1. Norse Mythology
Exploring the basics…

2. Norse Mythology Where did the myths come from?
Norse Myth, Scandinavian Myth, Viking Myth all refer to the pre-Christian religion of the Norwegian, Swedish, Icelandic, and Danish people.

3. Norse Mythology History:
Myths were recorded primarily in Iceland during the 13th century A.D.
Most myths come down through Icelandic eddas and sagas.
Strong belief in predetermination and that it is impossible to escape fate.

4. Norse Mythology History Cont…
Myths reflect a natural environment that threatens human survival.
faced long, cold winters
short growing seasons with less-than-abundant harvests
lack of sophisticated medical knowledge

5. Norse Mythology Centerpiece of Norse mythology:
9 worlds of Norse mythology are connected through Yggdrasil.

6. Norse Mythology Yggdrasil: the world tree
A video clip about the history and mythology of Yggdrasil will be shown here during classroom use.
The video is a product of United Streaming.
Click on video to start and pause

7. Norse Mythology 9 Worlds connected through Yggdrasil
1. Alfheim World of the elves
2. Asgard World of the Aesir
3. Jötunheim World of the giants and frost-giants
4. Midgard Home of mankind
5. Muspelheim World of fire and the fire-giant, home of the giant Surt

8. Norse Mythology 9 Worlds Cont. 6. Nidavellir Home of the dwarves
7. Niflheim World of the ice and that of the dead, which is also known as Hell.
8. Svartalfheim World of the black elves (svartálfar)
9. Vanaheim Home of the Vanir

9. Norse Mythology Major Gods/ Characters Odin: God of War and Death
-Spear never misses its target
-A ring creating other rings

10. Norse Mythology Major Gods/ Characters, cont. Thor: God of Thunder
-Lightening flashes whenever he throws his hammer

11. Norse Mythology Major Gods/ Characters, cont.
Loki: God of trickery and deceit.

12. Quiz Time! 1.What country is associated with Norse mythology?
A. Norway
B. Sweden
C. Iceland
D. All of the above

13. Quiz Time!
2. Norse myths are believed to have come down through________
A. sagas and eddas
B. bards
C. books
D. pamphlets

14. Quiz Time! 3. The centerpiece of Norse mythology is _________.
A. Asgard
B. Yggdrasil
C. Midgard
D. Vanaheim

15. Quiz Time! 4. The god of thunder is __________. A. Odin B. Loki
C. Thor
D. Njord

16. Quiz Time!
5. Norse mythology has been seen in modern culture through _______.
A. J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels
B. Marvel Comics
C. Video games
D. all of the above

17. Norse Mythology
For additional information on all the Norse gods and goddess, visit Encyclopedia Mythica.

18. Credits
Creatures Fantastic: Spirit of the Forest. Discovery Education. (1998). Retrieved July 14, 2009, from Discovery Education:
“Norse Mythology.” Retrieved 14 July, 2009 from Wikipedia Web site:
“Odin.” Retrieved 14 July, 2009 from Wilson’s Almanac Web site:
Rackham, A. “Loki and the Rhine Maidens.” Retrieved 14 July, 2009, from Wilson’s Almanac Web site:
“Thor Painting.” Retrieved 14 July, 2009, from Photobucket Web site:
“Yggdrasil.” Retrieved 14 July, 2009 from Mythology Web site: myfhology.narod.ru/gods/skandinavy/asy.htm

19. Incorrect

20. Correct