Like the type of religion in ancient Greece or Rome, the Vikings worshiped many different Gods and Goddesses. Their religion was an important part of everyday life.

The three most important Viking Gods

Odin - the leader of the gods - god of magic, poetry and war. His wife was Frigg

Thor (Tor in Scandinavian languages) was the god of thunder.
Thor had iron gloves, a magic belt and a hammer. He was also god of protection. He provided protection from cold hunger, giants and other dangers.

The giants were (Jotun; Swedish pronunciation):

• the Rimturs - giants of the cold world; (rim = rime, thurs = thirst; Swedish)
• the Bergresar - giants of the mountains; (berg = mountain, res = giant; Swedish)

Freyr (or Frej in Swedish) - god of agriculture and fertility.
Frey was worshipped on a regular basis all through-out the year for future prosperity. He was the twin of Freyja (goddess of love and fertility). Freyj wept golden tears when she was unhappy.

Norse Myths (Sagas)

The Vikings told many stories about gods, giants, trolls and dragons. They were full of magic, adventure, trickery and mischief. They describe people living in Midgard (Middle Earth) and gods and goddesses living in a sky world called Asgard. A beautiful rainbow bridge linked Midgard with Asgard..

Valhalla

The Vikings believed that men who died in battle went to Valhalla (Old Norse Valhöll, "Hall of the slain"). It a great hall where dead heroes feasted with the gods.

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