Foundations of Old Norse Mythology and Medieval Sources

How do we actually know about the gods and legends of the Viking Age? While popular culture often reimagines these stories, the true history lies within a specific set of medieval manuscripts and poetic traditions. This course provides a foundational understanding of the primary sources used to reconstruct Old Norse mythology, enabling you to distinguish between ancient traditions and later medieval interpretations. Through this written curriculum, you will gain the skills to navigate the complex landscape of Scandinavian literature and religious history. You will learn to approach these texts not just as stories, but as historical evidence of a vanished worldview. What you'll learn: - Identify the key manuscripts that preserve Old Norse myths, including the Poetic and Prose Eddas - Understand the historical context of the Viking Age and the transition to Christianity in Scandinavia - Analyze the structure and themes of Skaldic poetry and its role in preserving oral tradition - Interpret the roles of major deities like Odin, Thor, and Freyja within their original literary frameworks - Evaluate how medieval Christian authors influenced the recording of pre-Christian legends - Apply modern critical thinking to separate historical evidence from popular modern misconceptions The course begins with essential terminology and the historical timeline of the Viking Age before moving into a detailed exploration of major textual categories. You will read about how these written records interact to form our modern understanding of Norse belief systems. This course is designed for beginners interested in history, literature, or mythology; no prior knowledge of Old Norse or medieval history is required. Start your journey into the authentic texts of the Viking Age today.