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Loki: Central in myth, absent from cult
Whilst British actor Tom Hiddleston has received fanfare and plaudits for his duplicitous depiction of Loki on the small and silver screens, people in Viking societies had a far more complicated relationship with the eternal trickster of Norse mythology.4 months ago — Culture and religion -
The Prose Edda: Snorri Sturluson's guide to Norse mythology
Do you often find it hard to tell the difference between Thor and Tyr? Unsure of the relationship between Baldr and Bragi? Well, thanks in part to a 13th-century CE poet and politician, there is a textbook that serves as an ultimate guide to the rich complexities of Norse mythology.5 months ago — Culture and religion -
Gerðr: An earth goddess at the edge of the Norse pantheon
Gerðr, a rather obscure earth goddess, speaks not only to the ancient agrarian traditions of Viking societies but also to their need for the powerful to have divine legitimacy.8 months ago — Culture and religion -
Ullr: The Norse skiing god who faded from memory
Overshadowed in modern minds by his more illustrative family members, and even by a fellow deity associated with skiing, Ullr survives as a shadowy figure on the edges of our knowledge of Norse mythology.8 months ago — Culture and religion -
Bound in pain: How the gods punished Loki
The themes of divine retribution and fate are no strangers to mythologies the world over. In the rich tapestry of Norse mythology, how the gods punished Loki occupies a central place in the cataclysmic events leading to Ragnarök.11 months ago — Culture and religion -
Born of nine women: Heimdall and the strangest birth in Norse myth
In one of the most bizarre legends from the Norse sagas, the mighty god Heimdall was said to have been birthed not by one, nor even two, but nine mothers.1 year ago — Culture and religion -
The giant of stone and the Norse God of Thunder: Thor's fight with Hrungnir
The epic tale of the clash of these two Norse titans involves horse racing, betting, a drunk party guest overstaying his welcome, and the curious origin of flint.1 year ago — Culture and religion -
Glorious but mythical deeds: Unpacking the Æsir–Vanir war
This great cosmic clash saw mythical Norse deities fight, then unite, and become one of the most celebrated brawls in the Norse sagas.1 year ago — Culture and religion -
Víðarr, Odin's son: The god who survived Ragnarök
"The wise man must guard his tongue carefully; rarely is there regret for being too silent." Whilst this quote is attributed to Odin himself, it could easily describe his son, Víðarr. Let us examine this Norse god of silence and vengeance and peel back the mystery of this enigmatic deity.1 year ago — Culture and religion -
Freyr: Norse god of fertility, prosperity, and peace
Freyr, the Norse god of fertility, evolved from earlier fertility deities in the Viking tradition. This once-powerful figure deserves some of the historical spotlight to shine on him.1 year ago — Culture and religion
