NM-Background of Norse Mythology Lesson

Like Greek and Roman mythology, the Norse creation story begins with a vast emptiness. The Norse story calls it Ginnungagap. From fire and ice came three giants, which in turn, produced the rest of the gods and the human race as we know it. Read the full story in the handout below.

Click here to read the Norse Creation Myth Links to an external site. 

Yggdraasil

Meaning, Odin's (Ygg's) Horse Yggdrasil is an ash tree that is considered holy and central to Norse mythology. It is believed to be the center of the nine worlds of Norse legend. These worlds include: Asgaror, Vanaheimr, Alfheimr, Miogaror, Jotunheimr, Nioavellir, Muspell, Niflhel, and Hel. Yggdrasill is the meeting place of the gods. Roots far below and branches far into the heavens support this tree. It could be compared to Mount Olympus in Greek mythology - a central place for gods/goddesses to meet, in which rules are made and people are governed. Creatures that live in Yggdrasil include the wyrm, an unnamed eagle, and the stags. More information about the Yggdrasil can be found in the Poetic Edda. 

Reading Assignment: Nine Worlds

Read more about the nine worlds in Stories from Norse Mythology  by Mary E. Litchfield.

Read the following:
Preface - pages v - vi
The Introductory Chapter - pages 1-12

Click here to read The Nine Worlds Links to an external site. 

The Nine Worlds of Yggdrasil

Viking Background

Norse mythology centers on the Viking Age. This era falls between the raids of the 790s until around 1066, when the Normans conquered England. Vikings come from Scandinavian descent, but stories of the Vikings can cover areas of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, as well as areas under the North Germanic rule (parts of England and Wales). The expansion of the Viking kingdom lead to the settlements in Iceland, Greenland, and the Farce Islands.

Images of Vikings display a fierce race, strapped with various types of weapons and armor. In fact, the amount of armor worn by a Viking indicated social status - the wealthier a Viking, the more armor he wore.

It is believed that the reign of the Vikings began with the destruction of the abbey on the island of Lindisfame. While this incident set the stage for the Vikings to be perceived as a ruthless, destructive, and barbaric people, it also drew attention to Viking accomplishments, such as artistry, technological skills, and seamanship. Viking ships came in the form of longships (ships for warfare) or knarrs (ships for merchant business). Famous images most often depict the longship, many times with the head of a dragon carved on the end.

The term "Viking" became exposed to modern English during the 18^th century. During this time, it had barbaric, yet romantic connotations. The term became popular around the beginning of the 19^th century in the poem " The Viking " by Erik Gustaf Geijer.

Norse gods

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