Language Arts

Middle School

Ms. Coro

Norse Mythology

Where it takes placeScandinavia: the

north western Europe.

Modern countries: Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Iceland.

First settled by North Germanic tribes.

Norsemen Various tribes and clans

throughout Scandinavia: the Geats, Saxons, Franks, Bugundians, Goths (Valasgoths, Ostrogoths, Visigoths), and Jutes.

Vikings were raiders from different tribes; attacked and pillaged other cities. Brought back their plunder to their chief (often called an “Earl”). Used ships made for lightning strikes (quick shore raids).

NOTE: Not all tribes had Vikings.

Code of law: often the paying of a fine, or a duel to the death.

Worship of the Gods Mainly practiced during the

Viking Age through the early medieval era.

Oral traditions passed from tribe to tribe; originally in Old Norse.

Stories written down in the 13th century (1200’s A.D.), in Old Norse and/or Old High German languages.

Historian Cornelius Tacitus documented Norse myths and traditions in 110’s A.D.

Poetic Edda is a book containing 29 myths, composed by Icelandic poet Snorri Sturluson in 1220 A.D.

RunesAlphabet and Calendar

used by Norsemen and German tribes.

Early runic depictions go as back as 150 A.D.

Used in Norse paganism for enchantments of good luck in battle, love and various other events.

Modern uses include: the Nazi Party, occultists, and Wiccans.

The Gods and GoddessesOdinThorLokiFreyaBaldurHelHeimdallSifFriggAnd many more!

The Nine Realms Universe is divided into three tiers

stacked on top of each other. Yggdrasil, is the tree axis for the realms:

Asgard – where most of the gods live Vanaheim – fertility gods live here Alfheim – home of the light elves

Midgard – earth, where humans live Jotunheim – mountainous area Nidavellir – dwarves live in caves

here Svartalfheim – land of the dark elves Nilfheim – land of the dead Hel – where those who died of

accidents were doomed to eternity.

Odin, the All-FatherKing of Asgard, father to

Thor, Vali and Baldur, husband to Frigg.

Associated with war, victory, wisdom, and battle.

His two ravens: Huginn (Thought) and Muninn (Memory)

Spelled “Wotan,” or “Wodan.”

“Wednesday” is named for him.

ThorSon of Odin and

Frigg; husband to Sif.

God of thunder and lightning.

Primary weapon is his hammer, Mjollnir.

Violent storm and heavy rains were a sign of Thor’s anger.

“Thursday” is Thor’s day.

LokiGod of mischief and

deceit. Son of two giants; some legends tells of him being the foster brother to Thor.

Powers included the ability to change his shape; Loki is father to Hel, the wolf Fenrir, and serpent Jormungand.

Often acts out against the other Norse gods out of malice.

FreyaGoddess of love and

fertility; daughter of Njord. Beautiful and adventurous, Freya is known for riding into battle and collecting the spirits who’ve fought for Odin, Vahalla.

Also took spirits to her hall in Sessrumnir.

“Friday” is Freya-day.

RagnarokThe Norse apocalypse

aka the end of the world. An unending winter will cover the world. Loki will be freed from his prison and raise an army of giants.

Odin will be destroyed by Fenrir; Thor and Jormungund die killing each other.

Yggdrasill will be destroyed via fire.

Odin and Asgard: http://www.history.com/shows/vikings/videos/odin-and-the-lords-of-asgard?m=5189719baf036&s=All&f=1&free=false

Viking history: http://www.history.com/videos/bet-you-didnt-know-vikings#bet-you-didnt-know-vikings

Words we adopted from the Vikings: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jFU5Tu0LIQ

Videos to check out!