WDLL 4799 - ST: Norse Mythology and Saga

Credit Hours: 3

Description: Viking adventurers and their often raucous gods have captured countless imaginations, well into the current era. With the recent successes of such pop-cultural phenomena as Thor, Loki, and Vikings, new generations have grown to love the characters and stories of medieval Scandinavia. But who exactly were these Vikings, and what did they hold sacred? Why do they still appeal to us? This course seeks to introduce students to the myths and legends of the Scandinavian middle ages, with their impossible exploits, larger-than-life heroes, and often chaotic deities. By working closely with the original literary texts, we will try to interpret how these weird wanderers of the waves understood their place in the world. At the same time, students will deal with the lasting influence of these stories and consider how we continue to relate to them to this day.