DCC Nordic Mythology

Nordic Mythology is a course in English for international students. It is a course within the science of religion, and it deals with the religion in Denmark before the introduction of Christianity. In the course, we will read some poems concerning pre-Christian deities from Iceland as well as the medieval Icelandic writer Snorri, which makes it possible to get a glimpse of the mythology of the Scandinavians before Christianity. The gods Odin, Thor, Vanir, Loki and Balder will be accentuated. We will also go beyond mythology and try to get an idea about the religious rituals and the religious experts of the Norsemen. The course includes an excursion to Lejre, Trelleborg and Roskilde and an excursion to Scania in Sweden, where we will visit a couple of burial places in the shape of a ship and also some well-preserved runic stones. Students will get an introductory understanding of ancient Nordic religion, mythology, its sources as well as the archeological remains of it.

www.danishculturecourses.ku.dk

Name of Exam: HDCB01151E Early Danish History and Religion