of his nephew. A special relationship existed within the family. A maternal uncle was especially responsible for the welfare and training of his nephew. In the myths Odin learns the 9 magic songs that enabled him to procure the divine mead of poetry from his uncle, the son of Bolthor. In the myths Odin learns the 9 magic songs that enabled him to procure the divine mead of poetry from his uncle, the son of Bolthor.

18. The Role of Women In the Norse sagas the outspoken woman who is more determined than the men around her is a familiar character. In the Norse sagas the outspoken woman who is more determined than the men around her is a familiar character. The woman portrayed as volva or shamaness able to go into a trance and send out her spirit to obtain hidden knowledge, answer practical questions, or seek knowledge about marriage prospects is also common in the tales.The woman portrayed as volva or shamaness able to go into a trance and send out her spirit to obtain hidden knowledge, answer practical questions, or seek knowledge about marriage prospects is also common in the tales. Freya, goddess of love and beauty, is sometimes portrayed as a shamaness going from hall to hall teaching witchcraft.Freya, goddess of love and beauty, is sometimes portrayed as a shamaness going from hall to hall teaching witchcraft. Both in the family and the law, women and men had equal rights. Both in the family and the law, women and men had equal rights.

19. Norse Values This attitude is perfectly expressed by Skirnir is a myth called “Skirnir’s Journey.” “Fearlessness is better than a faint heart for any man who puts his nose our of doors; The length of my life and the day of my death were fated long ago.” “Fearlessness is better than a faint heart for any man who puts his nose our of doors; The length of my life and the day of my death were fated long ago.” No Viking believed he could change his destiny. He believed the 3 Norns (Fate, Being, and Necessity), wove the fates of gods and men.

20. Fame and Reputation Men who railed about hardships were not respected. Norsemen endured their hardships and the inevitability of death— even laughed at it. Men who railed about hardships were not respected. Norsemen endured their hardships and the inevitability of death— even laughed at it. A desire for fame, especially a good reputation after death was of supreme importance the Viking.

21. Norse Fatalism in the Myths Norse Fatalism in the Myths Eternal fate of the dead--Odin and the Valkyries decide which dead warriors will be taken to Valhalla. Men have no choice. Eternal fate of the dead--Odin and the Valkyries decide which dead warriors will be taken to Valhalla. Men have no choice. Curses cannot be averted--Gold that Loki extorts from the dwarf Andvari carries a curse with it that cannot be avoided. Curses cannot be averted--Gold that Loki extorts from the dwarf Andvari carries a curse with it that cannot be avoided. Destiny and Prophecy--Odin knows that his son Balder will die but cannot prevent it. Destiny and Prophecy--Odin knows that his son Balder will die but cannot prevent it. Ragnarok--Most importantly, Ragnarok, “the destruction of the powers” is inescapable. At Ragnarok, both the gods and the heroes who fight for them will be destroyed, and a new creation with only a few gods and two people will remain. Ragnarok--Most importantly, Ragnarok, “the destruction of the powers” is inescapable. At Ragnarok, both the gods and the heroes who fight for them will be destroyed, and a new creation with only a few gods and two people will remain.

22. No place for whiners… There is no bitterness in the myths about the harshness of life or the eventual destruction of the world at Ragnarok. Rather, there is a spirit of heroic resignation. There is no bitterness in the myths about the harshness of life or the eventual destruction of the world at Ragnarok. Rather, there is a spirit of heroic resignation. The Norse gods can be killed, captured and injured. Therefore, unlike the Greek gods who always win, they can be truly heroic and brave. The Norse gods can be killed, captured and injured. Therefore, unlike the Greek gods who always win, they can be truly heroic and brave.

23. Creation Creation in Norse mythology is really three myths combined into one. The world is fashioned from the giant Ymir’s body. The cow Andumla releases the first man by licking him out of the snow. Bergelmir and his wife escape the flood and go on to found a race of giants.

24. Yggdrasill is a mighty ash tree at the axis of the universe. It has no known origin, and it will survive Ragnarok. It has three roots. The root sunk into Asgard has the well of Urd (Fate) under it and is guarded by the three Norns (Fates).

25. The second root delves into Jotunheim. Under this root is the Spring of Mimir. This is the source of wisdom. Mimir guards the horn that Heimdall will blow to summon all creation to Ragnarok. The third root plunges into Niflheim. Under this root is the is the Spring of Hvergelmir. This is the source of the eleven rivers.

26. Animals in Yggdrasill The dragon Nidhogg and other unnamed serpents gnaw at its roots. Deer and goats leap along its branches and tear new shoots. A squirrel runs up and down its trunk carrying insults from Nidhogg to an eagle who sits in the topmost branches. Bees use the dew that drips from it for making honey. The cooked fruit from Yggdrasill ensures safety during childbirth.

27. Lif and Lifthrasir Two humans, Lif and Lifhrasir will survive the holocaust and flood of Ragnarok by hiding in Yggdrasill. Two humans, Lif and Lifhrasir will survive the holocaust and flood of Ragnarok by hiding in Yggdrasill. Yggdrasill suffers from the animals but is cared for by the Norns who sprinkle it with water and mud so it doesn’t wither or decay. Yggdrasill suffers from the animals but is cared for by the Norns who sprinkle it with water and mud so it doesn’t wither or decay.

28. Asgard Jotunheim Niflheim There are three levels within the world tree.

29. Principal Norse Gods Principal Norse Gods Odin, All-father god of battle, wisdom, and poetry (Aesir) Thor, god of order, thunder, and rain (Aesir) Freyr, god of plenty, peace and fertililty (Vanir) Freyja, goddess of love and beauty also war and witchcraft (Vanir)

30. Odin Odin, also called All-father, is the highest and oldest of the Norse gods. Odin, also called All-father, is the highest and oldest of the Norse gods. He is the ruler of all things including the other gods. He is the ruler of all things including the other gods. The Norse believed that the world was created from chaos and Odin “organized” the world. The Norse believed that the world was created from chaos and Odin “organized” the world. Derived from Wodan and Tîwaz, Germanic war gods

31. He is terrible, arrogant, and capricious—a god to be respected but not loved. He is the patron god of the nobility. In Valhalla, he entertained the Einherjar—slain warriors selected and conducted there by his maidservants, the Valkyries. From his high seat in his hall of Valaskhalf, he could see all that happened in the nine worlds. Odin is the god of battle, wisdom, poetry, and the dead.

32. Odin’s Appearance Odin is a formidable presence. He has only one eye, and often wears a wide-brimmed hat to escape recognition. He wears a blue cloak and carries a magic spear— Gungnir, which never misses its mark. On his shoulders sit his two ravens Huginn (Thought) and Muninn (Memory). These birds of battle fly over Midgard in search of wisdom. He rides a swift eight-legged horse named Sleipnir. He wears a golden arm ring named Draupnir which reproduces eight rings of its own weight every ninth night. He feeds his two wolves Geri and Freki hunks of meat but drinks only wine himself.

33. Odin as god of poetry and wisdom Odin is the god of poetry. He traveled to Jotunheim to win the mead of poetry. He seduced the guardian giantess, Gunnlod, so he could drink the mead made from the wisest god’s blood, Kvasir, and honey. Odin is also known as Lord of the Gallows, God of the Hanged, and God of the Spear. He required human sacrifices. He hung on Yggdrasill for nine days so that he could gain the wisdom of the dead— ”an offering to Odin, myself to myself.” He won knowledge of the runes and nine powerfully magic songs. Odin gave one of his eyes for a drink from the Spring of Mimir and received the knowledge of runes and a thirst for yet greater wisdom.

34. Thor Thor’s hammer, Mjollnir, was not only a symbol of aggression but also of fertility. Thor is the god of the sky and thunder but also rain, fair weather, and earth’s fruits. Thor is the son of Odin and Earth (Fjorgyn) and husband to Sif. He was called the Thunder God or the Charioteer and drove a chariot pulled by goats into battle. He is the god of law and stability in Midgard. He was the most loved and respected god.

35. B By the 11th Century Thor had replaced Odin as the foremost god. Huge and red-bearded Possessed a vast appetite Quick to lose his temper but also to regain it A little slow on the uptake Immensely strong and dependable He was the patron god of the farming freemen and his description fit his role well:

36. Thor’s strength and hammer, mjollnir, keep the giants at bay. At Ragnarok, Thor will fight Jormungand, the giant sea serpent, and they will be well- matched.

37. Freyr Freyr is the god of plenty and brings prosperity to men. Freyr is the god of plenty and brings prosperity to men. His name is invoked for peace and plenty. His name is invoked for peace and plenty. He is derived from the ancient “Earth Mother,” Nerthus, from Denmark. He is derived from the ancient “Earth Mother,” Nerthus, from Denmark. Freyr is the son of the Vanir fertility god of the sea, Njord. Freyr is the son of the Vanir fertility god of the sea, Njord.

38. He decides on the sunshine and the rain. He decides on the sunshine and the rain. He in responsible for the increase of crops, livestock, and humans. He in responsible for the increase of crops, livestock, and humans. His principal possessions: a ship and a boar are both fertility symbols. His principal possessions: a ship and a boar are both fertility symbols. Gullinbursti, the boar, symbolizes lust. Gullinbursti, the boar, symbolizes lust. Skidoladnir, his collapsible ship, symbolizes good fishing. Skidoladnir, his collapsible ship, symbolizes good fishing. At one time Freyr had a sword that would fight giants of its own accord. At one time Freyr had a sword that would fight giants of its own accord.

39. Freyr looked down at the nine worlds from Odin’s high seat and saw the beautiful giantess Gerd. He fell hopelessly in love. He sent his servant Skirnir to arrange a marriage. He tried to bribe her with many of the gods’ treasures, but because Freyr had killed her brother, she refused. Finally, Skirnir threatens to curse her so that she will never be able to have a lover or enjoy eating food, so she agrees to marry Freyr. At Ragnarok, Freyr will have no defense, because he gave his special sword that could fight giants on its own accord to his wife Gerd.

40. The Germanic war gods (the Aesir) replaced the ancient fertility gods (the Vanir). Freyr is one of the Vanir who comes to Asgard when the Aesir and Vanir end their war and decide to exchange leaders as a way to guarantee the peace. Freyja, the goddess of love and beauty, is also exchanged. She was the foremost goddess of the Vanir. Because of this melding, most Norse gods have some attributes associated with fertility and some associated with war.

41. Freyja Goddess of love and beauty Sexually attractive and free with her favors Known as “the golden one” and she cried tears of gold. Her husband, Od, (perhaps Odin), has left her and she cries for him. Her primary symbol of fertility is the Necklace of Brisings. Two giants pursue her as a lover. She has a human lover name Ottar. Freyja sleeps with four dwarves in exchange for the Necklace of Brisings.

42. Freyja is also associated with war and has connections with the dead. She rides a chariot pulled by cats into battle and chooses half the slain heroes for her hall, Sessrumnir on Folkvang. (The rest go with the Valkyries.) Freyja’s human lover, Ottar, turns into a boar named Hildisrini (which means “Battle Boar”). Sometimes Freyja rides Hildisrini into battle.

43. Freyja as Goddess of Magic She brought the common magic of the Vanir to Asgard. She is sometimes portrayed as the mistress of magic and witchcraft who travels from settlement to settlement teaching humans witchraft. She owns a magic falcon skin which enables her spirit to take the form of a bird and travel to Niflheim and return with prophecies and knowledge of destinies. The Norse believed that the dead had wisdom and those who could communicate with them could learn that wisdom.

44. Other Norse Gods Tyr, god of war, bravest of the gods (Aesir) Heimdall, sleepless watchman of the gods (Vanir) Loki, the trickster, associated with Chaos, son of 2 giants (foster brother to Odin) Skadi, associated with winter, skiing and hunting (giantess)

45. Tyr Tyr was the god of war. (He is derived from a Germanic war god.) Tyr was the god of war. (He is derived from a Germanic war god.) He is either the son of Odin and a giantess, or the son of the giant Hymir. He is either the son of Odin and a giantess, or the son of the giant Hymir. He is the bravest Norse god who sacrificed his hand so that the Fenrir, the giant wolf, could be bound until Ragnarok. He is the bravest Norse god who sacrificed his hand so that the Fenrir, the giant wolf, could be bound until Ragnarok.

46. HeimdallHeimdallHeimdallHeimdall He is Watchman of the gods, and guardian of the Bifrost, the rainbow bridge. He is Watchman of the gods, and guardian of the Bifrost, the rainbow bridge. He needs less sleep than a bird and can see more than a hundred leagues even at night. He needs less sleep than a bird and can see more than a hundred leagues even at night. He can hear grass growing and wool growing on sheep. He can hear grass growing and wool growing on sheep. Not much is known about the origin of Heimdall, but he was probably a Vanir. Not much is known about the origin of Heimdall, but he was probably a Vanir. He was born from nine maidens (probably the nine waves). He was born from nine maidens (probably the nine waves).

47. His horn, Gjall, can be heard throughout the nine worlds and will be blown to summon every living creature to the battle of Ragnarok. Until Ragnarok, the horn is hidden at the Spring of Mimir in Jotunheim and guarded by wise Mimir. Heimdall is the progenitor of the races of mankind. He and his brothers were the creators of mankind. Heimdall used the name “Rig” in this myth. At Ragnarok he and his age- old enemy, Loki, will fight and destroy each other.

48. Njord Skadi wanted to marry Balder, but Odin made her choose her husband looking only at his feet. She chose Njord. The marriage of Njord and Skadi represents the union of the god of life and a figure of death. It brings together opposites: sea level and high mountains, summer and winter, life and death. Evenually their differences are too great and they separate. Skadi Njord is an important Vanir fertility god associated with seafaring and fishing. He is the father of Freyr and Freyja. Their mother was Njord’s sister who disappears because of the Norse taboo against incest. His hall is called “Noatun,” meaning “Shipyard.” Skadi is a pale white giantess. She is associated with skiing, hunting, winter, and darkness.

49. Loki Loki is the god of mischief. He is a trickster who makes trouble for the gods but just as often gets them out of it by using guile. He is the son of two giants and the foster brother of Odin. He embodies the darkening relationship between the gods and the giants. Eventually, he evolves into a demon that must be chained until Ragnarok. He is handsome and fair of face, but has an evil disposition and is very changeable of mood. He excelled all men at the art of cunning.

50. Loki always cheats. He can change shape and sex. He gave birth to Odin’s eight- legged horse, Sleipnir, while disguised as a mare. He is directly responsible for the death of Odin and Frigga’s son, the wise and gentle Balder. Loki tricked Indun into losing the apples of eternal youth so that the gods aged. He also cut off Sif’s golden hair. He put Freyja at risk by promising her to a giant.

51. Although Loki has a faithful wife, Sigyn, he fathered three monsters with the giantess Angrboda. Fenrir is a giant wolf that the gods bound. He will break free at Ragnarok and kill Odin. Hela is the mistress of Niflhem, land of the dead. Her top half is human and the bottom half is dead and decayed. Jormungand is a sea serpent so large that he surrounds the earth. At Ragnarok, he will crawl onto dry land and battle Thor.

52. After Loki causes Balder’s death, he runs away and disguises himself with various shapes. He shows up at a feast and insults all the gods. The gods bind him in a cave where serpent drips venom on his face. His faithful wife, Sigyn, catches the venom. When she empties the cup, his agony and trembling cause earthquakes. At Ragnarok Loki will break free and lead the inhabitants of Nifleheim against the gods.

53. Frigga Frigga is the wife of Odin. Frigga is the goddess of motherhood and childbirth. She is the daughter of the Earth—Fjorgyn. She spins clouds all day. She and Freya suggest two aspects of femininity: mother and lover, and some scholars suggest they may be two forms of the same goddess. Like Odin, she knows the destinies of men, but she is silent and tells no one. She is the mother of Balder, Hoder, and Hermod. She tries to protect Balder by having all creation swear an oath not to hurt him. She tries to redeem Balder from Niflheim.

54. Balder Balder is the gentlest, wisest, and most beloved by the other gods. He is the son of Odin and Frigga. Odin has a dream that Balder will die, but he cannot stop it. The gods entertained themselves by hurling things at Balder and watching them fall to the ground without hurting him. Frigga traveled the world asking every creature, plant, and rock to swear not to hurt him, except the insignificant mistletoe.

55. Hela agrees if every creature in creation will weep for Him. Frigga travels the earth asking all creation to weep for Balder so that Hela will release him. Loki tricks blind Hoder into killing Balder by throwing a mistletoe dart at him. It pierces Balder’s heart and he dies. Odin’s son Hermod agrees to ride nine days to Niflheim to ask Hela to return Balder.

56. Mean while the gods burn Balder’s body on his ship. Nanna is so sad that she dies of grief and is buried with Balder. Balder will rise from the dead at Ragnarok. Hela agrees to return Balder if every creature in creation will weep for Him. Loki disguises himself as the giantess Thokk and refuses to weep for Balder. Odin places his prize arm ring, Draupnir, on Balder’s arm.

57. Other Dieties in Asgard Indun—the wife of Bragi who shared her apples of eternal youth with the gods Nanna—the wife of Balder who died of a broken heart at his cremation Sjofn and Lofn—concerned with the firing of human love and bringing together those for whom marriage was forbidden or banned Var—heard the marriage oath and punished those who strayed from it Syn—the ever-watchful who saw everything. She was invoked at trials Snotra—wise and gentle and knew the value of self-discipline Vor—goddess from whom nothing was hidden Saga—drank each day with Odin in her hall, Solkvabekk Lin, Fulla, Gna—handmaidens to Frigga

58. Other Minor Dieties Honir—Involved in the exchange of leaders between the Aesir and Vanir. His main characteristic seems to be indecisiveness. He only rules well when Mimir advises him. He is often seen with Odin and Loki in the myths. He will survive Ragnarok. Honir—Involved in the exchange of leaders between the Aesir and Vanir. His main characteristic seems to be indecisiveness. He only rules well when Mimir advises him. He is often seen with Odin and Loki in the myths. He will survive Ragnarok. Forseti—god of justice, Son of Balder and Nanna Forseti—god of justice, Son of Balder and Nanna Bragi—god of poetry and eloquence, Son Bragi—god of poetry and eloquence, Son of Odin and Rind of Odin and Rind Vll—god or archery and skiing, invoked in duels Vll—god or archery and skiing, invoked in duels Voli—son of Odin and Rind who avenges Balder’s death by killing Hoder. Voli—son of Odin and Rind who avenges Balder’s death by killing Hoder. Bragi

59. Sif—Thor’s wife whose hair Loki cuts off and replaces with gold. Sif—Thor’s wife whose hair Loki cuts off and replaces with gold. Vidar—son of Odin and giantess Grid who will avenge Odin’s death by killing the wolf Fenrir. Vidar—son of Odin and giantess Grid who will avenge Odin’s death by killing the wolf Fenrir. Hermod—son of Odin who rides nine days to Niflheim to ask Hela to return Balder. He is Odin’s messenger known for his boldness. Hermod—son of Odin who rides nine days to Niflheim to ask Hela to return Balder. He is Odin’s messenger known for his boldness. Gefion—Vanir fertility goddess who is associated with ploughing. She tricked Gylfi, King of Sweden, into giving her some land that she destroys by ploughing. Gefion—Vanir fertility goddess who is associated with ploughing. She tricked Gylfi, King of Sweden, into giving her some land that she destroys by ploughing. Eir—goddess of healing Eir—goddess of healing

60. Giants Giants represent the forces of chaos. They use physical force, trickery and magic to upset the order of the universe. The distinction between gods and giants is far from absolute. They not only fight each other but also marry each other and form friendships Some gods have bad qualities and some giants have good qualities—much like people.

61. Dwarfs Ugly, misshapen Ugly, misshapen Represent greed Represent greed Act only in their own interest Act only in their own interest Mastersmiths of gold, silver, iron etc. Mastersmiths of gold, silver, iron etc. Magicians Magicians Quick to show malice Quick to show malice Lust after fair women Lust after fair women Desire power and gold above all else Desire power and gold above all else Fearful of sunlight Fearful of sunlight Dwarfs were created from the maggots that wiggled on the giant Ymir’s body at creation.

62. Specific Dwarfs Modsognir is the leader of the dwarfs, and his deputy is Durin. Modsognir is the leader of the dwarfs, and his deputy is Durin. Four dwarfs made Freyja’s necklace of Brisings and the ribbon that bound the giant wolf Fenrir. Four dwarfs made Freyja’s necklace of Brisings and the ribbon that bound the giant wolf Fenrir. A dwarf named Alvis competed with Odin in a game of knowledge in order to win Odin’s daughter Thrud in marriage. A dwarf named Alvis competed with Odin in a game of knowledge in order to win Odin’s daughter Thrud in marriage. Four dwarf hold up the sky. Their names are translated to English as North, South, East, and West: Nordi, Sudri, Austri, and Vestri. Four dwarf hold up the sky. Their names are translated to English as North, South, East, and West: Nordi, Sudri, Austri, and Vestri. Loki extorted Ottar’s ransom of gold from a dwarf named Andvari. Andvari cursed the gold. Loki extorted Ottar’s ransom of gold from a dwarf named Andvari. Andvari cursed the gold. This list of Norse dwarf names should sound familiar to Tolkien fans: Dvalin, Bifur, Bafur Bombor, Nori, Gandalf, Thorin, Vindalf, Fili, Kili, Thror, Thrain, Floin, Dori, Ori Andvari, etc. This list of Norse dwarf names should sound familiar to Tolkien fans: Dvalin, Bifur, Bafur Bombor, Nori, Gandalf, Thorin, Vindalf, Fili, Kili, Thror, Thrain, Floin, Dori, Ori Andvari, etc.

63. Valkyries Valkyries were Odin’s attendants who chose which of the slain would be taken to Valhalla (Hero’s Hall) in Asgard. They were beautiful maidens who rode winged horses. Einherjar of Valhalla Heroes who were chosen by the Valkyries would fight every day in Asgard. Then they would be resurrected to drink and feast all night in Valhalla. At Ragnarok they will fight for the gods—and lose.

64. Ragnarok Norsemen believed that creation would be destroyed on a day of doom called Ragnarok. The earth will shudder as Loki breaks loose from his bonds. Heimdall will blow his horn to summon the gods to council and eventually battle. Loki will lead the inhabitants of Niflheim against the gods. Heimdall and Loki will fight and destroy each other.

65. Jormundand, the mighty serpent will crawl onto dry land, and he and Thor will battle. Fenrir the giant wolf will break his bonds and kill Odin. Surt will lead an army from fiery Musselheim against the gods.

66. “The nine worlds will burn and the gods will die. The Einherjar will die, men and women will die, elves and dwarfs will die, giants will die, birds and animals will die. The sun will be dark and there will be no stars in the sky. The earth will sink into the sea.” --Kevin Crossley Holland According to Norse myths, at Ragnarok…

67. The New Creation The earth will rise again out of the water, fair and green. The earth will rise again out of the water, fair and green. Vidar and Vali will still be alive. Vidar and Vali will still be alive. Modi and Magni, sons of Thor will join them and inherit Thor’s hammer. Modi and Magni, sons of Thor will join them and inherit Thor’s hammer. Balder and Hoder will come back to life. Balder and Hoder will come back to life. Honir will be there with his wand, foretelling what is to come. Honir will be there with his wand, foretelling what is to come. Lif and Lifthrasir, humans who hid in Yggdrasill will have children. Lif and Lifthrasir, humans who hid in Yggdrasill will have children. “There will be life and new life, everywhere on earth.” “There will be life and new life, everywhere on earth.” A new beginning A new beginning

68. There are six primary sources for Norse mythology. Codex Regius Written in about 1270 A.D. Found in Iceland Consists of twenty-nine mythical and heroic poems.

69. Elder Edda or Poetic Edda Written in the 10 th Century Consists of Thirty-four poems united by subject matter and form Appears to be composed by poets who believed in the old gods Includes one of the greatest literary achievements of the Germanic world: “The Volupsa” (“The Sybil’s Prophecy”) It includes poems on the creation, The Golden Age, The Age of Strife, and Ragnarok.

70. Scaldic Poems Made up of eulogies and elegies Made up of eulogies and elegies Written by known poets Written by known poets Poems celebrate the exploits of the poets’ contemporaries Poems celebrate the exploits of the poets’ contemporaries Written in an intricate form that is difficult to translate to English. Includes the following literary devices: Written in an intricate form that is difficult to translate to English. Includes the following literary devices: Syllabics, alliteration, internal rhyme, consonance, Rich allusive detail

71. Snorri Sturluson (1179-1241) Important political leader and landowner Important political leader and landowner Great poet, storyteller, historian, and critic Great poet, storyteller, historian, and critic From Iceland From Iceland Was a Christian but had respect for mythology and Was a Christian but had respect for mythology and culture of Iceland Most famous pieces: Most famous pieces: –A handbook encouraging poets to compose in the Scaldic style—a kind of Northern European equivalent of Aristotle’s Poetics –“Egil’s Saga”—a story –Heimskringla—brilliant history of the whole of Norwegian history from its legendary roots up to Sturluson’s lifetime –Gylfaginning—retelling of myths (Best Ever!) –“Hattatal”—Scaldic eulogy for King Hakon and Duke Skuli

72. Saxo (Grammaticus) Wrote Gesta Danorum --sixteen-volume Latin history of the Danes Written in about 1215 A.D. Written in Denmark A confusion of myths and religious practice He is a Christian who “sermonizes” about the gods

73. The Great Icelandic Sagas More than 700 written More than 700 written One of the most surprising and distinguished achievements in European literature One of the most surprising and distinguished achievements in European literature Written in the 13 th Century Written in the 13 th Century Authors are unknown Authors are unknown Reflect the religious values of the writers (many of them pre-Christian) Reflect the religious values of the writers (many of them pre-Christian) Variety of subjects: Variety of subjects: – History – Lives of kings and bishops – Stories celebrating legendary heroes – Stories describing Norsemen’s insatiable appetite for exploration – Racy family histories that describe duels, loyalties, feuds, and lives of Icelandic families in Iceland’s Heroic Age—1000 A.D.

74. The Prose Edda ends this way… “And now, if you have anything more to ask, I can’t think how you can manage it, for I’ve never heard anyone tell more of the story of the world. Make what use of it you can.” “And now, if you have anything more to ask, I can’t think how you can manage it, for I’ve never heard anyone tell more of the story of the world. Make what use of it you can.” --Snorri Sturluson Prose Edda Prose Edda