Norse Mythology

Overview

Course No. 60020

Discover the authentic myths of Thor, Odin, Loki and Viking culture in this 24-lecture course by Old Norse expert Dr. Jackson Crawford. Move beyond pop culture adaptations to explore the original medieval sources – the Poetic Edda and Prose Edda – that preserve these dramatic tales of gods, heroes, and cosmic battles.

From creation myths to Ragnarök’s apocalyptic finale, you’ll encounter the complex Norse worldview with its emphasis on fate, courage, and dark humor. The course also connects mythology to Viking-age religion, magic practices, and the Icelandic sagas that immortalized human heroes.

Video Lectures

01: Meeting the Norse Gods of the Viking Age (35 min)

Introduce the key sources: Poetic Edda and Prose Edda, which preserve Norse myths.

02: Fate and the Norse Worldview (25 min)

Explore Viking values like fatalism and the heroic ideal of “drengr.”

03: The Norse Art of Mythic Storytelling (27 min)

Analyze mythic narrative through Odin’s quest for the mead of poetry.

04: The Norse Gods Are Characters with Flaws (28 min)

Discover the imperfect, multidimensional nature of Norse deities.

05: The Norse Creation: Dawn of Strife (28 min)

Witness the world’s fiery and watery origins in Muspell and Niflheim.

06: First Humans, the Nine Realms, and Yggdrasil (27 min)

Learn how humans were created from driftwood and explore the cosmic tree.

07: Loki and His Children (27 min)

Meet the trickster god and his monstrous offspring: Fenrir, Hel, and Jormungand.

08: Balder’s Death: Tragic Murder of a God (27 min)

Examine different versions of the beloved god’s shocking demise.

09: Ragnarok: The Final Battle and Fall (28 min)

Experience the Norse apocalypse and its cyclical view of destruction/rebirth.

10: Thor among the Gods’ Enemies (26 min)

Follow Thor’s battles against giants and other threats to Asgard.

11: Thor among the Gods (28 min)

See Thor’s humorous side in myths where he’s disadvantaged.

12: Odin, Lord of War and the Dead (30 min)

Explore Odin’s connection to battle, Valhalla, and necromancy.

13: Odin and Wisdom (30 min)

Learn how Odin sacrificed an eye and hung from Yggdrasil for knowledge.

14: A Second Family of Gods? The Vanir (27 min)

Meet the fertility gods Njorth, Frey and Freyja.

15: Valkyries and the Goddess Freyja (29 min)

Discover Freyja’s role commanding the Valkyries.

16: Dwarves, Elves, Trolls, and Zombies (26 min)

Compare Norse supernatural beings to modern pop culture versions.

17: Odin and the Rise of the Volsungs (28 min)

Begin the saga of the legendary Volsung family.

18: The Fall of the Greatest Volsung Hero (28 min)

Follow Sigurth’s epic story and tragic death.

19: Viking History Becomes Volsung Myth (28 min)

Conclude the Volsung saga and compare historical accounts.

20: Shieldmaidens, Berserkers, and Bear Men (26 min)

Meet unconventional Norse warriors outside social norms.

21: Norse Religion, Sacrifice, and Festivals (31 min)

Explore Viking-age religious practices and holy days.

22: Norse Magic: Spells, Curses, and Runes (30 min)

Learn about spoken spells and runic inscriptions.

23: After Life: Hel and Valhalla (29 min)

Compare Norse afterlife destinations for warriors and others.

24: The Enduring Appeal of Norse Mythology (33 min)

Discover why these myths remain popular and where to explore them further.