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How did Norse mythology develop?
The Norse Gods are the mythological characters from stories shared by Northern Germanic tribes of the 9th century AD. These stories were passed down in the form of poetry until the 11th – 18th centuries when the Eddas and other medieval texts were written.
Who came up with Norse mythology?
We think of Norse mythology as ancient and anonymous. But in fact, most of the stories we know about Odin, Thor, Loki, and the other gods of Scandinavia were written by the 13th-century Icelandic chieftain Snorri Sturluson.
Why is Norse mythology important?
The stories of Norse mythology, like the stories of any religion, were used by believers to help to organize and understand the world. The characters in those stories are the gods, living, breathing deities that were a major part of life among the northern Germanic peoples.
When did Scandinavian mythology start?
Norse mythology refers to the Scandinavian mythological framework that was upheld during and around the time of the Viking Age (c. 790- c. 1100 CE).
How did we learn about Norse mythology?
Our main sources for Norse mythology, and the sources we use to interpret any subsequent findings related to Norse mythology, are the sagas. While the gods and myths do feature in other Icelandic sagas and poetry, the Eddas are considered to be the most important for our understanding of Norse mythology.
When did Norse religion start?
Numerous Old Norse works dated to the 13th century record Norse mythology, a component of North Germanic religion. Old Norse religion was polytheistic, entailing a belief in various gods and goddesses.
Does Norse mythology still exist?
Thor and Odin are still going strong 1000 years after the Viking Age. Many think that the old Nordic religion – the belief in the Norse gods – disappeared with the introduction of Christianity. Today there are between 500 and 1000 people in Denmark who believe in the old Nordic religion and worship its ancient gods.