INFLUENCES ON SOCIETY
‘The Icelandic settlers believed in polytheism, or “Aesir” and show their beliefs through sacrifice and mystery plays. Norse religion has also included their culture and their belief that Mother Nature and its god’s, ruled all of their values, and any trespassing among the earth deserved punishment and human sacrifice.’
Individuals:
The evidence left by Norse Religion can still be seen today. This specific religion, promoted traveling to the ends of the earth, and the realms for wisdom.
Groups:
The Norse religion influenced all parts of society from architecture to trade. Believers created groups focused with the obsessions with war and victory, with them being directly related to the afterlife.
The Scandinavian people believed in war giving them access to
the afterlife. This creates promises that influence people's
actions. This results in the Vikings raiding parts of northern
England, Ireland and Russia and gaining extensive amounts of
power and authority. As the Norse found contentment through
exploration and travel, their trade system also became a huge
aspect of their life and also had a humongous impact on other
parts of the world.
Their intricate metalwork and weapons was regarded as art.
In popular culture the Norse left texts (e.g. Poetic Edda), which
later was portrayed and told though European Literature. References to the Norse gods and heros became well known thought Britain, Scandinavia and Germany and their legends later became popular science fiction literature during the 20th Century. Also, many english names are derived from the invasion of the Nordic Vikings such as, Erik, Howard and Anderson. Many of the pre-christian beings come from the Norse religion, as well as the days of the week:
Tiuw → Tuesday
Woden → Wednesday etc.
The Nordic faith was the basis for many other religions to come, including Christianity.