Introduction

Norse mythology can be directly associated with Norse Religion, for the are nearly the exact same thing. This mythology was spread throughout Europe by means of exploration and settlement. Scandinavia was largely overpopulated during the Age of the Vikings, resulting in the attempts by the people to leave and conquer new lands. The Age of the Vikings was during the years 780-1070 AD. The oldest sons in the family would inherit everything, so the younger sons would have to move out and start a life of their own. Those men who lived during this time were called Vikings, and the word means "bay-men" or "fighting men" or "settling men." The Vikings traveled over all areas of Europe, conquering more and more land, and as they migrated, their beliefs followed, and was therefore spread throughout the continent.

According to Norse Mythology, the world was created when Frost-Giant Ymir was killed by Odin and his brothers. They also believe that this world will end when the Giants destroy Odin and his companions in battle, and this final day is known as the Rognarok. There are 5 supernatural races in Norse Religion. They are:

Aesir

Vanir

Giants

Dwarves

Valkyries

First there was nothing, and the North and South together formed Ymir, the Frost-Giant. Ymir’s sweat created an entire race of Giants, and then a cow was created to feed these Giants. Next, Bur emerged from the ice covering the entire world, and he had three sons, which together defeated Ymir. The blood of the Giant created the sea, the three sons created the land using Ymir’s body, and from his skull they made the entrance to the heavens. Odin, one of the sons, created the dwarf race from the maggots within Ymir’s body. These gods became supreme and soon created the first mortal human beings. Odin knew that his power was not eternally granted, for it would be gone when the Giants battled them at Vigird, a huge battlefield. Thor and the Midgard Serpent destroyed each other in this battle, Odin was devoured by Fenrir, and all the stars would fall as the earth sank below the sea. Then, the universe would no loner exist. However, power still existed, and it was within "The Nameless One," who would eventually rekindle the world and start again from the beginning.

King Hrothgar wanted to build something that would make his name always remembered, so he constructed and enormous hall. Soon, an ogre name Grendel came and was causing chaos all across his lands. Another king, Heyelac, soon heard of these troubles, and sent one of his earls, Beowulf, to try to help. Upon the evening of Beowulf’s arrival, Grendel killed a man and then ate him, and he also caught sight of Beowulf. They fought, and Beowulf was able to defeat him. However, Grendel’s mother heard of her son’s death, and was ready to seek revenge upon his killer. Beowulf agreed to fight her, and he was pulled into her underwater lair one day while he was fishing. He defeated her with the sword of the Giants, and returned again to find rejoicing among the citizens. He returned to his homeland, and eventually became king for 50 years. Eventually a giant rose against his people, so Beowulf agreed to defeat him. As they fought, Beowulf’s weapons were melted by the creature’s fire, and he was poisoned, also. Beowulf was able to get enough blows to the stomach of this dragon, but by the time he was killed, Beowulf was already on the brink of his own death due to the poison. Soon he also died, but his people mourned him, and he will always be remembered in song.

Rerir’s wife gave birth to Volsung, who in turn gave birth to two children, and they were named Signy and Sigmund. Signy married an evil man named Hunding. One day, the Volsungs were having a banquet when a queer stranger appeared before them. He placed a sword in a tree and said that whoever was able to extract it would become the owner. This stranger was truly Odin in disguise. No one was able to pull it out until Sigmund gave it a try. Then all the Volsungs were captured by Hunding, and were slowly devoured by wolves, one at a time. Sigmund was the last to be killed, but Signy saved her brother and fled. Together they had a child, Sigurd, and this was only because he was meant to be the true hero which would bring safety to the land. Sigmund and Signy returned and imprisoned Hunding in the hall, and then set fire to it, but Signy flung herself into the flames because he was still her husband, and she must remain loyal to him. Sigmund continued to perform marvelously in battle, but the time soon came when Odin’s sword broke in two, and Sigmund was killed. Sigmund’s final request was that the sword would be kept for one person who was to be a hero.