A long time ago, many civilizations emerged in different geographies of the world. Yes, civilizations in the past had their own characteristics. But there were also things that existed in common in almost all of them. Ancient civilizations were trying to make sense of the world and the universe. For this, they were starting from their deep-rooted cultures and beliefs and trying to realize this effort through their mythology.
While Norse mythology puts supernatural deities at its center, much of the narrative was based on the real life, real history, and real culture of the Vikings.
Here’s what you need to know about the 3 most important gods in Norse mythology…
Loki
Loki, the god of disaster, evil and cunning, was also notorious for his crimes among the Vikings… Probably due to his evil nature, he was sometimes depicted with his horns…
Loki, who was Odin’s blood brother but could not resist his evil nature, was also a master of gender and shapeshifting. In this way, he was able to carry out many of his great evils…
However, the greatest crime of this evil god was that he had Odin’s son Hod kill his twin brother Balder. Loki was imprisoned in a cave deep in the world because of this great crime…
Odin
Odin was not as popular with the Vikings as his son Thor is today. But he was a much more important god than him. Because he was the father of not only Thor but all the gods in Norse mythology. However, wisdom, healing, witchcraft, poetry, death and many other concepts were associated with Odin, the father of the gods…
According to mythology, Odin was depicted as a one-eyed, cape-wearing and hat-wearing shaman or traveler. The reason he was portrayed as one-eyed was that Odin had sacrificed one eye for wisdom.
However, Odin, one of the most powerful gods in Norse mythology, was often depicted with his ravens. In times of war, he used his spear called Gungnir…
Thor
Thor is one of the best-known and most beloved gods of Norse mythology today.
This important Viking god was famous for following his enemies relentlessly. These enemies were usually among giants or trolls with superhuman powers, called “Jötnar” in mythology.
This warrior god was associated with the hammer named Mjölnir. But Mjolnir wasn’t Thor’s only weapon. Thor also used his iron gloves, magic belt, and staff on the battlefield.
The oak tree, thunder and lightning were the tangible things Thor was associated with.
Thor conjured up the Vikings with war and courage, as well as blessing and fertility.
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