Viking Religion

Viking Religion: Key Ideas

• The Norse originally worshipped many gods– Aesir – gods of the aristocracy: Odin, Thor, Loki, et al.– Vanir – gods of the people: Njord, Freyr, Freya – Other supernatural beings: giants, trolls, elves, dwarves

• Old and new religion often co-existed• In around 1000 CE Christianity became more important

than the old religion• Sources:

– Artefacts such as statues, amulets, carvings– Excavations at sites of worship – Myths recorded in the Edda and Sagas– Descriptions of practices by outsiders

Ranheim God’s House, Norway