A Gallery of Norse Gods & Yule Traditions

Questions & Answers

Does the Christmas tree have a Norse origin?

During the celebration of Yuletide, a tree was decorated honoring Yggdrasil, the World Tree of Norse religion. This influenced the development of the modern Christmas tree.

Is the Norse god Odin the inspiration for Santa Claus?

There are various inspirational figures who are cited in the development of Santa Claus, and Odin is one of them. During Yule, Odin was thought to ride through the sky on his eight-legged horse giving gifts to those who had done well through the year.

Is the traditional British Christmas dinner influenced by the Norse?

Today’s traditional British Christmas dinner has very little to do with the Norse feast of Yule. Originally, though, the roast boar served at British tables was a direct borrow from Norse culture. Christmas pudding and Christmas cake are English creations.

What was the wild hunt?

The wild hunt was a procession of spirits, sometimes led by Odin, which would appear in the sky, especially during Yuletide, and remind those who witnessed it of what was important in life, how brief their time on earth was, and what might be waiting for them after death.