The terms “Vikings” and “Viking culture” refer to Norse explorers, warriors, merchants and traders. The Norse people inhabited the northern European region of Scandinavia, which includes the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, as well as the islands Iceland and the Faroe Islands. Modern Scandinavians share a common cultural, historical and ethno-linguistic heritage—all of which are derived from their Norse ancestors.
Along with the Greeks and the Romans, the Norse culture was strongly influenced by mythology. And though often overshadowed by the Greeks and the Romans, Norse mythology had a significant, lasting impact on modern western culture. Norse mythology flourished during the early Middle Ages, before the Christianization of Scandinavia, playing a central role in Viking life and culture.
Norse mythology says that the beginning of life was fire and ice, with the existence of only two worlds: Muspelheim and Niflheim. When fire and ice got together, the Norse gods were spawned and a chain reaction was set off that brought about the world in which the Norsemen lived. Though there were dozens and dozens of Norse gods, not all of them were equally important or influential. The Norse gods spent most of their time living in Asgard, one of the mythical ‘nine worlds.’ Some of the most well-known are shown below:
• Odin: He was the chief god and the father of Thor, Balder, Hoder, Tyr, Bragi, Heimdall, Ull, Vidar, Hermod and Vali. His wives were Fjorgyn, Frigga and Rind. He was known to roam around Midgard in human disguise seducing and impregnating women. This is why many mortals were able to trace their ancestry back to him.
• Thor: One of the most widely-recognized names in Norse mythology, Thor was the son of Odin and Fjorgyn. He was the god of thunder, the sky, fertility and the law. Thor was famous for carrying around his strength-giving items, a belt and the hammer Mjölnir.
• Loki: This god was often referred to as the ‘wizard of lies.’ Loki was one of Odin’s relatives.
• Frey: He was a fertility god of the the Vanir race and was the son of Njord. He came to Asgard as a hostage along with his father and sister Freya.
• Freya: Freya was the goddess of sex, later being promoted to goddess of war and death too. She married the god Od, who deserted her. After being abandoned she divided her time between mourning his absence and being promiscuous.
• Idun: The goddess of spring and immortal youth was called Idun. She was the daughter of the dwarf Ivald and married to the god Bragi.
• Sif: This was the goddess who married Thor and bore his stepson (by Odin), Ull. She was known for her beautiful golden hair, which was admired by both the Vikings and their gods. Supposedly, one day Loki cut it all off while Sif was asleep.
Besides having lots more gods, like other cultures Norse mythology also had its fair share of mythological beings too—including giants, dwarfs, monsters, magical animals and objects. This article has some useful facts about the past but remember this is before the real God gave his only son Jesus because he loves us so much. Remember not to idolize false gods.