1. Viking Mythology

2. Mythology Mythology, 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.

3. “Asgard” -Home of the Gods “Yggdrasil” -The World Tree “Midgard” -Earth or “Middle Earth” “Jotunheim” -Land of the Giants “Hel” -Land of the Dead

4. Odin “King” 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.

5. Thor Thor was the Thundergod. He was the most popular of the Gods. A real “Viking’s 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.

6. Tyr Viking God of War. Lost his hand to the giant wolf, Fenrir. From Tyr we get Tuesday Destined to die fighting Fenrir during Ragnarok.

7. Freyja / Frigg Goddess of Fertility Wife of Odin. May be two goddesses, or one. From Frejya we get Friday.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Jormungand Another one of Loki’s 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.

11. Ride of the Valkyries

12. Viking Afterlife – “Valhalla” “Valkyrie” – They took brave soldiers to Valhalla Viking “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.

13. Viking Afterlife – “Hel” “Hel” is where everybody who did not go to Valhalla ended up. It was looked after by Loki’s 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 didn’t mind a little warmth!

14. 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.

15. Closure / Extension Viking 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?