About this belief system
Norse Paganism refers to the beliefs and traditions of people from Scandinavia: Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
Top myths
 |  |  | |
| Beowulf Epic | Voluspa | Ask and Embla | |
| Prestige, Hero myth | Creation myth | Creation myth | |
| Unknown author | Snorri Sturluson | Unknown author | |
| Read myth | Read myth | Read myth | |
Top deities
Background
Norse Paganism refers to the beliefs and customs of Germanic people from the area known as Scandinavia. The Norse (or Vikings in some traditions) are said to have occupied northern Europe between 200-700 CE before spreading to Great Britain, Iceland, and other neighboring areas of Europe. As David Leeming writes:
"Germanic speaking Norse
people lived in Scandinavia and parts
of Northern Europe between 200 and
700 C.E. After 700 C.E., when they began
raiding and settling in Britain, Iceland,
Greenland and elsewhere, they are generally
referred to as Vikings, who came
to prominence in the 9th and 10th centuries.
Different versions and outgrowths
of their myths spread into the counties
they inhabited, especially, for example,
Britain and Germany." [1]
When speaking of Norse traditions, however, it is important to remember that the time period matters. For example, Anglo-Saxon traditions and myths, like Beowulf, are intimately tied to Norse tradition.
Notes
Norse Paganism myths: A-Z
- Ask and Embla Creation myth
Nuthsell
Ymir, an old Norse deity fashioned Ask and Embla from his own flesh. Then, three Norse deities named Hœnir, Lóðurr and Odin give Ask and Embla, the first man and woman, respectively, their human qualities in the form of divine gifts: sight, intelligence, and more.
- Beowulf Epic Prestige, Hero myth
Nuthsell
Beowulf, the hero, helps the Danes by killing the man-eating monster named Grendel, and his mother. Afterwards, Beowulf returns home and becomes the king of the Geats, ruling until his heroic death over fifty years later. In his final battle, he slays a dragon. The poem ends by honoring the greatness of Beowulf.
- Voluspa Creation myth
Nuthsell
An old woman, the seeress, addresses both humans and deities in a monologue that explains how the world was created, destroyed, and reborn. The world was initially raised from the sea and the sky created. Three giant maidens threaten the new world. Humans and dwarfs are created. The first war between the old deities takes place. The seeress tells Odin that the world will be destroyed. Several deities die and Loki is bound. In the final few lines, the new world resurfaces.
Norse Paganism deities: A-Z
Baldur Norse PaganismBaldur was an important Norse deity who died during the culture's creation myth.
Beowulf Norse Paganism · 1 mythWhile Beowulf was not a formal deity in the Norse pantheon, he was a mythical hero who had unusual skills and abilities.
Freya Norse PaganismFreya was an important Norse deity whose twin brother was Freyr.
Freyr Norse PaganismFreyr was an old Norse deity whose twin sister was Freya.
Grendel Norse PaganismGrendel was not a formal Norse deity, but a monster in the Anglo-Saxon epic named Beowulf. Grendel was large, monstrous looking, and murderous. He dismembered the men he ate.
Loki Norse PaganismLoki was a Norse deity involved in the account of the world's creation.
Odin Norse PaganismOdin (Old Norse: Óðinn) was a Norse and Germanic deity associated with many functions.
Tho Norse PaganismThor was an important Norse deity oftentimes compared with the Greek figure Zeus.
Ymir Norse Paganism · 2 mythsYmir was the first and oldest figure in the Norse pantheon of deities. He is described as a primeval creature who was born from venom that dripped from icy rivers.
Cite this page
OMNIKA Foundation Contributors. "Norse Paganism." OMNIKA – World Mythology Index, OMNIKA Foundation, 23 Jul. 2019, omnika.org/stable/233. Accessed 12 May. 2024.
OMNIKA (2019, July 23). Norse Paganism. Retrieved from https://omnika.org/stable/233
OMNIKA Foundation Contributors. "Norse Paganism." Las Vegas, NV: OMNIKA Foundation. Created July 23, 2019. Accessed May 12, 2024. https://omnika.org/stable/233.
