Dwarves and Svartalfar of Norse Myths
Long before ever there was talk of hobbits and orcs, there existed tales of dwarves, Old Norse ‘dvergr’. Slightly confusing … Read More
Gods And Goddesses
List of Norse Gods and Goddesses
The story of Odin and the Norse Gods begins, as in many a creation story, with the abyss. In this … Read More
Tyr: The Norse God of War and Oaths
In Norse mythology, Tyr stands as a figure of immense significance, embodying law, justice, and heroic glory. His narrative is … Read More
Thor’s Mythical Companions: Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjóstr
Just like Thor wouldn’t be himself without his hammer Mjolnir, his two goats Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjóstr are also important to … Read More
Ran – The Goddess of the Sea
A personification of the sea, Ran is one of the most powerful Norse goddesses. She and her jötun husband, Aegir, … Read More
Odin: The Allfather and Most Enigmatic Norse God
When we delve into all the gods of Norse mythology, Odin, the Allfather, stands out as a complex and multifaceted … Read More
Thor: God of Thunder and Champion of the Humans
When diving into Norse mythology, there are few names as iconic and evocative as Thor. Revered for his strength, valor, … Read More
Other Beings
Dwarves and Svartalfar of Norse Myths
Long before ever there was talk of hobbits and orcs, there existed tales of dwarves, Old Norse ‘dvergr’. Slightly confusing … Read More
Vafthrudnir: The Wise Jötun of Norse Mythology
In Norse mythology, the jötnar, or giants, hold a place of intrigue and wisdom, often cast as antagonists in stories. … Read More
Hrungnir: The Mighty Jötun of Norse Mythology
There are many jotnar, or giants, in Norse mythology, and a few of them are described as impossibly strong and … Read More
Hymir: The Enigmatic Jötun of Norse Lore
In Norse mythology, there are many jotnar (the evil/antagonistic giants) who play roles in various myths. However, there are only … Read More
Creatures and Animals of the Norse Gods
The Vikings and their gods had a close relationship with creatures of the animal world. Many of the Aesir and … Read More
Tales of the gods
The Fortification of Asgard
After building Midgard, the realm of men, the gods decided to create a magnificent city for themselves: “Asgard,” the Place … Read More
Thor’s Duel with Hrungnir
In this tale Thor almost meets his end by the Jotun Hrungnir, only to be saved by his then three … Read More
Treasures Of The Gods – How Mjollnir Was Created
This story is interesting in many ways. Here we learn how Loki through mischief ultimately plays a part in shaping … Read More
The Marriage of Njord and Skadi
The giant Thiazi, whom Thor had killed after Thiazi had kidnapped Iduna and stolen the magic apples, had a daughter … Read More
Tales of The Gods
Every culture has their hero stories but few resonate so profoundly across the ages as those of the Vikings. Tales … Read More
The Mead of Poetry
The story about The Mead of Poetry follows the end of the Aesir-Vanir war. When the gods agreed upon peace … Read More
Cosmology
The Nine Realms – Home to Gods, Giants, Elves and Man
The beings of Norse mythology inhabit a universe of Nine Realms. Two of these realms existed before there were gods. … Read More
Vanaheim – Realm of the Vanir Gods
Among all the realms nestled within the branches of Yggdrasil, Vanaheim is maybe the most elusive. Home to the Vanir … Read More
Svartalfheim/ Nidavellir – Home to the Dark Elves
In Norse mythology there is traditionally said to be nine realms, all interconnected and held in place by the cosmic … Read More
Asgard – Realm of the Aesir
High in the sky, where the heavens spread their magnificence, lays the place where gods dwell. Asgard, the home of … Read More
Yggdrasil – The Cosmic Tree of Life
In the realm of Norse mythology, the giant ash tree Yggdrasil stands at the center. Iits branches reach into the … Read More
Urdarbrunnr – The Norns’ Well of Fate
Urdarbrunnr is one of the three wells that sustain Yggdrasil, the world tree at the heart of Norse cosmology. Named … Read More
Old norse texts
Nafnaþulur: The Forgotten Verses of the Skáldskaparmál
Ah, the Nafnaþulur. If you’ve delved into the Prose Edda, you might have come across this term, or perhaps you’ve … Read More
Skírnismál – The Lay of Skirnir
The Lay of Skirnir (Old Norse Skírnismál) is the fifth poem in the Poetic Edda and both an interesting as … Read More
Vafthrudnismol – The Lay of Vafthrudnir
Vafthruthnismol (Vafþrúðnismál) is the third poem in the Poetic Edda as seen in the Codex Regius. It follows the Hávamál … Read More
Skáldskaparmál – Snorri’s Guide to Write as a Skald
The Skáldskaparmál is the third part of Snorri Sturluson’s Prose Edda, following Gylfaginning. Written as a prose guide on how to … Read More
Thórsdrápa – The Lay of Thor
The poem Thórsdrápa is a fascinating tale that recounts one of the great adventures of the Norse god Thor. It … Read More
Grottasöngr – The Lay of Grótti
This version of the Lay of Grótti has been taken from Snorri Sturluson’s Skáldskaparmál to be posted here. Grottasônger is … Read More
Viking History
Viking Names for Boys – Curated List
A couple of weeks ago, my daughter Oda and I collaborated on creating a list of viking names for girls. … Read More
319 Female Viking Names (With Top Twelve List)
Choosing a name for your child, or someone you love can undoubtedly be a difficult task. If you are looking … Read More
The Viking Raid in Africa
In the heart of the Viking Age, a time when the Norsemen’s sails dominated the seas, a story unfolded that would extend their saga beyond the familiar fjords of Scandinavia to the distant shores of Africa.
The “Valknut” Symbol – A Case of Mistaken Identity
Part of what people find most captivating about Old Norse mythology are the many Viking symbols it contains. Of course, … Read More
Aegishjalmr: Mystery of the Helm of Awe
When diving into writing about the Helm of Awe, it’s important to point out a few things right from the … Read More
Berkanan: The Rune of Growth and Fertility in the Viking Age
Imagine, if you will, a time when the Norse gods roamed the earth, and the runes were their language. Among … Read More