When it comes to Norse mythology, plotting out the sequence of events is both fascinating and challenging. I’ve compiled all the Norse myths I could find to create a timeline spanning from the void of Ginnungagap to Ragnarök, the twilight of the gods.
Norse mythology presents a unique chronological structure, with many tales existing between the world’s creation and its prophesied destruction. The stories range from the birth of Ymir and the creation of the Nine Worlds to the adventures of gods like Thor and Odin, culminating in the final battle that will remake the cosmos.
This guide includes:
- A complete chronological timeline of Norse mythology
- Analysis of the major cosmic cycles
- Coverage of every significant myth
- Brief summaries of each tale (detailed versions coming later)
Let’s begin with the complete timeline. But first, a word of warning: while these myths are ancient, they still pack quite a punch – expect blood feuds, giant-slaying, and at least one story about Thor dressing as a bride to get his hammer back.
Also, don’t forget to visit our Greek Mythology hub, where we have a LOT more articles like this one.
The Creation Era
The Creation Era myths establish the fundamental cosmology of Norse mythology, beginning with the dramatic formation of the world from the primordial giant Ymir’s corpse. These stories are characterized by their focus on establishing order from chaos, with the gods actively shaping both the physical world and social structures.
The tales from this period, including the creation of humans and the establishment of social classes, reflect the Norse understanding of divine purpose in establishing civilization’s foundational elements.
The myths included in this era are:
- The Norse Creation Myth
- The First Humans
- Heimdall Creates the Social Classes
- Gefjon’s Sons
Early Divine Conflicts
The Early Divine Conflicts represent a turbulent period of power struggles, magical discoveries, and complex relationships between gods and giants. This era is marked by pivotal moments that shape the Norse pantheon’s dynamics, including Odin’s sacrifices for wisdom and the creation of powerful divine artifacts.
These stories reveal a fascinating blend of political maneuvering and supernatural conflict, often featuring Loki’s double-edged role as both helper and troublemaker to the gods.
The myths included in this era are:
- War of the Aesir and the Vanir
- Odin’s Eye and Mimir’s Head
- Odin Discovers the Runes
- The Mead of Poetry
- The Treasures of the Gods
- The Wall of Asgard
- The Children of Loki
- The Birth and Binding of Fenris the Wolf
- Odin and Frigga
- Holda’s Gift of Flax
- Skrymsli’s Hunt
- The Courtship of Freyr and Gerd
- The Marriage of Njord and Skadi
- Freyja and Ottar
- The Kidnapping of Idun
- Odin and Geirrodr
Thor’s Adventures
Thor’s Adventures form a distinct category of tales showcasing the thunder god’s role as the primary defender of both gods and humans against giant-kind. These stories follow a consistent pattern of Thor confronting and overcoming seemingly impossible challenges through a combination of raw strength and occasional cunning.
The adventures range from comical disguises to epic battles, all emphasizing Thor’s position as the most physically powerful and reliable of the gods.
The myths included in this era are:
- Thor’s Journey to Utgard
- Thor and the Cauldron
- Thor Fishes With a Hymir
- Thor’s “Wedding”
- Thor vs Hrungnir
- Thor vs Geirrod
Road to Ragnarök
The Road to Ragnarök stories take on a darker, more fatalistic tone as they chronicle the events leading to the prophesied end of the world.
These tales, including the death of Baldur and the binding of Loki, show the inevitable unraveling of divine order and the breakdown of relationships among the gods. Each story in this era serves as a stepping stone toward the final battle, with an underlying current of tragic inevitability.
The myths included in this era are:
- Hermod’s Journey to the Finnish Seer
- Odin’s Wooing of Rinda
- The Judgment of Forseti
- The Tragedy of Baldur
- Loki is Punished
- Vidar the Silent God
- Ragnarok
The Heroic Age
The Heroic Age marks a transition from purely divine tales to stories focusing on human heroes and their interactions with the supernatural world.
These sagas blend historical elements with mythological themes, featuring legendary figures like Sigurd and Ragnar Lothbrok. The stories from this era emphasize human courage, fate, and the complex relationship between mortals and divine powers.
The myths included in this era are:
- The Curse of Andvari’s Ring
- Sigurd and the Dragon
- The Birth of Nornagesta
- Volund the Smith
- Tyr’s Sword
- Amleth
- The Saga of Ragnar Lothbrok
- The Saga of Frithiof and Ingibjorg
Iceland Sagas
The Iceland Sagas represent the most historically grounded era of Norse storytelling, focusing on family feuds, honor, and revenge in medieval Iceland. Though these tales contain supernatural elements, they are primarily concerned with human drama and social relationships.
These sagas offer a unique glimpse into both the historical reality of Viking Age Iceland and the ways in which older mythological themes were transformed into more naturalistic storytelling.
The myths included in this era are:
- The Saga of Gunnlaug and Raven
- The Saga of the People of Laxardal
- Gudrun, Kjartan and Bolli
- Grettir the Outlaw
- Njal’s Saga
