4.6
stars
194 ratings

Mathias Nordvig

10,841 already enrolled

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Old Norse Mythology in the Sources

University of Colorado Boulder

About this Course

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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.

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Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

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Beginner Level

This course only requires that you have an interest in Old Norse Mythology.

Approx. 6 hours to complete

English

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Skills you will gain

Poetry
Literature
Religion
Mythology
Scandinavian History

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

Learn more about Coursera Labs

Beginner Level

This course only requires that you have an interest in Old Norse Mythology.

Approx. 6 hours to complete

English

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

Instructor

Instructor rating

4.68/5 (113 Ratings)

Mathias Nordvig

Teaching Assistant Professor

Nordic Program, Department of Germanic and Slavic Languages and Literature

10,841 Learners

1 Course

Offered by

University of Colorado Boulder

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Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week1

Week 1

2 hours to complete

Introduction

In this module you will learn about the history and background of Old Norse mythology. You will gain insight into the source background to Old Norse mythology, the relevant historical developments in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, and the interplay between pre-Christian religion and Christian interpretation in the sources. You will be introduced to the Old Norse sources that inform our understanding of pre-Christian and Viking Age religion in Scandinavia: Eddic poetry, skaldic poetry, Snorri's Edda, and runic inscriptions.

2 hours to complete

16 videos (Total 87 min)

Week2

Week 2

1 hour to complete

The Eddic Poems

1 hour to complete

12 videos (Total 53 min)

Week3

Week 3

1 hour to complete

Additional Sources

1 hour to complete

10 videos (Total 35 min)

Week4

Week 4

2 hours to complete

Final Assessment

2 hours to complete

Reviews

4.6

72 reviews

5 stars
76.64%
4 stars
17.25%
3 stars
2.03%
2 stars
3.04%
1 star
1.01%

TOP REVIEWS FROM OLD NORSE MYTHOLOGY IN THE SOURCES

by BKNov 15, 2022

Really enjoyed a different perspective than the minor in scandinavian studies I took in undergrad. Wish there was more reading of the actual stories instead of recaps!

by AWAug 16, 2022

This covers the basics of the myths and establishes a basic understanding of the historical and cultural context and knowledge that we currently have surrounding the sources.

by CAJan 2, 2023

I enjoyed the course and now I have a better understanding of my Norse ancestors. I have started to read the Edda's again and they are easier to understand.

by NHSep 19, 2022

Very enjoyable. I learned a lot. I appreciate the quizzes, which enabled me to consolidate the material so that I can remember it (after multiple attempts, which was very useful).

View all reviews

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Is financial aid available?
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Old Norse Mythology in the Sources

Old Norse Mythology in the Sources

About this Course

Skills you will gain