ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Nordic folklore

Hello there, little one! Have you ever heard of Nordic folklore? No? Well, it's a special set of stories and myths that come from the countries of Scandinavia - like Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Finland.

These stories were passed down from generation to generation, often beginning with the Viking Age, which was between the 8th and 11th centuries. And they are full of magical creatures and gods who were believed to influence daily life.

One of the most famous gods is Odin, who was the king of all the gods. He was known for his wisdom and was believed to help warriors in battles. Then there's Thor, who is well-known for carrying a big hammer and was believed to control thunder and lightning.

But it's not just the gods that have stories. There are trolls, elves, and other magical creatures too! These creatures were often feared and respected, but sometimes deemed to be mischievous.

Overall, Nordic folklore is a way to learn about the culture and beliefs of the people thousands of years ago. They told these stories to pass on important lessons about morality, behavior, and also to bring a bit of magic and excitement into daily life. So, there you have it, little one. Nordic folklore is a collection of stories that tell us about the olden days - their gods, their creatures, and their beliefs.