Post by Melissa Foxworthy on Oct 10, 2015 15:27:25 GMT -5
The anicient race of peoples who were so famous for their raiding around the world that they passed on in Legend...
Vikings and Norse Mythology
The Norse gods and goddesses were loved by the Vikings. The Vikings came mainly from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Faroe Island, and Greenland.
People around the world have been fascinated and inspired by Norse Mythology for centuries. In the late 20th century, references to Norse Mythology became common in science fiction and fantasy literature, role-playing games, and eventually other cultural products such as Japanese animation.
- See more at: www.viking-mythology.com/#sthash.1BTlN5J6.dpuf
Norse Mythology also known as the Scandinavian mythology is a kind of religion that was and is still practiced by some of the people in the Scandinavian countries(Vikings) and Northern parts of Germany. In the last few decades the stories and culture of the Vikings have increasingly spread across the world. Different sources have come up with several definitions of these myths and so the conflictions in understanding of the Norse mythology. While in the middle age it is believed that the Norse and people of Germanic origin before they were converted to Christianity, they had their own religion which was very complex and sophisticated. Norse mythology was one of the expressions of this religion.
This was the origin of Norse mythology. They are what these people believed and their religion had no specific name, and this made it seem like a tradition practice. They believed in their gods’ deities such as the Odin, Thor, Loki, and Freya.
It was the traditions of the people of Scandinavian countries that gave birth to this religion. The Norse people believe that there are two types of gods namely the Æsir and the Vanir and other mythical beings such as the giant, dwarfs and other creatures.
- See more at: www.viking-mythology.com/#sthash.1BTlN5J6.dpuf
The Aesir are the gods believed to be the source of war, power and death while the Vanir are responsible for the fertility. Norse mythology also bases on the coming of the destruction of the gods in Ragnarök. Everyone who is a Asatru believer (Asatru is the religion of the Norse) and even the Norse gods know that dooms day is coming and they believe that their enemies will be totally destroyed. - See more at: www.viking-mythology.com/#sthash.1BTlN5J6.dpuf
The Vikings are the people of Germanic origin who were feared, for they were great warriors. The destiny of the Norse gods was in their hands in the battlefield. They fought like no bodies business, and could go berserk.
The warrior believed in Norse gods and those who were lucky to be in Valhalla. They would fight everyday on the battlefield and if their limbs were cut, in the battle during the day, they would heal to the original body and then they would head back to their camp where they would spend the whole night eating and drinking mead until the next morning, the Norse gods would have healed them and again they would proceed to train on the battlefield for Ragnarök.
For one to qualify to be a warrior in the Norse people you had to believe that Valhalla exists and will save you. Valhalla is where the dead are believed to go and these believed that if you go there after you have been killed in a battle.
Odin is a god of the Norse and is very powerful that no one dared to fight him and there was a leader called Thor who led the warriors to war and he is the one associated with the hammer. He can use it to produce thunder that kills his enemies in war. Up to date the hammer is associated to the destruction of Thor.
- See more at: www.viking-mythology.com/#sthash.1BTlN5J6.dpuf
From the Norse Creation myth to Ragnarok...
Who were the first humans in Norse Mythology...?
Odin is the chief of the Aesir gods and the ruler of Asgard, the home of the gods.
Thor god of thunder has a hammer named Mjölnir.
What is a Jotun? And where do they live?
Find out, when Fenrir will be released.
Odin will do anything for wisdom, and once sacrificed his eye.
Yggdrasil in Norse Mythology is the tree of life. At its roots the Goddesses of Fate spins the threads of life.
How did Freya the goddess of love get her necklace Brisingamen.
In Norse Mythology Loki is the trickster god.
Loki is the father of Hel, Midgard Serpent, and The Fenrir Wolf.
Thor's father is Odin.
In Norse Mythology Balder the good was killed, but how did he die?
- See more at: www.viking-mythology.com/#sthash.1BTlN5J6.dpuf
Norse mythology is the study of the myths prevailing in northern European countries. This has been conveyed to generations and even written down in books and recited as poems and acted in movies. It is a culture that cannot easily be denied from time immemorial.
The Norse also known as the Vikings, were great people known for their great adventures and were very good when it comes to activities like farming religion and were even feared as deadly warriors. They had good knowledge of navigation and boat building and this is evident in the 7th century AD when the Scandinavian countries were under pressure for expansion and this forced them to attack eastern England.
- See more at: www.viking-mythology.com/#sthash.1BTlN5J6.dpuf
This people's economic pattern was mainly a combination of pastoralism, long-distance trade and piracy, and it made them very strong compared to their neighbors.
You may have heard of this word Norse Mythology, and wonder what indeed Norse Mythology means. Is it a being, a god or an animal? Well, Norse mythology is also commonly known as the Scandinavian mythology, is the collected story of the religion of the ancient people of the Northern parts of Europe in countries such as Denmark, Norway, Sweden, which is a part of Scandinavia.
It comprises of tales of different beings, gods and heroes from both and after the pagan error in the traditional story told concerning the same.
Many gods are mentioned in the folklore of the Norse Mythology such as:
Thor; the fierce god who fearlessly goes after foes and crushes them.
Odin; the giver of knowledge and a deity, who was simultaneously responsible for war, poetry and sorcery.
Skaoi, who prefers the wolf, howls of the Winter Mountains than of the seashore.
Njoror, who may calm both sea and fire and grant wealth and land.
Freyr, whose weather and farming associations bring peace and pleasure to humanity.
Idunn, who keeps apples that grant eternal youthfulness.
Heimdallr, born by nine mothers, can hear grass grow, has golden teeth, and possesses a resounding horn.
Jotunn Loki, who brings tragedy to the gods by engineering the death of the goddess.
Many Vikings believed in these tales and they made sure that the stories were passed on from generation to generation by passing it as written poems that could be recited often
Norse Mythology has different characters from gods, goddess, immortals and other characters including giants, dwarfs, monsters, magical animals and even objects.
There are two major groups of the Norse gods as far as this folklore is concerned although no specific information has been found, it is presumed that way.
The Aesir and Vanir, plus the giants, who came first, some archeologists, believe the Vanir gods represent an older pantheon of the indigenous Viking people whom the invading Indo-Europeans encountered. In the end, the Aesir, the newcomers, overcame and assimilated the Vanir.
- See more at: www.viking-mythology.com/#sthash.1BTlN5J6.dpuf
It is not yet clear when the religion of the Norse came into existence although it is traced as far as the 2nd century AD. Norse religion (Asatru) refers to the traditions of the Norse men prior to the Christianization of the Scandinavian specifically during the Viking age.
It is a subset of Germanic paganism which was practiced in the land inhabited by the Germanic tribes across most of the northern and central Europe. Modern religion derived the knowledge of Norse religion from the results of archeological field work, etymology and early written materials.
- See more at: www.viking-mythology.com/#sthash.1BTlN5J6.dpuf
The Norse paganism was a folk religion as opposed to an organized religion. Its main purpose was the survival and regeneration of society and therefore is was decentralized and tied to the village and the family although evidences exists of great national religious festivals.
Pre–Christian Scandinavia had no word for religion in modern science. The Christian practice included several customs ranging from one denomination to another.
Several religions have their spiritual leaders. E.g. the catholic faithful have the pope who presides over the church activities and proceedings. Other denominations have kings just like during the time of Scandinavians in which they had gods such as the Odin that controlled the universe.
Norse religion was not homogenous due to great geographical distance that existed between the Scandinavians. This led to the variety of customs and beliefs but still they could understand each other’s custom, poetic traditions and myths.
Sacrifices played a major role in most of their rituals and communal feasting on the meat of sacrificed animals together with the consumption of beer. All this activities are included in the calendar festivals and was repeated annually.
Currently sacrifices are being offered in many denominations for example foods stuffs like grains and meat are offered to mark the beginning of the celebrations. The believers mentions their success and achievements including corrections of their failures which is normally lead by their spiritual leaders.
Each community has its own way of celebrating which could either take place in their joined central church or shrines. The Scandinavians sacrifices was to ensure fertility and growth, however, certain traditions for example births, wedding and burials could also be the reason for such activities.
Most of the modern society normally holds burial ceremonies in which the entire society members also take part. Prayers and rituals are normally done including pouring of libations. People could drink, eat and celebrate until dawn.
This ensured that the dead is sent peacefully to join its ancestors. The bereaved are also comforted and left with some members of the family to console them for a certain period of time. They are given foodstuffs and money to enable them forgets the deceased.
This symbolized unity among the community members. Some societies for example the Turkana community in Kenya has ceremonial festivals which are accompanied by dancing and singing. During such activities, common meal like meat and traditional bear is eaten in the open with each person present.
These events are usually lead by the elders of the community as they ensure sanity and morals of the community are adhered to. Marriage ceremonies are also done in which bridal prize in form of cattle, goats, sheep, camel and donkeys are given to the bride’s family. This connected the two families together sealing the marriage.
The worship of gods like the Fryer, Odin and others by the Scandinavians is also practiced by other communities and religions e.g., Hinduism. The Hindus worship the cow as their god believing that they will enjoy fulfillment. All these were derived from the ancient germanium religion.
The gods are highly respected and adored in which sacrifices and rituals are offered to appease them in case of wrong doings in the community. Rules and regulations are contained in the holy books like the bible which is meant to remind the believers what is expected of them.
The spiritual leaders have the right to approach the gods in case of any problem believing they will get solutions. And the gods protected them in return.
- See more at: www.viking-mythology.com/#sthash.1BTlN5J6.dpuf
Vikings and Norse Mythology
The Norse gods and goddesses were loved by the Vikings. The Vikings came mainly from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Faroe Island, and Greenland.
People around the world have been fascinated and inspired by Norse Mythology for centuries. In the late 20th century, references to Norse Mythology became common in science fiction and fantasy literature, role-playing games, and eventually other cultural products such as Japanese animation.
- See more at: www.viking-mythology.com/#sthash.1BTlN5J6.dpuf
Norse Mythology also known as the Scandinavian mythology is a kind of religion that was and is still practiced by some of the people in the Scandinavian countries(Vikings) and Northern parts of Germany. In the last few decades the stories and culture of the Vikings have increasingly spread across the world. Different sources have come up with several definitions of these myths and so the conflictions in understanding of the Norse mythology. While in the middle age it is believed that the Norse and people of Germanic origin before they were converted to Christianity, they had their own religion which was very complex and sophisticated. Norse mythology was one of the expressions of this religion.
This was the origin of Norse mythology. They are what these people believed and their religion had no specific name, and this made it seem like a tradition practice. They believed in their gods’ deities such as the Odin, Thor, Loki, and Freya.
It was the traditions of the people of Scandinavian countries that gave birth to this religion. The Norse people believe that there are two types of gods namely the Æsir and the Vanir and other mythical beings such as the giant, dwarfs and other creatures.
- See more at: www.viking-mythology.com/#sthash.1BTlN5J6.dpuf
The Aesir are the gods believed to be the source of war, power and death while the Vanir are responsible for the fertility. Norse mythology also bases on the coming of the destruction of the gods in Ragnarök. Everyone who is a Asatru believer (Asatru is the religion of the Norse) and even the Norse gods know that dooms day is coming and they believe that their enemies will be totally destroyed. - See more at: www.viking-mythology.com/#sthash.1BTlN5J6.dpuf
The Vikings are the people of Germanic origin who were feared, for they were great warriors. The destiny of the Norse gods was in their hands in the battlefield. They fought like no bodies business, and could go berserk.
The warrior believed in Norse gods and those who were lucky to be in Valhalla. They would fight everyday on the battlefield and if their limbs were cut, in the battle during the day, they would heal to the original body and then they would head back to their camp where they would spend the whole night eating and drinking mead until the next morning, the Norse gods would have healed them and again they would proceed to train on the battlefield for Ragnarök.
For one to qualify to be a warrior in the Norse people you had to believe that Valhalla exists and will save you. Valhalla is where the dead are believed to go and these believed that if you go there after you have been killed in a battle.
Odin is a god of the Norse and is very powerful that no one dared to fight him and there was a leader called Thor who led the warriors to war and he is the one associated with the hammer. He can use it to produce thunder that kills his enemies in war. Up to date the hammer is associated to the destruction of Thor.
- See more at: www.viking-mythology.com/#sthash.1BTlN5J6.dpuf
From the Norse Creation myth to Ragnarok...
Who were the first humans in Norse Mythology...?
Odin is the chief of the Aesir gods and the ruler of Asgard, the home of the gods.
Thor god of thunder has a hammer named Mjölnir.
What is a Jotun? And where do they live?
Find out, when Fenrir will be released.
Odin will do anything for wisdom, and once sacrificed his eye.
Yggdrasil in Norse Mythology is the tree of life. At its roots the Goddesses of Fate spins the threads of life.
How did Freya the goddess of love get her necklace Brisingamen.
In Norse Mythology Loki is the trickster god.
Loki is the father of Hel, Midgard Serpent, and The Fenrir Wolf.
Thor's father is Odin.
In Norse Mythology Balder the good was killed, but how did he die?
- See more at: www.viking-mythology.com/#sthash.1BTlN5J6.dpuf
Norse mythology is the study of the myths prevailing in northern European countries. This has been conveyed to generations and even written down in books and recited as poems and acted in movies. It is a culture that cannot easily be denied from time immemorial.
The Norse also known as the Vikings, were great people known for their great adventures and were very good when it comes to activities like farming religion and were even feared as deadly warriors. They had good knowledge of navigation and boat building and this is evident in the 7th century AD when the Scandinavian countries were under pressure for expansion and this forced them to attack eastern England.
- See more at: www.viking-mythology.com/#sthash.1BTlN5J6.dpuf
This people's economic pattern was mainly a combination of pastoralism, long-distance trade and piracy, and it made them very strong compared to their neighbors.
You may have heard of this word Norse Mythology, and wonder what indeed Norse Mythology means. Is it a being, a god or an animal? Well, Norse mythology is also commonly known as the Scandinavian mythology, is the collected story of the religion of the ancient people of the Northern parts of Europe in countries such as Denmark, Norway, Sweden, which is a part of Scandinavia.
It comprises of tales of different beings, gods and heroes from both and after the pagan error in the traditional story told concerning the same.
Many gods are mentioned in the folklore of the Norse Mythology such as:
Thor; the fierce god who fearlessly goes after foes and crushes them.
Odin; the giver of knowledge and a deity, who was simultaneously responsible for war, poetry and sorcery.
Skaoi, who prefers the wolf, howls of the Winter Mountains than of the seashore.
Njoror, who may calm both sea and fire and grant wealth and land.
Freyr, whose weather and farming associations bring peace and pleasure to humanity.
Idunn, who keeps apples that grant eternal youthfulness.
Heimdallr, born by nine mothers, can hear grass grow, has golden teeth, and possesses a resounding horn.
Jotunn Loki, who brings tragedy to the gods by engineering the death of the goddess.
Many Vikings believed in these tales and they made sure that the stories were passed on from generation to generation by passing it as written poems that could be recited often
Norse Mythology has different characters from gods, goddess, immortals and other characters including giants, dwarfs, monsters, magical animals and even objects.
There are two major groups of the Norse gods as far as this folklore is concerned although no specific information has been found, it is presumed that way.
The Aesir and Vanir, plus the giants, who came first, some archeologists, believe the Vanir gods represent an older pantheon of the indigenous Viking people whom the invading Indo-Europeans encountered. In the end, the Aesir, the newcomers, overcame and assimilated the Vanir.
- See more at: www.viking-mythology.com/#sthash.1BTlN5J6.dpuf
It is not yet clear when the religion of the Norse came into existence although it is traced as far as the 2nd century AD. Norse religion (Asatru) refers to the traditions of the Norse men prior to the Christianization of the Scandinavian specifically during the Viking age.
It is a subset of Germanic paganism which was practiced in the land inhabited by the Germanic tribes across most of the northern and central Europe. Modern religion derived the knowledge of Norse religion from the results of archeological field work, etymology and early written materials.
- See more at: www.viking-mythology.com/#sthash.1BTlN5J6.dpuf
The Norse paganism was a folk religion as opposed to an organized religion. Its main purpose was the survival and regeneration of society and therefore is was decentralized and tied to the village and the family although evidences exists of great national religious festivals.
Pre–Christian Scandinavia had no word for religion in modern science. The Christian practice included several customs ranging from one denomination to another.
Several religions have their spiritual leaders. E.g. the catholic faithful have the pope who presides over the church activities and proceedings. Other denominations have kings just like during the time of Scandinavians in which they had gods such as the Odin that controlled the universe.
Norse religion was not homogenous due to great geographical distance that existed between the Scandinavians. This led to the variety of customs and beliefs but still they could understand each other’s custom, poetic traditions and myths.
Sacrifices played a major role in most of their rituals and communal feasting on the meat of sacrificed animals together with the consumption of beer. All this activities are included in the calendar festivals and was repeated annually.
Currently sacrifices are being offered in many denominations for example foods stuffs like grains and meat are offered to mark the beginning of the celebrations. The believers mentions their success and achievements including corrections of their failures which is normally lead by their spiritual leaders.
Each community has its own way of celebrating which could either take place in their joined central church or shrines. The Scandinavians sacrifices was to ensure fertility and growth, however, certain traditions for example births, wedding and burials could also be the reason for such activities.
Most of the modern society normally holds burial ceremonies in which the entire society members also take part. Prayers and rituals are normally done including pouring of libations. People could drink, eat and celebrate until dawn.
This ensured that the dead is sent peacefully to join its ancestors. The bereaved are also comforted and left with some members of the family to console them for a certain period of time. They are given foodstuffs and money to enable them forgets the deceased.
This symbolized unity among the community members. Some societies for example the Turkana community in Kenya has ceremonial festivals which are accompanied by dancing and singing. During such activities, common meal like meat and traditional bear is eaten in the open with each person present.
These events are usually lead by the elders of the community as they ensure sanity and morals of the community are adhered to. Marriage ceremonies are also done in which bridal prize in form of cattle, goats, sheep, camel and donkeys are given to the bride’s family. This connected the two families together sealing the marriage.
The worship of gods like the Fryer, Odin and others by the Scandinavians is also practiced by other communities and religions e.g., Hinduism. The Hindus worship the cow as their god believing that they will enjoy fulfillment. All these were derived from the ancient germanium religion.
The gods are highly respected and adored in which sacrifices and rituals are offered to appease them in case of wrong doings in the community. Rules and regulations are contained in the holy books like the bible which is meant to remind the believers what is expected of them.
The spiritual leaders have the right to approach the gods in case of any problem believing they will get solutions. And the gods protected them in return.
- See more at: www.viking-mythology.com/#sthash.1BTlN5J6.dpuf