Nordic mythology represents the set of beliefs, legends and myths that belong to the so-called Scandinavian peoples. These are the narratives that marked the Age of Vikings, who inhabit the region currently covered by Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Iceland, mainly.
Originally, Norse mythology was transmitted orally, however, from the 13th century onwards, all Norse beliefs at the time began to be recorded. Was the Icelandic poet and historian Snorri Sturluson which brought together the main stories about mythology and published the well-known Eddas - collections of poetry recounting the legends of ancient Scandinavian peoples.
As well as Greek, Roman and Egyptian mythology, Norse (also known as Germanic) brings together several characters fantastic, such as gods, heroes, monsters, sorcerers and narratives that try to explain the origin of the universe and beings humans.
An interesting quirk to note in Norse mythology is the fact that deities do not have eternal life. Like humans, gods can die (as we noted during the event known as Ragnarök).
Learn more about the meaning of Mythology.
One of the characteristics of Norse mythology, which differs from other mythologies, is the belief in the existence of 9 (nine) different worlds:
- Midgard: realm of human beings, that is, planet Earth as we know it. This world was guarded by the goddess Jord.
- Asgard: kingdom of the gods. This world is separated from Midgard by immense walls. The guardian is Heimdall. Odin and Frigga are the leaders of Asgard. The connection between Midgard and Asgard is made through the Bifrost, a bridge similar to a rainbow.
- Niflem: realm of ice and cold, ruled by Hela, the goddess of hell. In this world are the ice giants and dwarfs.
- Vanaheim: world where the Vanir gods rest, responsible for favoring fertility, commerce, peace and pleasure.
- Svartalfheim: place where subterranean beings, called svartálfar ("dark elves") lived. The leader of this world is Hoder, the blind god of justice, son of Odin and Frigga.
- Jotunheim: world of giants (Jotuns), predominantly of the rock and snow type. The leader of Jotunheim is Thrym, the king of giants.
- Nidavellir: dwarf realm, located underground in Midgard. Nidavellir is led by Vidar, the god of vengeance.
- Muspelheim: kingdom of the fire giants. The leader of this world is Surtr, the fire giant.
- Álfheim: kingdom of elves, magical beings of human appearance and great beauty.
gods of nordic mythology
Among some of the main gods of Norse mythology, the highlights are:
- Odin: is the father of the Norse gods. He is always accompanied by two crows, Huginn (thought) and Muninn (memory).
- Thor: Thunder god and son of Odin. This is considered one of the most worshiped and beloved gods by the Norse, especially among the peasants. His weapon was the Mjölnnir, a super powerful hammer that he used to fight the giants.
- Loki: considered the "father of lies". He's half god and half giant. He is often described as a controversial god, as while having an evil nature, he helps maintain balance in the gods' world.
- Frigga: goddess of fertility, love and union. She is also known as the wife of Odin and stepmother of Thor. To the Norse, Frigga was seen as the protector of family and mothers.
- Freyr: god of abundance, considered the deity of prosperity, peace, marriages, good harvests, fertility, joy and peace.
- Hela: goddess of the Realm of the Dead (Helheim) and daughter of Loki. Half of the goddess's body was that of a beautiful woman, while the other part consisted of a terrible decomposing body.
Norse mythology symbols
- Yggdrasil: it consists of a mythical and sacred tree, considered the "tree of life" and which supports all 9 worlds.
- Valhalla: it is the residence of the gods, also known as the "Hall of the Dead". In this place the gods were received when they died with honor in their battles.
- Ragnarok: it is the "end of the world" according to Norse mythology. This episode represents the end of all creatures, be they humans, gods, monsters, heroes or giants.
Learn more about the meaning of Ragnarok.
