The body of myths of the North Germanic peoples, stemming from Norse paganism and continuing after the Christianization of Scandinavia.
Norse mythology encompasses the myths and legends of the Scandinavian peoples—Swedes, Danes, Norwegians, Icelanders, and other Germanic tribes during the Viking Age (roughly 793-1066 CE). The Norse cosmos consists of Nine Worlds connected by the world tree Yggdrasil, including Asgard (home of the Aesir gods), Midgard (earth, realm of humans), and Hel (the underworld). Major gods include Odin (the All-Father, god of wisdom and war), Thor (god of thunder and protector of humans), and Loki (the trickster god). Unlike many other mythological systems, Norse gods are not immortal and know their world will end in Ragnarok, a final battle between gods and giants. Norse myths were preserved orally for centuries before being written down in 13th-century Iceland, primarily in the Poetic Edda and Prose Edda. Key stories include Thor's journey to Utgard, the death of Baldr, the binding of Fenrir, and Ragnarok itself. Norse mythology's influence on modern culture is immense, from the days of the week to Marvel's Thor films.
A character (often an animal or spirit) who exhibits a great degree of intellect or secret knowledge and uses it to play tricks or otherwise disobey normal rules and conventional behavior.
A traditional story concerning the early history of a people or explaining natural or social phenomena, typically involving supernatural beings.
A mythological figure who introduces important knowledge, technology, or customs to humanity, often through trickery or sacrifice.
A long narrative poem recounting the heroic deeds of legendary or historical figures, central to many ancient literary traditions.