Norse Influence on individuals
Despite the viking age ending over nine centuries ago, the impact of the Norse religion is still evident in society today. The Nordic religion had an inextricably heavy influence in society on both individuals and groups, and the Vikings were strong adherents to the Norse beliefs. Norse Religion promoted a quest for glory within individuals and encouraged the Norse to travel as fair as they could in the search for wisdom (Hartney, C, 2011).
Norse Influence on groups
The Norse and Viking culture had an impact on elements of society concerning art, architecture, trade and religious beliefs. The Nordic religion created groups fuelled with an obsession with war and victory, often directly related to the afterlife associated with their religion and deities (Hartney, C, 2011)
The Scandinavian people were in support of war to gain access to the afterlife. This is an example of the Nordic influence on society as it created promises that influenced the peoples actions. As a result, this led to the Vikings raiding parts of northern England, Ireland and Russia and gaining immense power. (Mead, J, 2015) As the Norse found fulfilment through exploration, their trade system also had a huge impact on other parts of the world and their intricate metalwork and weapons was highly regarded art.
In the context of popular culture, the Norse left many texts, for example 'Poetic Edda', which later came through in European literature. References to the Norse God's and heroes became evident throughout Britain, Scandinavia and Germany and their legends later came into popular science fiction literature in the 20th century. We also owe many english names to the invasion of the Nordic Vikings, such as Erik, Howard and Anderson. (Nox, S, 2011) Many pre-christian deities come from the Norse religion, as well as our weekday names; Tiuw (Tuesday) and Woden (Wednesday) etc. Essentially, the Nordic faith was a basis for many other religions to come, including christianity.
The Scandinavian people were in support of war to gain access to the afterlife. This is an example of the Nordic influence on society as it created promises that influenced the peoples actions. As a result, this led to the Vikings raiding parts of northern England, Ireland and Russia and gaining immense power. (Mead, J, 2015) As the Norse found fulfilment through exploration, their trade system also had a huge impact on other parts of the world and their intricate metalwork and weapons was highly regarded art.
In the context of popular culture, the Norse left many texts, for example 'Poetic Edda', which later came through in European literature. References to the Norse God's and heroes became evident throughout Britain, Scandinavia and Germany and their legends later came into popular science fiction literature in the 20th century. We also owe many english names to the invasion of the Nordic Vikings, such as Erik, Howard and Anderson. (Nox, S, 2011) Many pre-christian deities come from the Norse religion, as well as our weekday names; Tiuw (Tuesday) and Woden (Wednesday) etc. Essentially, the Nordic faith was a basis for many other religions to come, including christianity.