Creatures of Nordic Mythology

Creatures of Nordic Mythology

By: Brenda Crandall 
ANTH 452
Professor Nichol

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Abstract

 
Norwegian mythology is the body of mythology practiced in Scandinavia which consists of the countries Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. In addition to figures and stories from many sources, it encompasses medieval transcripts, archaeological evidence, and folklore from both before and after the pagan era. As a result of numerous sources, Norse mythology contains tales of various deities, beings, and heroes. European northerners followed this religion until Christianity was introduced. It was the Old Norse Gods that influenced the Germanic people’s traditions and became the center of their culture. Today between the popularity of the Thor films from the Marvel Universe and the hype that surrounds the show Vikings, there is plenty of Norse mythology that create a genre of folklore more popular now than ever. 


Norse Mythology's Influence on Modern Culture

"Norse mythology has had a significant influence on modern culture. Here are some examples:

  •  Norse mythology has inspired modern literature and other forms of artwork, including visual representations, films, comic books, and stage productions.
  • Neil Gaiman's Norse Mythology is a popular book based on Norse gods.
  • There are many films and TV shows based on Norse mythology.
  • Heavy metal, particularly in and around its Scandinavian homeland, has embraced Norse mythology themes, even creating its own genre-Viking Metal" (my husband by the way is a HUGE fan!) 
  • Video and casino games have also been influenced by Norse mythology.


Norse My Stories and Legends

Tales:

 

The body of stories that we call "Norse mythology" formed one of the centerpieces of the pagan Norse religion. These are the talks that Viking poets recited in dimly lit halls to the captivated attendees of grand feasts, and which fathers and mothers told to their children around captivated attendees of grand feasts, and which fathers and mothers told to their children around roaring hearth-fires on long winter nights. Of course, the series VIKINGS, need I say any more. 
They are epic myths of ware, magic, love, betrayal, triumph, and ruin. Not only did they provide deep wells of religious meaning for the Vikings; they also speak to much that is timeless and universal in the human condition, and so continue to provide modern audiences from around the world with wonder, entertainment, and even spiritual nourishment for some. 

Norse Gods and Goddesses

 The Vikings thought of their Gods as the "poles" or "vital forces" that held together and sustained the cosmos and its order. We find in their folklore and myths that the Gods were very much a part of their cosmos rather than beings who just manipulated it from the outside. The structure of the cosmos was seen as analogous to the Norse social hierarchy, with the Gods and Goddesses as the rulers who established and enforced order of the cosmic system as a whole. The Norse thought of their gods as highly anthropomorphic beings, and the gods manifested themselves in various physical phenomena. 


Norse Monsters and Creatures

In the grand cosmic narrative of Norse mythology, these creatures had pivotal roles. They were more than just characters; they were personifications of powerful natural forces, abstract principals, and moral values. By transforming these concepts into tangible entities, the Norse were able to demystify the world around them, providing a framework that made their philosophical beliefs and societal values more accessible and understandable. From dragons that encircle the globe to wolves that swallow gods, these creatures serve as a testament to the remarkable creativity and wisdom of the ancient Norse civilization. 

Norse Mythological Animals

Animals played a crucial role in Norse mythology. They were used to represent divine powers and complex ideas, and their characteristics and traits were closely tied to the gods. Animals in Norse mythology are also seen as guides or helpers in hero quests, often providing assistance or imparting wisdom to human heroes in their epic journeys or trials. The animals of Norse mythology enrich the narrative, adding layers of symbolism, tension, and intrigue, contributing to the complexity and depth of mythology. Goats, cats, falcons, ravens, and wolves are some of the animals that are important in Norse mythology. 

Bibliography

Ahlqvist, Laura, and Helle Vandkilde.  (2018) “Hybrid Beasts of the Nordic Bronze Age.” Danish Journal of Archaeology 7, no. 2: 180–194.


 Kolff, L. M. (2017). New Nordic Mythologies. M/C Journal, 20(6). https://doi.org/10.5204/mcj.1328 
 

Handler, Richard, and Jocelyn Linnekin. (2014) “Tradition, Genuine or Spurious.” The Journal of American folklore 97, no. 385: 273–290. 
 

 Lindow, John. Handbook of Norse Mythology. Santa Barbara, Calif: ABC-CLIO, 2001. 

 

 Lindow, John (2021). Old Norse Mythology. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. 


 Matres, & Shiraiwa, S. (2023). RE:22 35th Nordic Ethnology and Folklore Conference in Reykjavík 13-16 June 2022. Ethnologia Fennica, 49(2), 208–212. https://doi.org/10.23991/ef.v49i2.120964 
 

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