Myths of northern Europe
A shard of lightning flashes across the black sky and a deafening roar of thunder echoes over the black hills. Thor crashes his mighty hammer against the night and the storm grows to its peak. The raging tempest reminds the mortal beings below of the divine power behind all things on Earth and in the dark heavens. Welcome to the world of the Norse gods.
At the beginning of time
Norse myths are the legends and beliefs of the pre-Christian civilisations of northern Europe and Scandinavia between AD200 and 500. The mythology is rich in stories of gods, giants, immortals, dwarves and monsters.
Life for humans began in the realm of Midgard when the god Odin killed the giant Ymir. Midgard is connected to Asgard, the realm of the gods, by a gigantic rainbow bridge that few humans have the courage to cross.
There are seven other realms in the universe, which is represented by a giant tree, Yggdrasil, the World Tree, around which nine realms exist. The roots of the tree grow down into the underworld.
The thunderer
Thor is the god of thunder. He has a mighty hammer called Mjolnir, or the Destroyer, which appears when he needs it. Red-haired and incredibly strong, Thor wears a magic belt that can double his strength.
Thor is the son of Odin, the father of the gods. The English day Thursday is named after Thor.
Gladsheim
Gladsheim, or Glaosheimr, is the vast hall and parliament of the gods, where all the big decisions about the universe are made. Here Odin exerts total power over gods and mankind. He only has one eye, wields a spear that never misses, and has two pet ravens that carry out his commands.
The god Loki, also known as the Sly One and the Shape Changer, sits at Odin's right hand. He is always looking for mischief.
Valhalla
Valhalla is a hall in the realm of Asgard. It is the resting place for heroes who have died in battle. Only warriors who have shown great courage are admitted.
The Valkyries, Odin's personal gang of female warriors, bring dead warriors from the battlefields of Midgard to live in Valhalla. Here the brave wait to fight again in the battle that will see the end of the world.
Ragnarok
Ragnarok, the terrible battle that will destroy both humans and gods, will one day wipe out the Nine Worlds, according to the myths. This dreadful event, fought between the forces of good and evil, will be the Twilight of the Gods, and nothing will escape. The gods are ready to face their destiny.
When the World Tree crashes, darkness will kill the light. Chaos will fill the void left by the Nine Worlds and everything will end.
True or False?
Which of these statements are true and which are false?
1 Odin is the most important god in Norse mythology.
2 Norse mythology is the legends of the pre-Christian people of north America.
3 Valhalla is the god of mischief.
4 The Valkyries are female warriors who take dead heroes to their final resting place.
5 Odinhas three eyes and a pet raven called Gladsheim.
6 The universe comprises nine separate realms.
7 Thor's hammer is called the Destroyer.
8 Thursday is named after a Norse god.
Answers:
1. true, 2. false, 3. false, 4. true, 5. false, 6. true, 7. true, 8. true
