Information about examination, schedule and learning outcome on the course page.
Nordic Mythology
This is a course within the science of religion, which deals with the religion in Denmark before the introduction of Christianity.
Nordic Mythology is a course in English for international students. It is a course within the science of religion, and it deals with the religion in Denmark before the introduction of Christianity.
In the course, we will read poems concerning pre-Christian deities from Iceland as well as the medieval Icelandic writer Snorri, which makes it possible to get a glimpse of the mythology of the Scandinavians before Christianity. The gods Odin, Thor, Vanir, Loki and Balder will be highlighted. We will also go beyond mythology and try to get an idea about the religious rituals and the religious experts of the Norsemen.
The course includes excursions to the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde and a very popular excursion to Scania, where we will visit a couple of burial places in the shape of a ship and some well-preserved runic stones.
Course code: HDCB01151U
Credits: 15 ECTS
Duration: 1 semester
Available: Spring and autumn semester.
Note: Example – subject to change
| Lecture | Theme |
|---|---|
| Lecture 1 | Introduction. Timeline. Sources |
| Lecture 2 | World of the gods |
| Lecture 3 | Odin |
| Lecture 4 | Women, Warriors, Valkyries and Völur |
| Lecture 5 | Thor and some of his friends |
| Lecture 6 | The Vanir, Loki and Balder |
| Excursion: | Roskilde, Lejre and Trelleborg |
| Lecture 7 | Death |
| Lecture 8 | Worship and ritual |
| Lecture 9 | Archeology, temples, magic and everyday religion |
| Excursion: | Åles Stenar in Southern Sweden |
| Lecture 10 | Nordic mythology in modern times: neopaganism and popular culture |