Old Norse Mythology in the Sources

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/old-norse-mythology-sources

Introduction

### Course Review: Old Norse Mythology in the Sources on Coursera If you've ever been intrigued by the tales of the Vikings, their gods, or the heritage of Scandinavian culture, the Coursera course "Old Norse Mythology in the Sources" is a remarkable opportunity to delve deeper into this fascinating subject. This course offers a structured, comprehensive introduction to the religious beliefs of the Vikings, shedding light on the ancient texts and sources that have shaped our understanding of Old Norse mythology. #### Course Overview "Old Norse Mythology in the Sources" is a thoughtfully designed curriculum that introduces students to the rich religious landscape of the Viking Age. Drawing from medieval Scandinavian literature, it examines the interplay between pre-Christian beliefs and later Christian interpretations, helping participants appreciate how mythology has evolved over the centuries. The course places significant emphasis on key texts, primarily focusing on the **Poetic Edda**, a critical collection of Old Norse poetry that forms the backbone of our mythological knowledge. Additionally, students will explore the **Prose Edda** by Snorri Sturluson along with other important runic inscriptions and offerings from skaldic poetry. This breadth of content equips learners with the necessary tools to analyze and understand the mythological narratives that shaped an entire culture. #### Course Structure The course is divided into four main modules, each building on the knowledge acquired in the previous one: 1. **Introduction** In the first module, students are introduced to the historical context of Old Norse mythology. This encompasses not just the mythology itself, but also the significant events in Scandinavian history that influenced these beliefs. Learners will gain insight into how early Christian ideologies interacted with, and often transformed, the pre-Christian narratives. Crucial sources, such as Eddic and skaldic poetry, will be outlined here, setting the foundation for deeper exploration. 2. **The Eddic Poems** This module zooms in on the primary family of gods known as the **Æsir**. Here, participants can expect a detailed examination of well-known figures such as Odin, Thor, and Loki. The discussions focus on their roles in various myths and the scarcity of narratives that exist about less prominent gods. The course’s presentation of these figures is not only engaging but invites critical thinking about their significance in Norse culture. 3. **Additional Sources** Exploring the secondary family of gods, the **Vanir**, this module offers a balanced view of the pantheon while highlighting their underrepresented role in certain texts. Gods such as Njörðr, Freyr, and Freyja are examined in context, encouraging learners to appreciate the complexity and interrelations of the mythological narratives. This module helps to dispel the notion that the Vanir are secondary to the Æsir, showcasing their importance in the overall mythological fabric. 4. **Final Assessment** The course wraps up with a final assessment that reinforces the knowledge acquired throughout the modules. This assessment serves not only as a measure of understanding but also as an opportunity for learners to synthesize and apply what they have learned in a meaningful way. #### Learning Experience Throughout the course, learners are encouraged to engage with the material critically. The interface on Coursera facilitates ease of navigation, and an assortment of multimedia resources enhances the learning experience. The lectures are delivered by knowledgeable instructors who create an inviting atmosphere for inquiry and discussion. #### Recommendation I wholeheartedly recommend "Old Norse Mythology in the Sources" to anyone with an interest in mythology, history, literature, or anthropology. Whether you are a seasoned scholar or simply curious about Viking culture, this course caters to all levels of familiarity with the subject matter. It grants valuable insights into the Northern European religious landscape and inspires a deeper appreciation for the complex narratives that have been passed down through generations. Enroll today and embark on an enlightening journey through the myths that have captivated imaginations for centuries—discover the gods of the Old Norse and the stories that have defined a culture!

Syllabus

Introduction

In this module you will learn about the history and background of Old Norse mythology. You will gain insight into the source background to Old Norse mythology, the relevant historical developments in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, and the interplay between pre-Christian religion and Christian interpretation in the sources. You will be introduced to the Old Norse sources that inform our understanding of pre-Christian and Viking Age religion in Scandinavia: Eddic poetry, skaldic poetry, Snorri's Edda, and runic inscriptions.

In this module you will learn about the primary family of gods in Norse mythology, the Æsir. There are many Æsir but very few of them have stories attached to them. You will learn about the ones that appear most in Snorri Sturluson's Edda and in the Eddic poems: Odin, Thor, Loki and a few others.

In this module you will learn about the secondary family of gods in Norse mythology, the Vanir. They are hardly to be considered less important than the Æsir, but especially in Snorri's Christianized version of the mythology, the Vanir's role is diminished. Here you will learn about the primary Vanir: Njörðr, Freyr and Freyja.

In this final assessment module you will demonstrate that you have learned the important aspects of the course in Norse mythology.