Norse Mythology Vocabulary

Vikings- Norse warriors, explorers, merchants and pirates that raided areas of Europe.

Ginnungagap- A vast void that existed prior to the creation of the universe.

Nifleheim- A land of ice, mist, fog, coldness, and darkness that is situated in the lowest level of the universe.

Muspellheim- A land of fire situated on the opposite side of Nifleheim.

Yggdrasil- A great ash tree known as the World Tree located in the center of the universe.

Asgard- The home of the gods.

Midgard- The land of all humans.

Hel- The home belonging to the dead.

Bifrost Bridge- The divine bridge which linked the human world to the land of the gods. Often depicted as a rainbow.

Ymir- He was the founder of all races of frost giants. He too was a giant aswell.

Odin- The main leader of the gods. Sacrificed much for the benefit of the humans and gods.

Frigg- Wife of Odin. She was the most powerful goddess. Domains were love, destiny, and marrige.

The Valkyries- Female dieties who determined which warriors would be sent to Valhalla.
The Norns- Three maidens in charge of the fate of the gods, humans, and giants.

Thor- The strongest son of Odin. Domains were thunder, battle and fertility.

Balder- The most beloved son of Odin. God of radiance, rebirth, justice, and light.

Njord- Father of Frey and Freya. God of the wind and sea.

Frey- God of fertility, prosperity, sun and rain.

Freya- Goddess of love, fertility, beauty, magic, war and death.

Idunn- Goddess of youth. In charge of keeping the Golden Apples.

Loki- Trickster god who was responsible for the coming of the Ragnarok.
Fenrir- A monstrous wolf who is also Loki's son.

Jormungandr- A giant sea serpent who is also Loki's son.

Ragnarok- The final battle between Loki and his children and the gods.

Runes- Magical stones that were used inorder for the humans to communicate with the gods.