Viking Lore Articles — Odin

Among the many legends that proliferated in the Viking Age, none was perhaps as eerie or captivating as the tale of the Wild Hunt. A phantom procession led by the Allfather Odin himself, this spectral cavalcade was said to sweep across the winter skies, a harbinger of change, and a symbol of the relentless march of time and fate.

The way the Vikings celebrated Yuletide offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the intertwining of pagan and Christian traditions. Their rich customs, filled with symbolism, community spirit, and reverence for nature, remind us that the essence of the festive season has always been about togetherness, gratitude, and hope.

Video on-screen text:   1. The days of the week are named after Viking gods: Odin = WednesdayThor = ThursdayTyr = TuesdayFrigg = Friday   2. Vikings never wore horned helmets Christians in Europe added the detail to make the Vikings appear more barbaric and pagan, like Satan 3. Many words today have Viking originsSome are: snort, lump, scrawny, and anger 4. Vikings had great hygieneGrooming tools are commonly found artifacts in excavations and were some of the most commonly used Viking tools 5. They did not call themselves "Vikings"Other nations referred to them as the Norse, Norsemen, or Danes. 6. Vikings were...