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The Laxdæla saga: Love, revenge, and tragedy in the Viking Age
Long before the likes of American reality television, Mexican telenovelas, or Shakespearean plays found popular appeal, people in Viking societies found their slice of over-the-top entertainment by regaling one another with sagas of epic drama.9 months ago — Culture and religion -
Bound in pain: How the gods punished Loki
The themes of divine retribution and fate are no strangers to mythologies the world over. In the rich tapestry of Norse mythology, how the gods punished Loki occupies a central place in the cataclysmic events leading to Ragnarök.11 months ago — Culture and religion -
Feathers and fire: Freyja's cloak in Norse myth
With a cloak that allowed a magical transformation into a bird and enabled flight across the nine realms of the Norse cosmos, Freyja was surely the best-dressed deity in Norse mythology.1 year ago — Culture and religion -
How do you get into Valhalla? The Valkyries' rules of admission
Think getting into Berghain, the famous nightclub in Berlin, is hard? Well, try getting into an eternal feast with Odin! We break down exactly how you were granted admission to Valhalla.1 year ago — Culture and religion -
Elli and Thor: How an elderly woman beat the god of thunder in wrestling
In this classic tale from the sagas, we learn how even the mightiest of Norse gods can be humbled due to their hubris.1 year ago — Culture and religion -
What Snorri Sturluson didn't like and left out of the Norse sagas
Why did the 13th-century Icelandic poet, politician, and saga spinner extraordinaire leave some sagas out of his famous compilations?1 year ago — Culture and religion -
Víðarr, Odin's son: The god who survived Ragnarök
"The wise man must guard his tongue carefully; rarely is there regret for being too silent." Whilst this quote is attributed to Odin himself, it could easily describe his son, Víðarr. Let us examine this Norse god of silence and vengeance and peel back the mystery of this enigmatic deity.1 year ago — Culture and religion -
Tales of blood and sorrow: The most tragic Norse sagas
Whilst the sagas were told for entertainment and education, that doesn't mean the Vikings couldn't tell a good tearjerker. You'd better grab a box of tissues because we look at some of the most heart-rending tales.1 year ago — Culture and religion -
Skaldic poetry and verbal sparring: The long lost art of flyting
Long before rap battles and mic drops, people from Viking societies had perfected the art of poetic barbs and epic verbal stoushes.1 year ago — Culture and religion -
Exploring some of the best movies about Norse mythology
While this list is far from complete, these movies capture the grit, wonder, and strangeness of Norse mythology, with gods, warriors, and even alien visitors stepping into Viking lore.1 year ago — Legacy
