This course is an introduction to the religion of the Vikings as it is recorded in Old Norse and Scandinavian literature from the medieval period. You will learn about the different written sources and what they can teach us about pre-Christian religion in northern Europe in the Viking Age. The course surveys the primary collection of Old Norse poetry about the pre-Christian Scandinavian gods, the Poetic Edda. We will also work with the main collections of stories about the Old Norse gods in prose: Snorri Sturluson's Edda and Saxo's History of the Danes.
Offered By


Old Norse Mythology in the Sources
University of Colorado BoulderAbout this Course
This course only requires that you have an interest in Old Norse Mythology.
Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?
Try Coursera for BusinessSkills you will gain
- Poetry
- Literature
- Religion
- Mythology
- Scandinavian History
This course only requires that you have an interest in Old Norse Mythology.
Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?
Try Coursera for BusinessOffered by
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Introduction
The Eddic Poems
Additional Sources
Final Assessment
Reviews
- 5 stars74.85%
- 4 stars18.85%
- 3 stars1.71%
- 2 stars3.42%
- 1 star1.14%
TOP REVIEWS FROM OLD NORSE MYTHOLOGY IN THE SOURCES
I thoroughly enjoyed this course, well presented and easy to follow. Now I've got a much better understanding of this topic.
This covers the basics of the myths and establishes a basic understanding of the historical and cultural context and knowledge that we currently have surrounding the sources.
Very interesting and well done. My only negative is that I would like to have 2 chances on the quizzzes before having to wait 24 hours.
I love this course. I hope to learn more on Ancient Norse Mythology and the Eddas. I hope there are more courses out there.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.