Nordic gods and mythology: overview and important information

Nordic gods and Nordic mythology are referred to in many different pop-cultural media - be it games, films, music or comics. But as is usually the case in mythology, there are so many crucial connections and gods that it is easy to lose track. We therefore summarize the most important gods and terms in our article.

Mythology of the Nordic gods: the Ases

Almost every mythology deals with beings that are not human. There are also gods, giants and other figures in Nordic and Germanic mythology. Unlike the one God in Christianity, however, the Nordic gods are not infallible or the absolute good.

• Nordic mythology is divided into three genders.
• The main sex of the gods are the aces. They created human beings, intervene in their lives and fight evil. They include, for example, the following gods: Odin (father of gods, chief god, god of war and war), Frigg (Odin's wife, goddess of marriage and hearth fire), Thor (son of Odin, god of thunder), Loki (son of one Giants, Thor's blood brother, particularly insidious god).
• Another gods are the Wanen, which are the older gods: Njörð (godfather, god of the sea and seafaring), Freya (goddess of love, who is often mistaken for Frigg), Freyr (god of light and peace).
• The third generation of gods consists primarily of giants and monsters who want to bring evil across the world. They are called Jötunn.

Creation and downfall of the world in Nordic mythology

In addition to individual myths that tell stories about the gods and their relationships with one another, Nordic mythology revolves around the creation and demise of the world.

• In the beginning there was the Urchaos Gnungagap and the Urkuh Audhumbla. Then the oldest generation of gods is born to the giants, who threaten to destroy the existing immediately.
• The Wanen and Asen are created to stop the Jötunn and they win the fight. Odir, Hönir and Loki beat the great giant Ýmir.
• For example, the gods create the well-known tree of life, Yggdrasil, from the remains of the ancient giant, and the ocean is created from its blood.
• Odin also creates the first man Ask and the first woman Embla. Therefore, all Ases and all humans descend from Odin.
• The myth about Ragnarök deals with the end of the world and also the end of the gods - these are mortal.
• The Naglfar ship, built from the nails of the dead, arrives after natural disasters and chaos hit the world.
• The Asen and Wanen fight against the Jötunn (and Loki) for three years and nobody survives the fight.

Norse mythology in modern culture

While the traditions of the mythical stories and writings from Scandinavian space date from around the first century AD, the topic is very popular today. Terms, figures and legends from Nordic and Germanic mythology appear in different media. While Scandinavian bands in particular often adhere to the most faithful and above all authentic reproduction of mythology, other media such as comics and games interpret the gods and their stories in a new way.

• Starting in 2011, the Marvel film series "Thor" deals with the god of the same name. Loki and other gods also play a crucial role here.
• Thor and Loki are also featured in "Marvel's The Avengers". The comic series of the same name was first published in Germany in 1974.
• The "The Legend of Beowulf" (filmed in 2007) also belongs to Nordic mythology.
• Many musicians, especially metal bands, deal with topics related to Nordic mythology. These include: Ragnarok, Bathory, Enslaved, Burzum, Ammon Amarth and Týr.
• In the new God of War, you will also get to know Nordic mythology better, while the predecessor dedicated himself to the Greek mythology.
• Other games include: Northgard, Hellblade, The Banner Saga and World of Warcraft

Are you an absolute fan of the Avengers? In our next practical tip, you will learn how to buy comics signed by Stan Lee.