The ancient Germans lived in a tribal system. Each tribe had its own deities and beliefs, which were significantly different from each other.
One of the Old German mythologies is based on Scandinavian legends. The inhabitants of the northern part of Europe were too far from extraneous influences, for this reason they have better and longer preserved their original culture and beliefs. It was Scandinavian mythology that has survived to this day, preserved in two literary works. One collection, entitled "Elder Edda" consists of poetic hymns, the second is written in prose and is called "Younger Edda". The author of these works is Snorri Sturluson, who lived in the 13th century.
Scandinavian mythology is close to the myths of the Slavs, connected with the Scandinavians by strong bonds. These geographically close peoples had a lot in common in the cult and national celebrations. They celebrated the same calendar holidays (for example, summer and winter solstices).
According to Scandinavian mythology, initially there was only a world abyss filled with emptiness and darkness. First, the bisexual giant Ymir, who gave rise to the world, was born. According to Scandinavian mythology, the gods divided his body into several parts and created from them heaven, water and earth. After that, the great gods Odin, Lodur and Henir lifted the land from the bottom of the oceans, ennobled it and gave life to the first people. Thus, the beginning of the existing order of things was given.
The most important gods and goddesses of the Scandinavian pantheon were distinguished by individual traits and various functions. A series of myths has been associated with each of these deities. Some experts say that Scandinavian mythology has much in common with ancient Greek. However, only polytheism can be considered a similar trait.
The Supreme One was considered a god in Scandinavian mythology, who was endowed with the features of a strong shaman, a sage. Torah was called the god of storm, thunder and fertility, the main protector from giants and terrible monsters. He was portrayed as a hero with a red beard, which was armed with a war hammer.
According to Scandinavian mythology, Loki played the role of a mythical rogue among the gods, in which cunning and comic were intertwined. He participates in the creation of people with Odin, as a companion of the ingenuous Thor, helps him in the fight against monsters. In Scandinavian mythology , Freyr was the god of fertility, peace and wealth. His sister was Odin's wife. Freya (namely, her name was) was the goddess of love, beauty and fertility. She was looking for her husband Odin, mourning him with golden tears.
All Scandinavian mythology makes an extraordinary impression. Apparently, it belonged to courageous and severe people who were not afraid to face death. All participants know that the course of events leads to the destruction of the world, but honestly and steadfastly fulfill their duty.
This belief was caused by the lifestyle of the Scandinavian princes, the Jarl, their warriors and Skald poets. Thus, we can say about this mythology that it is a direct reflection of the harsh and difficult conditions in which the people who created it lived.