Viking mythology, or Norse mythology, is the rich collection of stories, gods (like Odin, Thor, Freyja), and cosmology (nine worlds connected by the world tree Yggdrasil) of the ancient North Germanic peoples, detailing creation, life, and the destined end (Ragnarök). These myths feature two god tribes, the powerful Æsir (Asgard) and nature-focused Vanir (Vanaheim), along with giants, elves, dwarves, and humans (Midgard). Our knowledge comes mainly from medieval Icelandic texts like the Poetic and Prose Eddas, preserving these tales of heroic deeds, trickery, and cosmic battles.
Key Concepts.
The Nine Worlds: A universe of realms linked by Yggdrasil, including Asgard (gods), Midgard (humans), Jotunheim (giants), and Helheim (the dead).

The Gods (Æsir & Vanir): Æsir: Odin (All-Father, wisdom, war), Thor (thunder, protector), Frigg (Odin's wife), Heimdall, Tyr, Baldr, Loki (trickster).
Vanir: Njord (sea), Freyr (fertility, peace), Freyja (love, war, magic).

The Cycle of Life: Creation to Ragnarök.
Norse mythology follows a cyclical progression of birth, destruction, and rebirth.
Creation: The world began in the void of Ginnungagap, where fire (Muspelheim) and ice (Niflheim) met. The resulting droplets formed the giant Ymir. Odin and his brothers eventually slew Ymir, using his blood for the seas, his bones for mountains, and his skull for the sky.
Humanity: The first humans, Ask and Embla, were created from driftwood found on a shore and given life by the gods.
The Afterlife: Brave warriors who died in battle were split between Odin’s hall, Valhalla, and Freyja’s field, Fólkvangr. In Valhalla, they feasted and trained until the final battle.
Ragnarök: The "Twilight of the Gods" is a prophesied series of events including a massive battle between gods and giants, natural disasters, and the world being consumed by fire. Major gods like Odin, Thor, and Loki are foretold to die during this event.
Rebirth: Following the destruction, the earth will rise anew from the sea. A new generation of gods and two human survivors, Líf and Lífthrasir, will repopulate the world.

Sources & Legacy
Primary Sources: The Poetic Edda and Prose Edda, written in Iceland centuries after the Viking Age, are crucial.
Modern Influence: These myths remain popular through modern retellings, art, and media (like Marvel's Thor), influencing culture long after the Viking era ended with Scandinavia's Christianization.