Germanic mythology
Germanic mythology is a comprehensive term for Norse mythology, Anglo-Saxon mythology and other versions of the mythologies of the Germanic peoples. Since Norse mythology is the best known version of, and a source of knowledge for Germanic mythology, the two terms are usually interchangeable.
However, there are certain differences between the mythology of the Scandinavian people (as it has come down to us) and what is known about the mythology of other Germanic tribes.
- In Scandinavia, Frigg and Freya were two different, but clearly related, goddesses, whereas they seem to have been one and the same in the other Germanic mythologies. In Norse mythology there are certain vestiges of an early stage where they were one and the same, e.g. Odr/Odin, their shamanistic skills and Freya/Frigga's infidelity. See Frige.
- In Anglo-Saxon mythology, we find the goddess Eostre who does not appear in Norse mythology.
- In the Merseburger formulae appear a Sinthgunt who is a sister of the sun's (Sol). She is not known by name in Norse mythology, and if she refers to the moon, she is then different from the male moon (Mani) of Scandinavian mythology.
