Martha Morales

Norse myth and folklore are loosely associated with a pattern that comprises complex characters and riveting tales. This is a reason why it takes up a significant place in history today and shows up often in pop culture. (Think Netflix’s Vikings). In essence, Norse mythology is a collection of stories that were spoken aloud and eventually written by the Vikings or the Norsemen and the Germanic people who resided in the present-day Scandinavian region between the periods, c. 790- c. 1100 CE. The deities worshipped were an integral part of their religion that also shaped their culture and strengthened their theology. 

In essence, Norse folklore is much more profound and deep-seated than you think. In fact, the narratives which are retold today just touch the tip of the iceberg. This is also because we live in an oral society, where the myths and customs discussed can evaporate quite easily. In the past, the present-day Scandinavia region (primarily Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, along with some parts of Iceland) was overwhelmingly oral too, which is possibly why we don’t have a detailed sketch of this interesting mythical domain. The intricacy of the stories which have survived and which have been recorded may change your opinion of mythology as a whole and Norse mythology in particular as it is represented in some of the most comprehensive tales today.

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