Norse mythology

Norse mythology is the collective term for the body of ancient myths not only from Norway but other Scandinavian countries. As a result, it is also known as Scandinavian mythology, with many originating in Iceland, and Norse in this case refers to the Old Norse dialect shared amongst those peoples (and some of which crossed over to Germany and elsewhere as well). 
Some of the major Norse gods include the one-eyed patriarchal figure Odin, the god of thunder Thor, and the trickster Loki. Outside of the pantheon, elves, dwarfs, and trolls, among others, also figure heavily in Norse mythology.
The influence of the Norse myths on culture include much of Germanic folklore and literature, the days of the week (Thursday being named after Thor, and so on), and Marvel Comics (where the Mighty Thor is a key member of The Avengers, and other characters from Norse mythology recur).
==References==
* Norse mythology was a major source text for the operas of Richard Wagner, and so inevitably it also figures in the Muppets' various Wagnerian parodies. Brünnhilde (German spelling, Brunhild in Norwegian) is an important figure in the mythology, although her standard opera appearance (long hair, horned or winged helmet, often carrying a spear) has become the stereotyped image of women opera singers in general. Miss Piggy or Baby Piggy have portrayed her at various times, as have others.
* The concept of valkyries in general likewise, while popularized by Wagner, originates in Norse myths. Piggy and other pigs filled the roles in two photos from the View-Master reel "The Muppets Audition Night" (later reused for Milton Bradley puzzles). 
* The Norse god Thor appeared in two "Thor, God of Thunder" sketches on Muppets Tonight.
* The giants Odin and Thor in Jack and the Beanstalk: The Real Story are named after and share some characteristics with the Norse gods.
* The fourth issue of the 2021 graphic novel miniseries The StoryTeller: Tricksters centers on the Norse god Loki.
==See also==
*Greek mythology
*Valhalla
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Category:Religious References
Category:Folklore