Norse mythology refers to the collected myths of the North Germanic people, including Norse gods and goddesses, heroes, and mythological creatures. The word “Norse” comes from Old Norse, a language spoken by the people who lived in what is now Scandinavia during the Viking Age. The term “Viking” usually refers to the seafaring traders and raiders from this area during that time period. While there are many similarities between Norse and Viking mythology, they are not exactly the same. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the key differences between these two groups of mythological beings.
Who is Norse?
Norse is a pantheon of gods in Norse mythology. Norse mythology is the body of myths of the North Germanic people, stemming from Norse paganism and continuing after the Christianization of Scandinavia, and into the Scandinavian folklore of the modern period.
- The northernmost extension of Germanic mythology, Norse mythology consists of tales of various deities, beings, and heroes derived from numerous sources from both before and after the Germanic Iron Age.
- Norse mythology has been the subject of scholarly discourse since the 17th century when key texts were brought to the attention of Latin-reading scholars. By way of comparative mythology and historical linguistics, scholars have identified elements of Germanic mythology reaching as far back as Proto-Indo-European mythology.
- During the modern period, Norse mythology has inspired numerous works of rhetoric art, and literature, including J. R. R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth legendarium; H. P Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos; Marvel Comics’ Thor; Richard Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen; and Nintendo’s Metroid Prime series.
Who is Viking?
Viking is a Norse term for a pirate, raider, or adventurer. The Viking Age was a period of time between the 8th and 11th centuries when Vikingraid groups from Scandinavia traveled throughout Europe, Asia, and the North Atlantic. Viking culture and technology had a significant impact on many parts of Europe during this time.
For example, Viking ship design was adopted by many European navies, and Viking-style architecture can still be seen in some modern buildings. Today, Viking is often used to describe people or things that are associated with Norse culture or values, such as bravery and exploration. It can also be used more generally to describe someone who is rough, tough, or aggressive. Regardless of how it is used, Viking remains an important part of Norse history and culture.
Difference between Norse and Viking
Norse and Viking are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinction between the two terms. Norse refers to the people of Scandinavia during the Middle Ages, while Viking specifically refers to the Norse who embarked on maritime adventures. Viking culture is defined by its love of exploration and its emphasis on raiding and trading.
The Norse were also known for their skill in shipbuilding and navigation, which allowed them to travel great distances. While Norse culture was largely based in Scandinavia, the Vikings expanded their reach all over Europe and even into North America. Today, the term Viking is often used to describe anyone of Scandinavian descent, but its original meaning refers specifically to the Norse explorers of the Middle Ages.
Conclusion
The Norse were the people of Scandinavia who first settled in what is now Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. The Viking Age began when Norsemen (Vikings) started raiding the coasts of Europe in the 8th century. So what’s the difference between Norse and Vikings? The answer lies in their respective areas of influence. The Norse were mostly farmers and fishermen who lived along the coastlines. The Vikings, on the other hand, were seafarers and raiders who ventured out into European waters to plunder settlements and trade goods.
