Introduction to Wyrd

Wyrd is the concept of destiny that permeates the stories of the Norse gods, the Icelandic sagas, and other important writings.  But, this concept was not just part of stories, but instead a vibrant part of how many peoples in the north of Europe ordered their daily lives.  At the northern edge of the world, the peoples of Southern Scandinavia and the Germanic lands lived their lives with an overarching sense of personal honour, responsibility, and destiny.  In this course, we will explore the historical context of the concept of wyrd, how it was viewed within the stories handed down to us over time, and how it can be applied to your own life in the present day.  We will explore the concept of wyrd, related concepts, and how this worldview was different from the Classical and Christian sense of fatalism.  We will dive into passages from the Icelandic Sagas and other relevant texts.  By going to the stories and finding examples, we explore this concept from a place of intimacy.  Come along as we walk in the footsteps of Viking raiders, Norse gods, Icelandic homesteaders, and dragon slaying heroes as we explore their belief in the concept of wyrd.  The course is followed by resources and further reading suggestions.