Norse Mythology free essay sample

Beliefs are a large aspect of humanity, which will often guide the lifestyles of societies and individuals. Regardless whether these beliefs are religious or merely subjective; they hold great significance to their advocates, giving them something to cherish and live by. Since the ancient times, civilisations have been impacted by the beliefs and perspectives of their people. And as historians have discovered, every society—whether it be modern or ancient—has had religious and spiritual influences! As well as the common established religions we have nowadays, people in the ancient world also followed myths and sagas, relative to their culture. Having such beliefs would often provide explanations for inexplicable occurrences and natural phenomena, while giving the people some much-needed incentive. For example: in Greek mythology, there are powerful gods and goddesses controlling just about every facet of lie, as well as the afterlife. Similarly, the Egyptians worshipped their gods and goddesses. We will write a custom essay sample on Norse Mythology or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page And just as the Greek and Egyptian mythologies, Norse mythology—relative to the Vikings—also mentions the significance of their alleged gods and goddesses. Information and knowledge regarding the significance and expertise of these gods can be acquired from the sagas. Odin (Main Article) As determined through historical studies, runes and sagas, the Vikings, like many ancient and modern civilisations, worshipped several gods and goddesses and had unique beliefs of their own. Amongst all of the Viking gods, Odin is one of the few, still well-known today. Being a foremost member of ? sir, as well as the ruler of Asgard—the Viking heaven; home of the Norse gods—Odin was one of the more prominent gods in Norse mythology. His old-Norse name, Odinn, is now acknowledged as an official, valid religion throughout the several countries of Scandinavia, where the Vikings had inflicted their culture! Unknown author(s), 2013: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Odin Odin is a god of war, death and victory; but also, the god of poetry and wisdom. And for this wisdom, he’s thought to have traded one of his eyes, in order to be granted a drink from the Well of Wisdom! Since then, he’s gained vast knowledge, though having to suffer and live with only one eye! In most depictions and sagas, Odin is closely accompanied by his prized spear, Gungir; the two trusted wolves who helped him keep watch over the cosmos, and his eight-legged steed, Sleipnir. His spear—one of a kind—never missed a target! * His wolves: close allies. He always fed them his own meals, choosing to live on nothing but wine. Lindemans M. F. , 2005: http://www. pantheon. org/articles/o/odin. html Saldais M. , Smith R. , 2012: Oxford Big Ideas History 8, page 76 Odin, being a mythical figure, has several illogical sagas suggesting this beginning an end. For example: In some alternative sagas, he’s said to have been exiled from Asgard by the other gods , despite being its ruler.