Norse mythology is the body of myths of the North Germanic peoples, 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 pagan period, including medieval manuscripts, archaeological representations, and folk tradition.

The supreme deity of Norse mythology and the greatest among the Norse gods was Odin, the Allfather
of the Aesir. He was the awe-inspiring ruler of Asgard, and most revered immortal, who was on an
unrelenting quest for knowledge with his two ravens, two wolves and the Valkyries. He is the god of war
and, being delightfully paradoxical, the god of poetry and magic. He is famous for sacrificing one of his
eyes in order to be able to see the cosmos more clearly and his thirst for wisdom saw him hang from the
World Tree, Yggdrasil, for nine days and nine nights until he was blessed with the knowledge of the runic
alphabet. His unyielding nature granted him the opportunity to unlock numerous mysteries of the
universe.

Odin’s wife, Frigg, was a paragon of beauty, love, fertility and fate. She was the mighty queen of
Asgard, a venerable Norse goddess, who was gifted with the power of divination, and yet, was
surrounded by an air of secrecy. She was the only goddess allowed to sit next to her husband. Frigg was
a very protective mother, so she took an oath from the elements, beasts, weapons and poisons, that
they would not injure her brilliant and loving son, Balder. Her trust was betrayed by Loki, a most
deceitful god.

Frigg and Odin are the parents of Balder, who was described as living between heaven and earth.
Balder was the epitome of radiance, beauty, kindness and fairness. He was believed to be immortal, but
he was killed with mistletoe – the golden bough that contained both his life and his death.

Loki was a mischievous god who could shape-shift and can take up animalistic forms. He conceived
a scheme to cause the death of Balder. Upon learning that mistletoe was the only thing that could hurt
Balder, he placed a branch into the hands of the blind god, Hod, and tricked him into throwing it at
Balder, killing him.

Thor was Odin’s most widely-known son. He was the protector of humanity and the powerful god of
thunder who wielded a hammer named Mjöllnir. Among the Norse gods, he was known for his bravery,
strength, healing powers and righteousness.

Freya was one of the most sensual and passionate goddesses in Norse mythology. She was
associated with much of the same qualities as Frigg: love, fertility and beauty. She was the sister of
Freyr.