The Nordic countries are admired today for their stability and prosperity, but their cultural roots run deep into a world of gods, warriors and seafaring legend.

The age of the Vikings

From the 8th to 11th centuries, Norse seafarers traded, raided and settled across Europe and beyond, reaching as far as North America centuries before Columbus.

Sagas and myths

The Icelandic sagas preserved tales of feuds, heroism and exploration, while Norse mythology — Odin, Thor, the world-tree Yggdrasil — continues to captivate the modern imagination.

To understand the Nordic soul, start with its stories.

These old tales still shape national identity, inspiring everything from literature to blockbuster films.