The Viking World

Explore the fascinating world of the Viking Age with this comprehensive course! Uncover the key elements that shaped this pivotal period in history.

First, we'll dispel myths and misconceptions about the Vikings, offering a clear and accurate understanding of their culture. Then, journey through a concise history of the Viking Age, examining its rise and fall, and exploring the factors that led to its emergence and eventual decline. Understand why the Viking Age happened!

Delve into the intriguing realm of Viking language and writing. Discover the Old Norse language and the runic alphabet, including the significance of Viking runestones. We'll trace a brief linguistic history of Germanic languages, focusing on Old Norse. Learn practical skills – how to write in runes and understand how runes were used – and analyze how runestone design evolved over time.

Next, we'll examine the written records of the Viking Age, the crucial historical texts that provide insights into this era. We'll explore the Sagas of the Icelanders, a rich body of medieval prose, and the Prose and Poetic Eddas, the primary sources for Norse mythology. Learn about a key figure in the collection of medieval manuscripts.

Finally, immerse yourself in the captivating world of Norse mythology. Explore the gods and goddesses of Norse mythology, the cult and magic practices prevalent in Iceland and Scandinavia, and the role of magic in Old Norse texts. The course culminates in a reading of Þrymskviða, a humorous and engaging tale from Norse mythology, providing a delightful conclusion to your exploration. Gain a brief overview of the main Norse deities and understand the practices surrounding cult and magic.