Norse

Myth
ELE 133

MWF
Mytholgy & Folklore
Gordiones, Ralph Laurence G.

Ramonal, Valerie G.

Egos, Chinee Vel

 orse mythology refers to the body of mythology from the North Germanic peoples,
particularly the Scandinavian regions like Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, and Finland. It
encompasses the beliefs, gods, creatures, and stories of the ancient Norse culture, which thrived
during the Viking Age (circa 800 to 1100 AD) and the medieval period.

Why it's called "Norse" mythology:

The term "Norse" comes from "Norsemen", a term used for the Scandinavian people
(especially the Vikings) who lived in the northern parts of Europe, in what is now Norway,
Sweden, and Denmark. These people spoke the Old Norse language and shared a common
cultural and religious heritage.

Key Elements of Norse Mythology:

1. The Gods: Central to Norse mythology are gods like Odin (the All-Father), Thor (god
of thunder), Loki (the trickster), and Freyja (goddess of love and fertility). They lived in
a realm called Asgard, and their stories are mostly told in sources like the Poetic Edda
and Prose Edda.
2. Creation and Cosmology: Norse mythology includes stories about the creation of the
world, the cosmos, and the different realms, including Midgard (Earth), Asgard (home
of the gods), Jotunheim (land of the giants), and others.
3. Ragnarok: One of the most important themes in Norse mythology is Ragnarok, the
prophesied end of the world, a great battle between gods, giants, and other creatures,
followed by rebirth.
4. Creatures and Beasts: The mythology is rich in creatures like the Norns (the goddesses
of fate), Fenrir (the monstrous wolf), Jörmungandr (the World Serpent), and Hel (the
ruler of the underworld).

Why the term "mythology"?

The word "mythology" comes from the Greek words "mythos" (meaning "story" or "speech")
and "logos" (meaning "study" or "discourse"). So, "mythology" refers to the collection or study
of myths—traditional stories that explain the world, gods, and natural phenomena. Norse
mythology, therefore, refers to the traditional stories of the ancient Norse peoples about their
gods, beliefs, and the universe they inhabited.

The Prose Edda is one of the primary sources of Norse mythology, compiled and written by
Snorri Sturluson, an Icelandic historian, poet, and politician, in the early 13th century. It is an
essential work for understanding Norse gods, mythology, and cosmology, offering rich details
about the legendary figures, creatures, and events that shaped the beliefs of the Viking Age.
Overview of the Prose Edda

The Prose Edda is divided into four parts, each dealing with different aspects of Norse
mythology, poetic traditions, and cosmology. These parts are:

1. Prologue – An introduction to Norse mythology and a mythological explanation for the

origins of the world.
2. Gylfaginning – "The Tricking of Gylfi" or "The Deluding of Gylfi," which is the section
that describes the creation and history of the gods, the cosmos, and important
mythological events.
3. Skáldskaparmál – "The Language of Poetry," a guide to the poetic tradition and the
kennings (figurative expressions used in Norse poetry).
4. Hjálfskríni – "The Book of the Prophecy," which discusses prophecies about the future
and the end of the world (Ragnarok).

1. Prologue of the Prose Edda

In the Prologue, Snorri Sturluson offers a blend of mythology and history. The main thrust of
this prologue is a mythological account of the creation of the world, presenting the Norse gods
and their ancestors in a way that attempts to tie the Norse gods to classical gods from Roman and
Greek mythology.

It tells how the Aesir gods (the primary group of gods in Norse mythology) and their ancestors
arose from a primordial entity. Snorri also introduces the concept of the World Tree, or
Yggdrasil, which connects the different realms of the cosmos. This section largely serves as an
introduction to the ideas that are elaborated upon in the later parts of the Edda.

2. Gylfaginning ("The Tricking of Gylfi")

The most significant part of the Prose Edda, Gylfaginning, is a narrative in which a king named
Gylfi (from Sweden) visits Asgard (the realm of the gods) to learn about the gods and their
secrets. Disguised as an old man, Gylfi engages in a series of questions and answers with the
gods, who are represented by the figure of High (Odin), Just-As-High, and Third (other forms
of Odin).

Some of the major topics covered in Gylfaginning include:

 The Creation of the World: The world was created from the body of the giant Ymir, the
first being, by the gods. After Ymir was slain by Odin and his brothers, his body was
used to create the earth, sky, mountains, and oceans.
 The Aesir and Vanir: The gods in Norse mythology are divided into two main families:
the Aesir (including Odin, Thor, and Frigg) and the Vanir (including Njord, Freyr, and
 Freyja). The two families initially fought but later made peace, exchanging hostages and
forming a unified pantheon.
 The Nine Realms: The cosmos is divided into nine realms, each governed by different
beings. These realms include Asgard (home of the Aesir), Midgard (Earth, the realm of
humans), Jotunheim (home of the giants), Vanaheim (home of the Vanir), Alfheim
(home of the Light Elves), Svartalfheim (home of the Dwarves), Niflheim (realm of ice
and cold), Muspelheim (realm of fire), and Helheim (the underworld, ruled by Hel).
 The Gods and Their Attributes: Various gods are introduced, with their unique roles
and characteristics. Odin is the chief of the gods, associated with wisdom, war, and
death. Thor is the god of thunder, protector of mankind, and wielder of the mighty
hammer Mjölnir. Loki, a complex figure who can change shape, is a trickster and
sometimes an ally and enemy of the gods.
 Ragnarok: The prophesied end of the world, Ragnarok, is described in detail. This
cataclysmic event will involve a great battle between the gods, giants, and other
creatures, leading to the death of many major gods (including Odin and Thor) and the
destruction of the world by fire. Afterward, the world will be reborn, and a new
generation of gods will rise.

3. Skáldskaparmál ("The Language of Poetry")

Skáldskaparmál is a part of the Prose Edda that focuses on the art of skaldic poetry, which was
the primary poetic form in medieval Scandinavia. Skaldic poetry often used kennings, complex
metaphors that substituted the literal meaning of words with figurative expressions. This section
explains many of these poetic devices and gives examples from Norse myths.

Some notable aspects:

 Kennings are figurative expressions used in poetry, often to make the language more
creative. For example, the word "sea" could be replaced with the kenning "whale's road."
 The section also describes how to create poetry in the style of the ancient Norse poets,
teaching readers about the poetic traditions and structures.

4. Hjálfskríni ("The Book of the Prophecy")

The Hjálfskríni or Völuspá ("The Prophecy of the Seeress") is a prophecy that foretells the
events leading to Ragnarok (the end of the world) and the rebirth of the world afterward. In this
section, a Völva (a seeress) is summoned by Odin to tell the future, revealing important events
and the fate of the gods.

Some of the key elements in this part of the Prose Edda include:
  The foretelling of Ragnarok, a great battle that results in the death of many gods,
including Odin, Thor, and Loki, and the eventual rebirth of the world.
 The fate of the gods: Many gods, including Odin, are doomed to die in battle, and the
world will be destroyed by fire and water. However, after this, new gods will arise, and
the world will begin anew.

Key Stories from the Prose Edda

Some of the most famous stories found in the Prose Edda include:

 The Creation of the World: How Odin and his brothers killed the giant Ymir and used
his body to form the world.
 The Theft of Idun’s Apples: The story of how Loki caused Idun, the keeper of the
apples of immortality, to be captured by the giant Thjazi. This event led to the gods
becoming aging and frail until Loki brought Idun back.
 The Binding of Fenrir: The tale of how the gods bound the monstrous wolf Fenrir, who
was destined to bring about Odin’s death during Ragnarok.
 The Death of Baldur: Baldur, the beloved god of light, was killed by his brother Hodur,
with Loki’s trickery. Baldur’s death was a significant event that set in motion the chain of
events leading to Ragnarok.

Conclusion

The Prose Edda is a treasure trove of ancient Norse mythology, presenting an intricate and vivid
picture of the gods, the cosmos, and the fate of the world. It provides a detailed account of the
creation, the great battles, and the eventual destruction and rebirth of the world in Ragnarok.
Snorri Sturluson’s work has been instrumental in preserving these myths for future generations,
and it continues to be an essential source for anyone interested in Norse mythology and Viking
culture.

The Prose Edda, also called the Younger Edda, is a collection of Old Norse texts written by the
Icelandic scholar Snorri Sturluson in the 13th century. It serves as one of the most
comprehensive sources for understanding Norse mythology and poetic tradition. The Prose
Edda consists of four main sections that cover topics ranging from the creation of the world and
the gods to the nature of Norse poetry. Below is a detailed exploration of the Prose Edda and its
parts.

Structure of the Prose Edda

The Prose Edda is divided into four main parts:

1. Prologue
 2. Gylfaginning (The Tricking of Gylfi)
3. Skáldskaparmál (The Language of Poetry)
4. Hjálfskríni (The Book of the Prophecy)

Each section focuses on different aspects of Norse mythology, religion, and the nature of poetry.

1. Prologue

The Prologue serves as an introduction to Norse mythology, providing some background on the
Norse gods and connecting them to classical gods from Roman and Greek traditions. In the
prologue, Snorri Sturluson attempts to trace the origin of the gods, giving them a mythological
background. It also explains the role of the gods in shaping the world.

 Creation of the World: Snorri presents a creation myth in which the world was formed
from the body of the primordial giant Ymir, killed by the gods. His flesh became the
earth, his blood the seas, his bones the mountains, and his skull the sky. This cosmic
event begins the shaping of the nine worlds in Norse cosmology.
 The Aesir and Vanir: The Prologue briefly mentions the two major tribes of gods in
Norse mythology: the Aesir (e.g., Odin, Thor, Frigg) and the Vanir (e.g., Njord, Freyr,
Freyja). The Aesir and Vanir were originally in conflict but later made peace through the
exchange of hostages, including the gods Freyja and Njord.

2. Gylfaginning ("The Tricking of Gylfi")

Gylfaginning is the longest and most important section of the Prose Edda. It is a narrative
frame story where the Swedish king Gylfi visits Asgard, the realm of the gods, to learn about
them. He encounters three mysterious figures (representing different aspects of the god Odin)
who explain the origins, deeds, and destinies of the gods. This section delves into the history of
the gods and provides a comprehensive account of the cosmos, as well as the events that lead up
to Ragnarok, the end of the world.

Key Themes and Stories in Gylfaginning:

 Creation of the World: The world was created from the body of the giant Ymir. His
death caused the formation of the earth, the seas, and the sky. The gods then created
Midgard (Earth) for humans.
 The Nine Realms: The cosmos consists of nine worlds, each with its own inhabitants and
characteristics. These realms are connected by the World Tree, Yggdrasil.
o Asgard: The home of the Aesir gods.
o Midgard: The realm of humans.
o Vanaheim: The realm of the Vanir gods.
o Jotunheim: The land of the giants.
 o Other realms include Svartalfheim (home of the dwarfs), Alfheim (home of the
Light Elves), Helheim (the land of the dead), and Muspelheim (the realm of fire).
 The Gods and Their Roles:
o Odin: The chief god, associated with wisdom, war, and death. He sacrificed an
eye for wisdom and hung himself from Yggdrasil to gain knowledge.
o Thor: The thunder god, protector of humanity, known for his strength and for
wielding the hammer Mjölnir.
o Loki: A trickster figure who can change shape. Loki is the cause of many
problems but also helps the gods in certain situations.
o Freyr and Freyja: Vanir gods who bring fertility, prosperity, and love.
 The Ragnarok Prophecy: Ragnarok is a central theme in Gylfaginning. It is a foretold
event in which the gods, giants, and various mythological beings will engage in a final
battle, leading to the destruction of much of the world. After the battle, the world will be
reborn. The death of many gods, including Odin (killed by the wolf Fenrir) and Thor
(killed by the serpent Jörmungandr), marks the end of the old world.

3. Skáldskaparmál ("The Language of Poetry")

Skáldskaparmál focuses on Norse poetic language, particularly the art of skaldic poetry, which
was an important cultural tradition in the Viking Age. The section explains the use of kennings,
which are metaphorical expressions used in Norse poetry to describe common things in more
elaborate ways. For example, a poet might use a kenning like "whale’s road" to refer to the sea.

Key Points in Skáldskaparmál:

 Kenning: This is the use of metaphorical language to describe ordinary things in a more
elaborate or poetic way. For example, "blood of the wolf" might be a kenning for Odin.
 Poetry of the Skalds: The section includes numerous examples of poems and kennings,
explaining how they work and their importance in the Norse oral tradition. Skaldic poetry
often dealt with topics like war, honor, and the deeds of gods and kings.
 The Importance of Poetry: In Norse society, poetry was a highly esteemed art form. It
was used not only for entertainment but also to immortalize important events and
individuals.

4. Hjálfskríni ("The Book of the Prophecy")

The Hjálfskríni is a section that contains Völuspá, the Prophecy of the Seeress, a poem that
foretells the future events of Ragnarok. In it, a Völva (seeress) describes the fate of the gods and
the world. The prophecy outlines key events leading up to Ragnarok, including the death of
Baldur, the arrival of the giants, and the final battle between the gods and their enemies.

Key Themes in Hjálfskríni:

  Ragnarok: The Völva describes the end of the world and the destruction of the gods. It is
an inevitable event where natural disasters and battles cause widespread chaos. Many
gods, including Odin, Thor, and Loki, will perish in the final battle.
 Rebirth of the World: After Ragnarok, the world will be reborn, and a new generation
of gods and humans will rise to repopulate the earth.
 The Prophecy's Role: The prophecy of Ragnarok serves as a warning about the
inevitable cycles of death and rebirth that govern the cosmos in Norse thought.

Conclusion

The Prose Edda is a vital work for understanding Norse mythology, gods, and poetic tradition.
Through its detailed accounts of the gods, creation, and events leading to Ragnarok, it provides
insight into the worldview and beliefs of the Norse people. Snorri Sturluson's compilation not
only preserves important mythological stories but also serves as a guide to the poetic practices of
the time.
The Prose Edda is packed with stories that not only provide us with the myths of Norse gods but
also offer deep insight into the cosmos, the fates of gods and men, and the cycles of creation and
destruction. Below are some of the most important and famous stories from the Prose Edda:

1. The Creation of the World

This is one of the foundational stories of Norse mythology, found in Gylfaginning (The Tricking
of Gylfi). It tells of the origins of the world and the gods.

 Ymir's Death and the Creation of the World: The first being in existence was the giant
Ymir, from whose body the world was created. Ymir was born from the interaction of
the ice of Niflheim and the heat of Muspelheim. The gods, after slaying Ymir, used his
body to shape the world: his flesh became the earth, his blood the seas, his bones the
mountains, and his skull the sky. The gods also created the first humans, Ask and Embla,
from two pieces of wood they found on the shore.

2. The Aesir-Vanir War

This story, also from Gylfaginning, explains the initial conflict between two tribes of gods: the
Aesir (including Odin, Thor, and Frigg) and the Vanir (including Njord, Freyr, and Freyja).

 The War and Treaty: The Aesir and Vanir fought a war, but neither side could gain the
upper hand. To make peace, they exchanged hostages. The Vanir sent Freyja, Njord, and
his son Freyr to live with the Aesir, while the Aesir sent Hoenir and Mimir to the Vanir.
This reconciliation led to a united pantheon of gods.

3. The Theft of Idun's Apples

One of the most famous stories of Loki's trickery, this tale occurs in Gylfaginning.

 Idun and Her Apples: Idun is the goddess who keeps the apples of immortality that
ensure the gods remain young and strong. Loki, in a plot by the giant Thjazi, tricks Idun
into leaving Asgard and getting captured by the giant. Without her apples, the gods begin
to age and weaken.
 The Return of Idun: Loki, after being forced by the gods to retrieve her, tricks Thjazi
into leaving his home and captures him. Loki brings Idun back to Asgard, restoring the
gods to their youth.
4. The Binding of Fenrir

This story is significant in Norse mythology and can be found in Gylfaginning.

 Fenrir, the Great Wolf: Fenrir is the monstrous wolf, son of Loki and the giantess
Angrboða. The gods, knowing that Fenrir is destined to bring about Odin's death during
Ragnarok, decide to bind him. They first try to bind him with normal chains, but he
breaks free. Finally, they commission the dwarves to create a magical chain called
Gleipnir, made of six impossible-to-find ingredients, such as the roots of mountains and
the breath of fish.
 The Binding: Fenrir agrees to be bound by Gleipnir, but only if one of the gods places
their hand in his mouth as a guarantee. Tyr, the god of war, bravely does so. When Fenrir
realizes he has been tricked and cannot break the chains, he bites off Tyr's hand in his
fury.

5. The Death of Baldur

One of the most tragic stories in Norse mythology, found in Gylfaginning, is the death of
Baldur, the beloved god of light.

 Baldur's Dreams: Baldur begins having prophetic dreams of his death, which alarms the
gods. His mother, Frigg, goes to all things in the world, asking them not to harm Baldur.
All things except for mistletoe swear an oath to not harm him.
 Loki's Trickery: Loki, the trickster god, learns about the mistletoe and crafts a spear
from it. He tricks Hodur, Baldur's blind brother, into throwing the spear at Baldur during
a game in which the gods are throwing things at Baldur without harming him. The
mistletoe spear kills Baldur, and the gods are devastated.
 The Search for Baldur: The gods attempt to bring Baldur back from Helheim (the
underworld), where he has gone after his death. Loki, in disguise, causes the failure of
their efforts, furthering the grief of the gods.

6. The Saga of the Mead of Poetry

This is a story of how the gods came to possess the mead of poetry, a magical drink that
bestows wisdom and the ability to create beautiful poetry. It can be found in Gylfaginning.

 Creation of the Mead: The mead was created from the blood of the wise being Kvasir,
who was born from the saliva of the gods. Kvasir was killed by the dwarfs Fjalar and
Galar, who mixed his blood with honey to create the magical mead. This mead
eventually comes into the possession of the giant Suttung, who hides it in a cave.
 The Theft by Odin: Odin, seeking the mead, disguises himself and seduces the giantess
Gunlod, who guards the mead. Odin then takes the form of a serpent and slips into the
 cave, stealing the mead and returning it to the gods. This act grants Odin the power of
wisdom and eloquence.

7. Ragnarok: The End of the World

The most significant myth in Norse mythology, Ragnarok (the end of the world), is described in
Gylfaginning and Hjálfskríni.

 The Signs of Ragnarok: The events leading up to Ragnarok begin with unnatural
occurrences: harsh winters, the breakdown of familial ties, and the escape of Loki from
his bonds. The gods will engage in a final battle with the giants and other enemies.
 The Final Battle: At Ragnarok, the gods will fight the giants and their allies, including
the monstrous wolf Fenrir, the serpent Jörmungandr, and the fire giant Surtr. Odin will
be killed by Fenrir, and Thor will die fighting Jörmungandr. Loki will face off against the
gods, and the world will be destroyed by fire and water.
 Rebirth of the World: After the destruction of the world, the earth will be reborn, and
new gods will rise. The surviving gods, including Víðarr and Váli, will restore order, and
two human survivors, Líf and Lífthrasir, will repopulate the earth.

8. The Lay of Völund

This is a story about the legendary smith Völund, found in Skáldskaparmál. He is a master
craftsman who is captured by the king Njd and enslaved. Völund eventually escapes, seeking
revenge on the king for his treatment, and he kills the king's sons and uses their eyes and hearts
as part of his revenge.

These are just some of the most important and famous stories from the Prose Edda. Many of
these myths not only explain the origin of the world and the gods but also reflect the values and
worldview of the Norse people—particularly the ideas of fate, honor, and the cyclical nature of
time.

The Creation of the World in Norse Mythology: A Full Context Essay

Norse mythology, the belief system of the ancient Scandinavian people, offers a rich and
complex account of the creation of the world, filled with divine beings, cosmic struggles, and a
deeply ingrained sense of fate and balance. Unlike many mythologies, which often feature a
single omnipotent god creating the world, Norse creation stories involve a dynamic interplay
between different realms, gods, and primordial forces. This essay explores the key elements of
the world’s creation according to Norse mythology, drawing on its mythological texts such as the
Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda, and delves into the significance of these tales in understanding
the worldview of the Norse people.

The Primordial Void and the First Beings

Norse creation begins not with an act of creation but with a great void called Ginnungagap, a
limitless and empty chasm. The term “Ginnungagap” roughly translates to "the yawning gap,"
which existed before time. This void was flanked by two opposing realms: Muspelheim, the
realm of fire, to the south, and Niflheim, the realm of ice, to the north. The heat from
Muspelheim and the cold from Niflheim created a constant tension, and when these two forces
met in the center of the void, they gave birth to the first being, Ymir, a giant of chaos.

Ymir’s creation is a direct result of this cosmic collision. According to the Prose Edda, Ymir
was not born in a traditional manner. Instead, he emerged from the melting ice of Niflheim in the
presence of Muspelheim’s heat. From his body, more giants were born. These beings, the Jötnar
(giants), are often seen as the primordial forces of nature, embodying chaos and destruction.

In contrast to Ymir’s chaotic nature, the first gods were born from the interaction of the ice and
fire as well, though their emergence was more deliberate. The cow Audhumla, another primordial
being formed from the melting ice, nourished Ymir by licking the salty ice blocks. Through her
actions, the first gods were brought into being. These gods were Buri, the father of Borr, and the
grandfather of Odin, Vili, and Vé—the three main gods in Norse mythology.

The Death of Ymir and the Creation of the World

The creation of the world is inextricably tied to the death of Ymir. The gods, Odin and his
brothers Vili and Vé, slew Ymir in an epic battle, and his body was used to form the world as we
know it. His flesh became the earth, his bones the mountains, and his blood the seas. His skull
was lifted to form the sky, and his brain became the clouds. This violent act of creation reflects
the importance of destruction in the Norse worldview—the idea that order and life come from a
cycle of death and rebirth.

The gods then used Ymir's remains to create the world and its various realms. They constructed
Midgard, the human realm, from his flesh. His bones became the mountains surrounding
Midgard, while the oceans and rivers flowed from his blood. This process not only created the
physical world but also established the foundations for the Norse understanding of the cosmos as
a living entity—constantly evolving and interacting with the forces of chaos, fate, and order.

The Role of the Gods in Shaping the World

After the creation of the world, the gods were not merely passive observers. They played an
active role in shaping the world’s future. Odin, the chief of the gods, and his brothers are credited
with the creation of humanity. According to the Prose Edda, Odin, Vili, and Vé found two trees
—an ash and an elm—and shaped them into the first human beings, Ask and Embla. They gave
them life, consciousness, and free will, thereby laying the foundation for human existence.
The gods also built the Asgard, the realm of the gods, and constructed the great hall of Valhalla
where the bravest of warriors would be taken after their deaths. The structure of the universe was
defined by the gods’ order and laws, but their continued struggle against the chaotic forces of
nature, represented by the giants, remained an ongoing theme in Norse mythology.

The Nine Realms and the Tree of Life: Yggdrasil

Central to Norse cosmology is the concept of Yggdrasil, the World Tree, which serves as the axis
of the universe. This immense ash tree connects the Nine Realms, which are the different worlds
that make up the cosmos. These realms include Asgard (the realm of the gods), Midgard (the
realm of humans), Vanaheim (the realm of the Vanir gods), Alfheim (the realm of the light elves),
Svartalfheim (the realm of the dark elves or dwarfs), Niflheim (the realm of ice), Muspelheim
(the realm of fire), Jotunheim (the realm of the giants), and Helheim (the realm of the dead).

Yggdrasil itself is not just a physical tree but a symbolic representation of the interconnectivity
of all things—gods, giants, humans, and all other creatures. The tree is tended to by the Norns,
the three goddesses of fate, who weave the destinies of all beings in the cosmos.

The Norse View of Creation: Cycle of Destruction and Rebirth

In Norse mythology, creation is inherently linked with destruction. The gods’ struggle against
the giants, the eternal conflict between order and chaos, defines the entire cosmos. This conflict
is not simply a battle of good versus evil but a deeper representation of the ongoing cycle of life,
death, and rebirth. The Ragnarök, the end of the world, is an essential component of this cycle. It
is foretold that the gods will fight a final battle against the giants, leading to the death of many
key gods, including Odin and Thor. Afterward, the world will be reborn, and a new age will
begin. This cyclical view of the universe underscores the Norse belief that death is not the end
but a transformation leading to a new beginning.

Conclusion

The creation of the world in Norse mythology is a powerful narrative filled with primordial
chaos, divine intervention, and the interplay of life and death. The myths highlight a worldview
where the gods are not omnipotent beings but powerful forces that shape and maintain the
balance of the universe. Through the deaths of primordial beings like Ymir, and the eventual
rebirth of the world through Ragnarök, Norse mythology emphasizes the inevitability of change,
the cyclical nature of time, and the constant tension between creation and destruction. By
understanding these myths, we gain insight into the values, beliefs, and worldview of the Norse
people, who saw their lives as intertwined with the gods and the natural forces that shaped their
world.