The gods, heroes, and legends of the Viking Age - from Odin's wisdom to Ragnarok
Welcome to the definitive guide to Norse mythology—the rich tapestry of gods, giants, heroes, and cosmic events that defined the Viking worldview. Unlike the ordered pantheon of the Greeks, Norse mythology embraces a world destined for destruction and rebirth, where gods are mortal and heroism often leads to tragedy.
The Aesir and Vanir: Norse deities divide into two families: the warlike Aesir (Odin, Thor, Frigg) who inhabit Asgard, and the nature-oriented Vanir (Njord, Frey, Freya) from Vanaheim. Their conflict and eventual truce created the unified pantheon worshipped by Vikings.
Cosmic Structure: The universe is organized around Yggdrasil, the World Tree, connecting nine distinct realms including Midgard (human world), Jotunheim (giant realm), and Helheim (underworld).
Fate and Doom: Central to Norse belief is the concept of wyrd (fate) culminating in Ragnarok—the apocalyptic battle where gods and giants perish, only for the world to be reborn anew.
Explore the complete Norse mythological system through our categorized database of deities, creatures, artifacts, and legendary locations.
Select a category below to explore specific Norse mythological names and stories:
Odin, Thor, Frigg, Tyr, Heimdall, and the warrior gods of Asgard.
Njord, Frey, Freya, and the fertility gods of Vanaheim.
Ymir, Loki, Skadi, and the primal giants of Jotunheim.
Brynhildr, Sigrun, and the warrior maidens who choose the slain.
Sigurd, Beowulf, Ragnar Lothbrok, and legendary warriors.
Master craftsmen and smiths who forge magical artifacts.
Light elves of Alfheim and dark elves of Svartalfheim.
Fenrir, Jormungandr, Sleipnir, Huginn & Muninn.
Asgard, Midgard, Jotunheim, Helheim, and other worlds.
Mjolnir, Gungnir, Draupnir, and legendary weapons/tools.
The end of days: events, battles, and rebirth prophecies.
Wyrd, Orlog, Seidr, and core Norse philosophical ideas.
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