Norse Mythology: Ancient Viking Religion and Sacred Texts
Explore Old Norse mythology through medieval Scandinavian literature. Discover Viking beliefs and their Christian interpretations.
Explore Old Norse mythology through medieval Scandinavian literature. Discover Viking beliefs and their Christian interpretations.
Embark on a fascinating journey into the religion of the Vikings with this introductory course led by Mathias Nordvig from the University of Colorado Boulder. Explore Old Norse mythology as recorded in medieval Scandinavian literature, gaining insight into pre-Christian beliefs and their Christian interpretations. You'll study key sources like the Poetic Edda, Snorri Sturluson's Edda, and Saxo's History of the Danes, uncovering the stories of gods like Odin, Thor, and Loki. The course examines the historical context of these myths, the process of their codification, and their literary representation. By analyzing various sources, you'll develop a nuanced understanding of Old Norse mythology and its place in Scandinavian culture.
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What you'll learn
Identify the differences between literary representations of Old Norse myths and pre-Christian religion
Understand the processes underlying the codification of Old Norse mythology in medieval literature
Describe key elements and features of Old Norse mythology, including major gods and their stories
Analyze the interplay between pre-Christian beliefs and Christian interpretations in Norse mythology
Examine various sources of Old Norse mythology, including Eddic poetry, skaldic poetry, and runic inscriptions
Explore the historical context of Viking Age religion and its transformation during the Christian era
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
174 Minutes PreRecorded video
4 quizzes
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There are 4 modules in this course
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Old Norse mythology through the lens of medieval Scandinavian literature. The curriculum is divided into four main areas: Introduction to Old Norse sources and historical context, The Eddic Poems, Additional Sources, and a Final Assessment. Students will explore the primary collections of Old Norse poetry and prose, including the Poetic Edda and Snorri Sturluson's Edda. The course examines the key elements of Norse mythology, the main gods of the Æsir and Vanir families, and the literary representation of these myths. Through a combination of video lectures, readings, quizzes, and discussions, participants will gain a deep understanding of Old Norse mythology and its cultural significance.
Introduction
Module 1 · 2 Hours to complete
The Eddic Poems
Module 2 · 1 Hours to complete
Additional Sources
Module 3 · 1 Hours to complete
Final Assessment
Module 4 · 1 Hours to complete
Fee Structure
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Instructor
Teaching Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder
Mathias Nordvig is a skilled educator specializing in Old Norse mythology, the Viking Age, and medieval Scandinavia. He has been teaching and publishing in academia since 2010 and is known for his engaging approach to these subjects. Mathias co-hosts the popular Nordic Mythology Podcast, which attracts an average of 45,000 monthly listeners, making it a significant platform for disseminating knowledge about Norse culture and mythology. He is also the author of "Old Norse Mythology for Kids," aimed at introducing younger audiences to these ancient tales. At the University of Colorado Boulder, he teaches the course "Old Norse Mythology in the Sources," where he explores the rich literary and cultural heritage of the Viking Age through primary texts and artifacts.
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4.6 course rating
302 ratings
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