Crash Course Mythology: Norse Pantheon

Introduction

• Presenter: Mike Rugnetta
• Focus on Norse pantheon: scary wolf, amazing tree, rainbow bridge, frost giants, etc.

Sources of Norse Mythology

• Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson (1220 CE)
• Influence of Christian ideas on myths
• Germanic roots of Norse mythology

Norse Deities

Vanir

• Associated with Earth and fertility
• Led by Freyr and Freyja (brother and sister)
• Freyr:
  • Controls sun, rain, and fruitfulness
  • Brings peace and prosperity

Aesir

• Vanir & Aesir warred, then reconciled
• Lived in Asgard, realm distinct from Vanaheim (not Anaheim)
• Possible historical reflection of merging religions

Major Gods

• Heimdall: White God, sea association, god sentry, rival of Loki
• Thor: Famous Aesir, god of farmers, mighty warrior, associated with fertility symbol Mjolnir
• Odin: Father god, war and poetry, shamanistic, sacrificed eye for wisdom

Stories and Myths

Thor's Hammer

• Thor's hammer stolen by giant Thrym
• Loki's plan: Thor disguised as Freyja
• Wedding feast trick, Thor regains hammer and defeats giants

Other Notable Characters

• Loki: Trickster, complex nature, father of monsters like Jormungand and Fenrir
• Balder: Beautiful god, killed by Hoder, mourned by Frigg
• Tyr: God of war and justice

Norse Goddesses

• Freyja: Love goddess, known for infidelity, has a cat-drawn chariot
• Frigg: Odin’s wife, mother of gods, could see the future
• Other minor goddesses: Ir, Sjöfn, Lofn, Var, Sin, Snotra, Saga

Cultural Context

• Norse gods reflect human qualities, adventurous, less metaphorical than other myths
• Vikings' lifestyle: warriors, legal codes, skiing

Conclusion

• Mythology and stories are engaging and soaked in mead and blood
• Norse myths present gods as relatable, with human-like imperfections

Additional Information

• Produced by Crash Course Mythology team
• Available merchandise and support through Patreon
• Fun fact: Freyja’s companion boar named Hildisfinny (battle swine)