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Skíðblaðnir: Freyr's magical ship and its dwarf-made origins
People in Viking societies were some of history's best sailors, as their ships transformed the culture, economics, and politics of the age. Little wonder that their mythology has a rich maritime theme that runs through it, as epitomized by the magical ship Skíðblaðnir.7 months ago — Culture and religion -
Rígsþula and the Norse idea of social classes
A seminal poem of Norse literature attempts to explain the surprising origins of the three social classes of deeply hierarchical Viking society.7 months ago — Culture and religion -
The sky, according to the Vikings: Sun chariots, moon wolves, and world trees
In Norse cosmology, the sky was a dynamic backdrop that saw a host of beings, deities, and even trees animate it with an interplay of divine motion and cosmic struggle.10 months ago — Culture and religion -
The dísir: Mysterious female spirits of fate and kin in Norse belief
The dísir occupy the space between deities, ancestral spirits, and protective guardians in Norse mythology. More mysterious than Valkyries or Norns, they embodied Norse ideas of life, death, protection, and destruction.11 months ago — Culture and religion -
Helheim: For all those who suffer a not-so-glorious death
An icy afterlife awaits those who venture to one of the nine realms of Norse mythology. Like Odin, let us venture there to pick apart the often-overlooked realm of the dead.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 Völuspá: The seeress’s prophecy of the end of the world
One of the most important poems in the rich tapestry of Norse literature, The Völuspá details the dramatic history and fate of the entire Norse cosmos, including its fiery destruction and rebirth.1 year ago — Culture and religion -
How do you get into Valhalla? The Valkyries' rules of admission
Think getting into Berghain, the famous nightclub in Berlin, is hard? Well, try getting into an eternal feast with Odin! We break down exactly how you were granted admission to Valhalla.1 year ago — Culture and religion -
What happens after Ragnarök? Death, destruction, rebirth, and renewal
Following the cataclysmic events of Ragnarök, a cosmic reset occurs, where rebirth follows death and destruction.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
