Viking religion

Yr 8 PPT on Viking Myth, Religion and Transition to Christianity

1. Viking Religion

2. 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

3. Ranheim God’s House, Norway