Norse mythology originated in Northern Europe among Vikings in Norway, Finland, and Sweden before Christianity. It featured a harsh, cold climate and sea-based culture. The Norse believed in wyrd or fate. Their creation myths involved primordial lands like Muspelheim, Niflheim, and Ginnungagap, as well as early giants like Ymir. The first gods, including Odin, Vili, and Ve, created humans from trees. Yggdrasil, the world tree, connected realms like Asgard, Midgard, and Niflheim. Major gods included Odin, Thor, Balder, Frigg, Frey, and Freya. Loki was a

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2. Northern Europe Vikings – Norway, Finland, Sweden Pre-Christianity – pagan, heathens, Cold, harsh climate Sea Culture Pessimists / Fatalists Wyrd - Fate

3. Muspelheim – land of fire Surt – giant guard Ginnungagap – dark void Niflheim – land of fog

4. Frost Giants YMIR – wild, fierce, evil giant Audhumla “Nourisher” – salt licking cow

5. First Norse Dieties Buri Bor Bestla Odin - oldest and greatest Vili - brother Ve - brother

6. Ash Tree  Man  Ask Elm Tree  Woman  Embla First Humans

7. Yggdrasill – World Ash Tree Connects all three worlds: Asgard – home of gods Midgard – land of man Niflheim – land of ice Jotunheim – home of Jotun and giants Hel – home of the dead

9. Bifrost Bridge Divine Bridge Link between humans and gods Rainbow

10. Æsir (Sky Gods) Vanir (Land/WaterGods)

11. Norns: Fate Maidens Urd – Past Verdandi – Present Skuld – Future Sacred Springs Urd – Asgard (gods) Mimir – Jotunheim (giants) Wisdom / Understanding Odin sacrificed his eye Hvergelmir – Niflheim

12. Odin: god of gods and humans Domains: wisdom, war, witchcraft and poetry Shape-shifter; shaman Knowledge – Urd’s well Valhalla – Great Hall Zeus and Jupiter Óðinn

13. Odin’s Companions The Valkries O’s Daughters “ Choosers of Slain” Hero Selectors Wolves Crows Hugin / Munin Thought / Memory Draupnir (ring) Gungnir (spear) Sleipnir (8-legged horse)

14. Frigg: Wife of Odin Cloud spinner The most powerful goddess Domains: love, destiny and marriage Hera and Juno

15. Thor: The Warrior Son Strongest son of Odin Domains: thunder, battle and fertility Fierce temper Mjollnir –hammer Charioteer / goats Þórr

16. Balder – Beloved Son Son of Odin and Frigg God of radiance, rebirth, justice and light Beautiful Killed by Loki

17. Njord Domains: wind and sea Patron of sailors Poseidon and Neptune

18. Frey and Freya: god and goddess of fertility Frøy: god of fertility, prosperity, sun and rain Frøya: goddess of love, fertility, beauty, magic, war and death Apollo Aphrodite (Venus)

19. Idunn: O’s daughter-in-law Goddess of youth Keeper of the golden apples (youth) Iðunn

20. Loki Son of Giants Half blood god mixed blood with Odin  magic powers Trickster Cunning and deceitful Many Disguises Evil Evil Children

21. Ragnarok Doomsday, Final Battle Loki and his Children: Fenrir – “The Wolf Destroyer” World Serpent “ Jormungandr” Hel – goddess of the dead VS. - The Gods of Asgard - Humans - Good will Fail

22. Works Cited Maja. Sandra and Maryanne. ”Northern Europe: Norse Mythology.” PowerPoint. 15 November 2008. “ Ymir.” Photograph. 15 November 2008. www.geocities.com/avengersmicros/Ymir.gif ” Bifrost Bridge.” Painting. 15 November 2008. home.earthlink.net/.../art/Godsdescend.jpg ” World Serpent.” Strange Vehicles.15 November 2008. strangevehicles.greyfalcon.us/.../Ritter3.png Barnum , Joanna R. “The Norns.” Elfwood. 15 November 2008. http://elfwood.lysator.liu.se/loth/j/b/jbarnum/ Anna. “Valkry.” Photo of tattoo pattern. Custom Embroidery Patches. www.lunadelsole.com/valkrie.JPG “ Fenrir.” Elfwood. Drawing. 15 November 2008. www.elfwood.com

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