ANGLO-SAXON DISCOVERY
Journey through Anglo-Saxon life and death

Viking Myths and Beliefs

When the Vikings first arrive in Britain they are pagans, like the early Anglo-Saxons. By the time the Vikings arrive the Anglo-Saxons are Christians.

The Vikings became Christians after the Anglo-Saxons. Some converted to Christianity once they arrived in Britain. In AD878 King Alfred the Great defeated an army of Danish Vikings. The Vikings made peace with Alfred and their leader Guthrum was baptised, converting to Christianity.

Pagan Gods

The pagan Vikings worshipped many gods.

• Odin was the chief god, as well as the god of warriors, battles, wisdom and poetry. He had an 8 legged horse called Sleipnir who never got tired. The hall where he lived was called Valhalla and this was where warriors went when they died in battle.

• Thor was Odin's son and the god of thunder, farmers and seafarers. He had a giant hammer called Mjollnir.

• Frigg was Odin's wife and was the god of fertility and marriage. People made offerings to her in order to help their crops grow.

The Vikings also had their own beliefs about how the world was created and where the gods lived. They had many stories and myths about their gods. The Vikings drew some of these stories on rune-stones, others were written down by medieval monks.