Yr 8 PPT on Viking Myth, Religion and Transition to Christianity

1. Viking Religion

2. Viking Religion: Key Ideas
• The Norse originally worshipped many gods
– Aesir – gods of the aristocracy: Odin, Thor, Loki, et al.
– Vanir – gods of the people: Njord, Freyr, Freya
– Other supernatural beings: giants, trolls, elves, dwarves
• Old and new religion often co-existed
• In around 1000 CE Christianity became more important
than the old religion
• Sources:
– Artefacts such as statues, amulets, carvings
– Excavations at sites of worship
– Myths recorded in the Edda and Sagas
– Descriptions of practices by outsiders

3. Ranheim God’s House, Norway