How old is Norse mythology? [View all]

Are there myths in Norse mythology that trace back to an ancient Indo-European heritage from thousands of years ago?



The three siblings Hel, Fenrir the wolf, and Jörmungandr. In the background sits their mother, Angerboda. (Image: Emil Doepler)

Elise Kjørstad
JOURNALIST
PUBLISHED 24 February 2025 - 00:01

Norse mythology is primarly known from the Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson and Poetic Edda, both written down in the 13th century.

Some of the poems probably date back to the Viking Age.

But how old are the Norse gods and myths really? Are there traces of them even further back in time?

When people spoke Old Norse
Norse mythology is linked to the time when people spoke Old Norse, which was from 700 to 1350 CE, says Bernt Ø. Thorvaldsen. He is a professor at the University of South-Eastern Norway's Department of Languages and Literature Studies. He researches Norse literature and mythology.

"As a complete system, it's probably correct to say that Norse mythology existed during the Old Norse period before Christianity arrived, and for some time afterwards," says Thorvaldsen.

Little is known about when and how the myths originated, but there are some clues in archaeological material, place names, and ancient literature.

Such as Odin being mentioned long before the year 700.

More:
https://www.sciencenorway.no/viking-age-archaeology-culture/how-old-is-norse-mythology/2470404

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Adding a site which popped up. Encyclopedia Britannica info. regarding some Nordic mythical beings, FYI:

https://www.britannica.com/event/Ragnarok