Eli Whitney Museum

During the Viking Age (roughly 793-1066 CE), North Germanic people were seafaring raiders, conquerors, traders, and explorers from modern-day Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland. They traversed the world, venturing as far east as Baghdad and as far west as North America. Before the Middle Ages, North Germanic people spoke the Old Norse language, wrote in runes, and practiced their ancestral religion, which they referred to as “tradition.” Now known as Norse Mythology, the stories and myths that comprised the religion revolved around gods and goddesses like Odin (Óðinn) and Thor (Thórr), the lands of the 9 Norse Realms connected through the great World Tree (Yggdrasil), and an enchanting view of the world.

The Norsemen were hardened by their environment, working with their hands to survive tough conditions. Taught by poets known as Skalds, the stories of Norse Mythology not only gave strength to the people, but also were transformed into the fascinating legends we know today. Delving deep into the powerful history and captivating traditions of Norse people, we will discover a world that has been left in the past, a religion rich in chronicle, and what it means to be a Viking.