Norse Mythology
Grim gods, noble warriors, and bloodthirsty beasts--the Norse myths are populated with fascinating characters. Not only do these rousing adventure tales entertain, but they perfectly illustrate the Norse ideal of unflinching bravery and courage in the face of inevitable doom. These myths have impacted the modern world in many ways: Odin, Thor, Tyr, and Frigga (along with the Sun and the Moon) are the inspiration for the days of the week: Sun-day, Moon-day, Tyr's day, Woden's (Odin) day, Thor's day, and Frigga's day. The superhero versions of Thor and Loki are pop culture giants (no pun intended).
These materials on this page will help your students explore the fascinating world of Norse mythology!
INTRODUCTION TO NORSE MYTHOLOGY
This handout gives students information on the culture and history of the Norse peoples.
NORSE GOD AND GODDESS PRESENTATION
This presentation gives students basic information on the major gods, goddesses, and other creatures of Norse mythology
This 25-question, multiple-choice quiz is a quick check to make sure the students have learned important names from Norse Mythology.
"THE BUILDING OF THE WALL" (SCRIPT-STORY)
This script-story dramatizes the journey of the gods as they searching for a site to build themselves a new home, Asgard. Meanwhile, the deceptive giants attempt to destroy it. This script-story shows Loki's first meeting with the gods.
This collection of 13 script-stories brings the best tales from Norse mythology to life for your students. The textbook is available in print (through Amazon.com), digital download, and classroom set versions. Each script-story also includes a 2-page teacher guide with pre-reading questions, relevant background information, plot summary, teachable terms, discussion questions, and recall questions. Click here to read more!
VALHALLA FIND-IT PICTURE PUZZLE
This Where's Waldo-style picture puzzle features 50 items from Norse Mythology hidden throughout Valhalla. This puzzle is part of the Reaching Valhalla textbook.
In this classroom game Loki and the Giants war against Odin and the other gods for absolute control of the universe. As players "fight" using a gamesheet and dice, this whole-class game immerses students in the world of Norse mythology. This game is part of the Reaching Valhalla textbook.
"The Wooing of Gerda" presents Norse mythology's starcrossed lovers: the god Frey and a giantess named Gerda. Frey must choose between duty and love.
This handout presents information about the Marvel Comics incarnation of Thor.
No Norse mythology unit would be complete without a viewing of Marvel Studio's Thor Ragnarok, which has many interesting parallels to the original Norse myths. The download also includes handouts to give students a background in Norse mythology.
This Norse strategy game is one historians believe was actually played by Vikings. This PDF contains a rule sheet and a printable game board that allows students to play Hnefatafl (or Viking Chess), a game that historians believe was actually played by the real Vikings. NOTE: Some cutting and pasting is needed. Instructions: Print out the four pieces of the Viking Chess board. Tape them together as indicated (top left, top right, etc.) Laminate the board if you wish. Player pieces: You will need moveable pieces to play the game. Poker chips work very well for this purpose. Designate one poker chip as the "king piece" by drawing a crown on it. You will need 16 of one color and 8 of another. To play: See the instruction sheet included in the PDF.