Norse Mythology
Exploring the basics…
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.
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.
Norse Mythology

History Cont…

Myths reflect a natural environment
that threatens human survival.
faced long, cold winters
 short growing seasons with less-thanabundant harvests
 lack of sophisticated medical knowledge

Norse Mythology

Centerpiece of Norse
mythology:

9 worlds of Norse
mythology are
connected through
Yggdrasil.
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
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 frostgiants
4. Midgard Home of mankind
5. Muspelheim World of fire and the firegiant, home of the giant Surt
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
Norse Mythology

Major Gods/
Characters

Odin: God of War
and Death
-Spear never
misses its target
-A ring creating
other rings
Norse Mythology

Major Gods/
Characters, cont.

Thor: God of
Thunder
-Lightening flashes
whenever he
throws his hammer
Norse Mythology

Major Gods/
Characters, cont.

Loki: God of
trickery and deceit.
Quiz Time!
1.What country is associated with
Norse mythology?
A. Norway
B. Sweden
C. Iceland
D. All of the above
Quiz Time!
2. Norse myths are believed to have
come down through________
A. sagas and eddas
B. bards
C. books
D. pamphlets
Quiz Time!
3. The centerpiece of Norse
mythology is _________.
A. Asgard
B. Yggdrasil
C. Midgard
D. Vanaheim
Quiz Time!
4. The god of thunder is __________.
A. Odin
B. Loki
C. Thor
D. Njord
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
Norse Mythology
For additional information on all the
Norse gods and goddess, visit
Encyclopedia Mythica.
Credits
Creatures Fantastic: Spirit of the Forest. Discovery Education.
(1998). Retrieved July 14, 2009, from
Discovery Education:
http://streaming.discoveryeducation.com/
“Norse Mythology.” Retrieved 14 July, 2009 from Wikipedia Web
site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norse_mythology
“Odin.” Retrieved 14 July, 2009 from Wilson’s Almanac Web site:
http://www.wilsonsalmanac.com/odins_ordeal.html
Rackham, A. “Loki and the Rhine Maidens.” Retrieved 14 July,
2009, from Wilson’s Almanac Web site:
http://www.wilsonsalmanac.com/book/jul31.html
“Thor Painting.” Retrieved 14 July, 2009, from Photobucket Web
site:
http://media.photobucket.com/image/thor/achillesgirl/thor.jp
g
“Yggdrasil.” Retrieved 14 July, 2009 from Mythology Web site:
myfhology.narod.ru/gods/skandinavy/asy.htm
Incorrect
Correct