These complex mythologies were by no means the only ones to take root in Norse societies. This version would have also helped explain to the people why the lights were only visible in winter, as there is no snowfall in the summer months. A similar version of this story tells that as the fire foxes ran, their tails swept snowflakes up into the sky, which caught the moonlight and created the Northern Lights. These fire foxes would run through the sky so fast that when their large, furry tails brushed against the mountains, they created sparks that lit up the sky. The name comes from the rather beautiful myth that Arctic foxes produced the Aurora. In Finland, the name for the Northern Lights is revontulet, literally translated as ‘fire fox’. A more sinister interpretation was that the Northern Lights could reach down and slice off your head! To this day, many Sámi stay indoors when the Northern Lights are illuminating the sky, just to be on the safe side. If you caught their attention, the lights could reach down and carry you up into the sky.
It was also dangerous to tease them by waving, whistling or singing under them, as this would alert the lights to your presence. Thought to be the souls of the dead, the Sámi believed you shouldn’t talk about the Northern Lights. The appearance of the Northern Lights was a bad omen. Danger in the lights?įor the Sámi, the indigenous Finno-Ugric people, the lights didn’t tell stories of heroism and bravery instead, they were to be feared and respected in equal measure. In other stories, the Aurora was believed to be the ‘Bifrost Bridge’, a glowing, pulsing arch which led fallen warriors to their final resting place in Valhalla. In some legends, they claim the Aurora was the breath of brave soldiers who died in combat. The Vikings believed the Northern Lights illuminating the sky were the reflections of the Valkyries’ armour as they led the warriors to Odin. The Valkyries - female warriors on horseback, who wore armour and carried spears and shields - were tasked with leading Odin’s chosen warriors to Valhalla. In Viking legend, Ragnarök was predestined and would be Odin’s greatest battle, so he needed the bravest warriors at his side.ĭuring every battle on Earth, Odin would pick the warriors who would die and join him in Valhalla.
HEAVEN WARD LIGHT LOGGER SERIES
They believed he lived in Valhalla, where he was preparing for Ragnarök – a series of events that would precipitate the end of the gods and begin the world anew. Odin was the chief god and ruler of Asgard, revered by all Vikings.
These Norse myths and legends come from the Nordic countries in Northern Europe and the North Atlantic.
Other Norse people feared them, telling stories of the dangers they posed and developing superstitions to protect themselves. The Vikings celebrated the lights, believing they were earthly manifestations of their gods. The Northern Lights have inspired some of the most dramatic tales in Norse mythology.
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