Activity Overview
There are many recurring themes in Norse mythology. Some of these themes include: bravery and heroism, death and the afterlife, honor, magic, trickery, adventure, the enchanted world, the quest for knowledge, dreams, and inspiration. In this activity, students will identify themes from Norse myths, and support their choices with details from the text. They should choose 2-4 themes and find two myths in which they appear. Teachers may choose myths and themes, or let the students decide.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in Norse mythology. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify 2-4 themes from Norse mythology that you wish to include and write them in the headings.
- Describe how the themes pertain to the chosen myths in the description boxes.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Click “Save and Exit” to submit your storyboard.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Theme(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. | Some themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or do not make sense with the story. | No themes are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified themes. Descriptions clearly say why examples are significant. | Most examples fit the identified themes. Descriptions say why examples are significant. | Most examples do not fit the identified themes. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the themes and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the themes, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the themes. |
Activity Overview
There are many recurring themes in Norse mythology. Some of these themes include: bravery and heroism, death and the afterlife, honor, magic, trickery, adventure, the enchanted world, the quest for knowledge, dreams, and inspiration. In this activity, students will identify themes from Norse myths, and support their choices with details from the text. They should choose 2-4 themes and find two myths in which they appear. Teachers may choose myths and themes, or let the students decide.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in Norse mythology. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify 2-4 themes from Norse mythology that you wish to include and write them in the headings.
- Describe how the themes pertain to the chosen myths in the description boxes.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Click “Save and Exit” to submit your storyboard.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Theme(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. | Some themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or do not make sense with the story. | No themes are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified themes. Descriptions clearly say why examples are significant. | Most examples fit the identified themes. Descriptions say why examples are significant. | Most examples do not fit the identified themes. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the themes and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the themes, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the themes. |
How Tos about Themes of Norse Mythology
Engage students with Norse mythology through collaborative group discussions
Foster participation by assigning small groups to discuss different Norse myth themes. Collaboration helps students connect ideas, build confidence, and deepen understanding together.
Assign each group a Norse myth and a theme to analyze
Give each group a specific myth and a theme (like bravery or trickery). Focused analysis ensures students dive deep into one aspect without feeling overwhelmed.
Guide students to identify examples of their theme within the myth
Encourage students to find at least two moments in the story that highlight their assigned theme. Concrete examples help students support their ideas with textual evidence.
Have groups create and share a visual storyboard of their findings
Ask students to illustrate key scenes and write brief descriptions explaining how each scene connects to the theme. Visuals engage learners and reinforce understanding.
Facilitate a class-wide sharing session
Invite each group to present their storyboard and explain their reasoning. Peer teaching builds communication skills and exposes everyone to multiple interpretations of Norse mythology.
Frequently Asked Questions about Themes of Norse Mythology
What are the main themes in Norse mythology for students?
Norse mythology features themes like bravery and heroism, death and the afterlife, honor, magic, trickery, adventure, the quest for knowledge, dreams, and inspiration. These themes appear throughout the myths and help students connect stories to larger ideas.
How can I teach recurring themes in Norse mythology effectively?
To teach recurring themes, have students identify 2-4 themes from Norse myths and find supporting examples. Use activities like storyboarding to illustrate and describe how these themes appear in different stories.
What is an easy classroom activity for exploring Norse myth themes?
Try a storyboard assignment where students select themes, match them to myths, illustrate key scenes, and write brief descriptions. This visual and written approach helps deepen understanding of key motifs in Norse stories.
Why is it important for students to identify themes in Norse mythology?
Identifying themes helps students analyze stories on a deeper level, recognize universal ideas, and connect ancient myths to modern values and experiences.
Which Norse myths best illustrate the theme of bravery and heroism?
Stories like Thor’s battle with the giants and Siegfried’s dragon slaying are classic examples showing bravery and heroism in Norse mythology. Students can compare these to identify how different characters embody this theme.
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