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-than-

abundant 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

Click on video to start and pause

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.

Norse Mythology

9 Worlds connected through Yggdrasil1. Alfheim World of the elves 2. Asgard World of the Aesir 3. Jötunheim World of the giants and frost-

giants4. Midgard Home of mankind5. Muspelheim World of fire and the fire-giant,

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. NorwayB. SwedenC. IcelandD. All of the above

Quiz Time!

2. Norse myths are believed to have come down through________A. sagas and eddasB. bardsC. booksD. pamphlets

Quiz Time!

3. The centerpiece of Norse mythology is _________.A. AsgardB. YggdrasilC. MidgardD. Vanaheim

Quiz Time!

4. The god of thunder is __________.A. OdinB. LokiC. ThorD. Njord

Quiz Time!

5. Norse mythology has been seen in modern culture through _______.A. J.R.R. Tolkien’s novelsB. Marvel ComicsC. Video gamesD. all of the above

Norse Mythology

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

CreditsCreatures Fantastic: Spirit of the Forest. Discovery Education.

(1998). Retrieved July 14, 2009, fromDiscovery 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.jpg

“Yggdrasil.” Retrieved 14 July, 2009 from Mythology Web site: myfhology.narod.ru/gods/skandinavy/asy.htm

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Correct