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Old Norse Mythology in the Sources
  • Level Foundation
  • Duration 6 hours
  • Course by University of Colorado Boulder
  • Offered by

About

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.

Modules

Course Introduction

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Discussion
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1 Discussions

  • Before We Begin ...

1 Videos

  • Course Introduction

People, Languages, and Sources

    • 7 Videos
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7 Videos

  • Geography and People
  • Language
  • Runes
  • Written Sources
  • Skaldic Poetry
  • Eddic Poetry
  • Snorri's Edda

Snorris' Edda and Christianity

    • 4 Videos
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4 Videos

  • The Conversion to Christianity
  • The Prologue to Snorri's Edda
  • The Delusion of Gylfi
  • The Language of Poetry

Pre-Christian Scandinavia

    • 4 Videos
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4 Videos

  • Pre-Christian Scandinavia
  • The Old Norse gods 1
  • The Old Norse gods 2
  • The Old Norse gods 3

Introductory Module Quiz

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Introductory Module

Eddic Poetry 1

    • 4 Videos
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4 Videos

  • The Collection of Eddic Poems
  • The Prophecy of the Seeress
  • The Sayings of the High One
  • Grimnir's Sayings

Eddic Poetry 2

    • 4 Videos
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4 Videos

  • Vafthrudnir's Sayings
  • Harbard's Song
  • Hymir's Poem
  • Thrym's Poem

Eddic Poetry 3

    • 4 Videos
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4 Videos

  • Skirnir's Journey
  • Loki's Quarrel
  • The Poem of Volund
  • All-Wise's Sayings

Quiz on Eddic poetry

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Eddic Poetry

Eddic Poems Outside Codex Regius

    • 4 Videos
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4 Videos

  • Baldr's Dreams
  • The Song of Hyndla
  • Rig's List
  • The Song of Grotti

Saxo's Stories About the Nordic gods

    • 3 Videos
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3 Videos

  • Baldr in Saxo's Gesta Danorum
  • Odin in Saxo's Gesta Danorum
  • Hading in Saxo's Gesta Danorum

The Use of Skaldic and Eddic Poetry in the Sources

    • 3 Videos
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3 Videos

  • The Use of Eddic Poetry in Snorri's Edda
  • The Use of Skaldic Poetry in Snorri's Edda
  • The Saga of the Ynglings Between History and Myth

Quiz on Additional Sources to Old Norse mythology

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Additional Sources

Final Exam

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Final Exam

Optional Peer-Review Final Reflection

    • 1 PeerReview
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1 Peer Review

  • What Have You Learned?

Auto Summary

Dive into the fascinating world of Viking religion with "Old Norse Mythology in the Sources," a compelling course offered by Coursera. This foundational program explores the rich tapestry of Old Norse and Scandinavian literature from the medieval period, focusing on the religious beliefs of the Vikings. Guided by expert instructors, you will delve into the primary sources of Old Norse poetry, specifically the Poetic Edda, and examine the key prose collections, including Snorri Sturluson's Edda and Saxo's History of the Danes. Over the course of 360 minutes, you will gain a deep understanding of what these ancient texts reveal about pre-Christian Scandinavian gods and Viking Age spirituality. The course is perfect for anyone with a passion for arts and humanities, especially those interested in ancient mythologies and medieval literature. With a Starter subscription, this program offers accessible learning for enthusiasts at the foundational level. Embark on this journey to uncover the myths and legends that shaped the beliefs of one of history's most intriguing cultures.

Mathias Nordvig
Instructor

Mathias Nordvig