Norse Mythology Test Study Guide

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering the major gods and the nine realms of Norse mythology based on the lecture notes.

Odin

The All-father and ruler of Asgard, chief of the gods, and god of War, death, poetry, and magic who has over 170 names attributed to him.

Sleipnir

The eight-legged horse ridden by Odin.

Hugin and Munin

The two ravens at Odin's command representing thought and memory respectively.

Geri and Freki

The two wolves that accompany Odin.

Frigg

The Queen of Asgard and wife of Odin; she is the Goddess of fertility, motherhood, and the household, gifted in divination.

Thor

The God of Thunder, strongest of the gods, and protector of mankind who wields the hammer Mjöllnir.

Mjöllnir

Thor's unbreakable, unstoppable hammer.

Loki

A cunning shapeshifter and god of trickery who causes many of the gods' problems and is eventually imprisoned for his lack of a moral compass.

Tyr

The Norse god of War, Justice, and Law, known for his bravery and for losing his right hand during the Binding of Fenrir.

Heimdall

The all-seeing and all-hearing guardian of Asgard who stands guard atop the Bifrost.

Bifrost

The rainbow bridge that connects the realms of Midgard and Asgard.

Idunn

The goddess of youth, spring, and rejuvenation who maintains the youth and strength of the gods with her golden apples.

Freya

The Norse goddess of love, beauty, lust, fertility, and blessings; some also associate her with battle and death.

Freyr

The god of peace, fertility, rain, and sunshine, who possesses a magic sword that fights by itself.

Baldur

The son of Odin and Frigg and hero of Norse mythology; his stories focus on his death and future resurrection.

Asgard

The realm of the Æsir gods (including Odin and Thor) located in the sky.

Midgard

The world of humans, located in the center and protected from giants by a fortification.

Jotunheim

The realm of the Jötunn (Giants), described as a harsh and chaotic land.

Vanaheim

The home of the Vanir gods, a group of deities associated with nature and fertility.

Alfheim

The realm of the Light Elves.

Svartalfheim/Nidavellir

The subterranean realm of the Dwarves or Dark Elves.

Muspelheim

A fiery realm in the south inhabited by fire giants and ruled by Surtr.

Niflheim

A realm of ice, mist, and extreme cold that contains the spring Hvergelmir.

Helheim (or Hel)

The realm of the dead ruled by the goddess Hel, often considered part of Niflheim.