22 Berserk Facts About Norse Mythology That’ll Blow Your Mind

Odin, a precursor to Santa Claus, rode Sleipnir, an eight-legged flying horse. In the winter, Odin gave out both gifts and punishments, and children would fill their boots or stockings with treats for Sleipnir.

2. In Norse mythology, the Goddess Freya drove a chariot pulled by two cats.

3. According to Norse mythology, Thor's hammer Mjölnir was originally intended to be wielded with both hands. Its characteristically short handle is due to a manufacturing defect caused by Loki who harassed the dwarven brothers Sindri and Brokkr while they were forging the weapon.

4. In Norse mythology, Thor once dressed as a bride and was presented to the giant Thrym (Þrymr) with Loki as his bridesmaid. Thrym got a bit suspicious When Thor ate an entire ox, eight salmon, and many barrels of mead.

5. In Norse mythology, during the events of Ragnörak, there is a ship named Naglfar made entirely of the untrimmed nails of the dead that will carry hordes to battle the Gods. It's important to keep those nails trimmed so you don't contribute to building it.

Valhalla is just one of the halls that dead Viking warriors go after death. Half of the fallen are chosen by Odin for Valhalla and the other half are chosen by Freyja for Folkvangr.

7. Vikings used to give kittens to new brides as an essential part of a new household since they were associated with Freyja, the Goddess of love.

8. In Norse mythology, a “fylgja” (pronounced “FILG-yur”) is a spirit that accompanies a person in connection to their fate or fortune. In some instances, the “fylgja” will take on the form of an animal that shows itself after the birth of a child or as a “creature” that eats the afterbirth.

9. During Ragnarok, Odin's son, Vidar will avenge him by killing the wolf Fenrir by tearing its jaws open with a giant boot, made from the spare parts of every shoe ever made.

10. In Norse mythology, Thor, Loki, and a guy named Thialfi once visit giants’ land of Jotunheim, where they are challenged to eating, running, drinking, lifting and wrestling. Instead they get bamboozled with illusions and feel worthless, but giant king Utgard-Loki admits they actually nailed the challenges and tells them not to come back.

In Norse mythology, Odin is said to have retrieved the "Mead of Poetry" from a giant and taken it back to Asgard in his bird form. But when the giant gave chase, Odin pooped out some of the mead in his haste to escape, and this bird dung is what inspires bad poets.

12. Búri (or Buri) was the first God in Norse mythology. He is the father of Borr and grandfather of Odin, Vili, and Ve. He was formed by the cow Auðumbla licking the salty ice of Ginnungagap during the time of Ymir.

13. The Norse Gods have a pig named Sæhrímnir which is a source of unlimited bacon. It provides food for the Aesir and Einherjar in the feasting hall of Valhalla.

14. Norse mythology has one more death realm apart from Valhalla and Folkvangr. Helheim is ruled separately by Hel.

15. There is actually a Norse god of skiers named Ullr. His favorite sport was chasing game with a bow and arrow through the mountains at speed on skis.

According to Norse mythology, while observing his brother Baldr's funeral pyre, Thor punted a dwarf named Litr into the flames.

17. Thor's chariot was pulled by two goats Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjóstr that Thor could eat and then resurrect the following day with his hammer if no bones were broken.

18. Ægir is the God of the Oceans and Sea Creatures in Norse mythology. He brewed ale for the Gods and held elaborate parties.

19. The Vikings believed that a giant goat named Heiðrún, whose udders provided an endless supply of beer, awaited them in Valhalla upon their death.

20. Dragons known as Lindwurm's existed in Norse mythology. The dragons utilized two front arms as opposed to the full four found in Asian cultures.

In the Norse mythology, spirits named Brunnmigi urinated in wells and they had the ability to assume any form at will.

22. The name of Norse Goddess and Loki's wife, Sigyn means "victorious girlfriend."