Norse Mythology

Norse mythology comes from the Vikings of Scandinavia. The Vikings lived over a thousand years ago in countries like Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. They believed in powerful gods like Odin and Thor. Their myths are full of adventure, magic, and giant monsters.

The Nine Worlds

The Vikings believed there were nine different worlds. These worlds were connected by a giant tree called Yggdrasil. The gods lived in Asgard at the top. Humans lived in Midgard, and giants lived in Jotunheim. A giant serpent wrapped around the whole world.

How We Know These Stories

Viking poets memorized these myths and told them aloud. Much later, a man named Snorri Sturluson wrote them down in Iceland. The stories were written in books called the Eddas. Without Snorri, we might have lost these amazing tales forever.

Fun Facts

• Many English days of the week are named after Norse gods: Tuesday (Tyr), Wednesday (Odin), Thursday (Thor), and Friday (Frigg).
• The Vikings believed a giant wolf named Fenrir would swallow the sun one day.
• A squirrel named Ratatoskr ran up and down the world tree carrying messages.

Did You Know?

The English word 'Thursday' comes from 'Thor's Day.' Wednesday comes from 'Woden's Day,' which is another name for Odin!