Discover the Viking pantheon of gods and goddesses, led by Odin, the wise ruler, and his warrior son Thor. Learn about the roles of deities like Frigg, the protector of life, and Loki, the unpredictable trickster. Explore Viking...

Learn about Leif Erikson, the Viking explorer who led a daring expedition across the Northern Atlantic, possibly making him the first European to reach North America. Discover how Viking ships, like the Knarr, enabled their exploration...

This epic Norse mythology featurs two different groups of deities who initially battled but ultimately joined forces into a unified Pantheon. An unheardof phenomenon in the worlds of adversarial deities.

Vikings were some of the fiercest fighters in human history, using their impressive battle prowess to spread Norse influence between the 8th and 11th centuries. Their bravery as warriors was driven by one ultimate desire: to join Odin in...

If you’ve attended a sleepover party in the last 50 years, chances are high that you’ve encountered a prank call - maybe you’ve even made one yourself. But for thousands of years before the invention of the telephone, pranks fell under...

Hellhounds, the fearsome canine beasts of the underworld who often serve as guardians to the very gates of hell, pop up in a wide variety of cultural folklore throughout history. They're also fairly commonplace in the stories we tell in...

What do the Sagas of the Icelanders and Game of Thrones have in common? Dr. Zarka answers this question and explores how the draugr, Nordic undead monsters, bear a striking resemblance to the White Walkers—and more importantly, how these...

The video narrates the historical events surrounding King Alfred of Wessex's struggle to defend his kingdom against Viking invasions, treachery, and betrayal. Despite facing defeat and being forced into exile, Alfred rallies support,...

This video provides a detailed account of the Viking invasions in England during the 9th century, focusing on key battles and the rise of King Alfred amidst the turmoil. It highlights the strategic maneuvers, fierce battles, and...

Every Advent in Gävle, Sweden, a large, straw goat is built in the center of town. Most years, it burns before Christmas comes. The townspeople of Gävle reflect on the goats, and goat burnings, of decades past and share their hopes for...

Worshiping sources of light plays a role in Christianity and in the pagan religions of Sweden. During the long winter months, the people of Gävle have differing opinions on how to cope with the dark and bring back the light. Some enjoy...

In the small city of Gävle, northern Sweden, there is an annual fight between local custodians and mischievous pagans for the spirit of Christmas. Each year since 1966, business owners have paid for a 13-metre (40ft) effigy of a goat to...

Today we take a look at the dragons, the history behind these mythical monsters and how their appearance and significance has changed over time.

Viking Tattoos, Viking Rune symbols, Meaning of Viking Runes, Viking cultural symbols, Meaning of Viking Tattoos, Viking Culture, Norse symbols, Valknut symbol, Mjolnir, Viking myths, Helm of Awe tattoo, Viking Runes, representing viking...

Mythology & Fiction Explained explores the various legends and stories surrounding the Grim Reaper and the deities of death from around the world

Mythology & Fiction Explained explores the folklore and numerous legends surrounding Trolls

In this episode we examine the topic: Is Marvel's Loki Accurate?

Phobia expert Dr. Donald Dossey claims as many as 21 million Americans suffer from paraskevidekatriaphobia (fear of Friday the 13th). So how did this superstition come about? The short answer is we don’t really know, but there some...

This video is a historical exploration of the Vikings and their impact on medieval England and the world. It also explores Viking mythology, their pantheon of gods and goddesses, and their belief in an afterlife. The video concludes with...