Top 10 Viking Heroes and Villains

When you think of Vikings, you might picture wild, battle-hungry warriors raiding villages and hoarding treasure. That image has been pushed for centuries, but the truth is much more interesting. Vikings were complex people with a deep culture, rich mythology, and a sophisticated society. They were traders, explorers, poets, and rulers who built kingdoms, sailed to new lands, and shaped history in ways that still matter today.

Their myths and legends are just as fascinating. The Norse gods weren't just distant figures in the sky. They were powerful, flawed, and deeply connected to the people who worshipped them. Some were wise and just, others cunning and unpredictable. Many of the stories about them are filled with adventure, betrayal, and larger-than-life battles that still influence modern storytelling. Alongside these gods were mortal heroes who became legends in their own right, proving their strength and cleverness in ways that made them unforgettable. And of course, every great story needs its villains, figures who caused chaos, challenged the gods, or carved out their own path through ruthless ambition.

This list brings together some of the most well-known names from Viking history and mythology. Some you might recognize instantly, while others have stories that deserve more attention. Who were the greatest warriors, the most cunning tricksters, or the fiercest rulers? That's for you to decide. Vote for the ones you think stand above the rest.
The Top Ten
Thor Thor is a Norse god associated with thunder, lightning, and storms. He wields the hammer Mjölnir, which is capable of summoning lightning and returning to his hand. He is the son of Odin and frequently battles giants to protect the realms.

Though not the most important god, Thor is the most famous, mainly through the Marvel character but in other ways too.

Because Thor is great, keep up the good work.

How can there be any debate about this?

Loki Loki is a trickster god in Norse mythology known for his shape-shifting abilities. He is responsible for both aiding and deceiving the gods, often causing chaos before helping to resolve it. His actions ultimately lead to his punishment and his role in Ragnarok.

Not only is he the god of mischief who caused the permanent death of Baldr, he's also the one who will bring about Ragnarok. I mean, even though Odin is the creator, he's no match for his half-god, half-giant blood brother!

Blood brother of Odin, trickster, and master of lying and betrayal.

Odin Odin is the chief god in Norse mythology, associated with wisdom, war, and death. He sacrificed one of his eyes in exchange for knowledge and seeks wisdom through various means, including the runes. He rules over Valhalla, where fallen warriors prepare for Ragnarok.

Odin is one of Norse mythology's most significant characters. He fathered Thor and is the most powerful of the gods. Thor would be left helpless against him in battle. Odin's determination and perseverance were so great that he would not stop before achieving his dream of eternal wisdom. He did more than drink from the well of wisdom. He plucked his eye out to do so. He hung himself from a tree too and came back, so Odin's a ghost and a god! He will fight the most powerful of monsters at Ragnarok!

Where's the doubt? Odin is the creator of man and god, and along with Vili and Vé, one of the first gods.

Heimdall Heimdall is the watchman of the gods, guarding the Bifröst bridge that connects Asgard to other realms. He possesses extraordinary senses, allowing him to hear and see across great distances. During Ragnarok, he and Loki are destined to kill each other in battle.

Virtues are good only to make us slaves unless we also have freedom.

Hail Heimdallr!

Beowulf Beowulf is the protagonist of an Old English epic poem, in which he battles the monster Grendel and later a dragon. He is a heroic figure from the Geatish tribe, known for his strength and bravery. His story ends with his death after slaying the dragon that threatens his people.

Beowulf has the strength to rip the arms off trolls, hold his breath for days, and kill many monsters such as seven sea monsters, Grendel, and his mother. Hearing some hero killed some monster's mother in cold blood doesn't sound heroic, and he killed a dragon too.

Freyja Freyja is a Norse goddess associated with love, beauty, and war. She presides over the afterlife realm of Fólkvangr, where half of the fallen warriors go, while the other half go to Valhalla. She possesses a cloak of falcon feathers that allows her to fly between worlds.
Tyr Tyr is a Norse god of war and justice, known for his bravery and honor. He sacrifices his right hand to bind Fenrir, demonstrating his willingness to uphold oaths. He plays a role in Ragnarok, where he is fated to die fighting the wolf Garm.

The brave Viking god swordsman, Tyr is the bravest. He put his hand into a wolf's mouth to save the gods. His hand was bitten off, and he didn't scream.

Iðunn Iðunn is a Norse goddess who guards the apples that grant the gods eternal youth. She is abducted by the giant Thjazi but is later rescued by Loki, restoring the gods' vitality. Her role in mythology is closely tied to the gods' immortality and renewal.

Idun. Without her, the gods would be dead.

Ragnar Lodbrok Ragnar Lodbrok was a legendary Viking hero and king, whose exploits were recorded in sagas. He was known for raiding France and England and claimed to be a descendant of Odin. His death is said to have been caused by being thrown into a pit of snakes by King Ælla of Northumbria.
Surtur Surtur is a fire giant who dwells in Muspelheim and wields a flaming sword. He is prophesied to lead the fire giants in the destruction of the world during Ragnarok. His final act is to set the world ablaze before perishing in the chaos.

When the world ends, Surtur will seize it in flames, and Ragnarok will be over.

The Newcomers

? Ivar the Boneless Ivar the Boneless was a Viking leader and strategist, known for leading the Great Heathen Army against Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. His epithet suggests he may have had a medical condition affecting his mobility, though its exact meaning is uncertain. He played a key role in the invasion of England and the conquest of York.
? Egill Skallagrímsson Egill Skallagrímsson was an Icelandic warrior, poet, and farmer known for his violent temper and exceptional poetry. His life is detailed in Egils saga, which recounts his battles, feuds, and skill in composing verse. He is described as both a fierce fighter and a gifted skald.
The Contenders
Frigg Frigg is the queen of the Aesir and wife of Odin, known for her wisdom and foresight. She tries to prevent the death of her son Balder by making all things swear not to harm him, except mistletoe. Her sorrow over his death is one of the most tragic moments in Norse mythology.

Otherwise known as "Frigg," "Frija," "Frea," or "Frige," though not to be confused with Freyja/Freya or her handmaiden Fulla. While Odin is known as the All-Father, she is referred to as the All-Mother, and is his wife. She weaves the clouds into existence and can see into the future. She is also the mother of Baldr and Hodr.

Fenrir Fenrir is a giant wolf in Norse mythology, prophesied to kill Odin during Ragnarok. The gods attempt to bind him with enchanted chains, but he ultimately breaks free when the end times arrive. He is the son of Loki and is feared for his immense strength.

FENRIR. I wear a necklace with his head as a pendant. He showed that gods are not immortal but can be bitten - I mean beaten - lol. He pretty much is an atheist's dream. He's a giant wolf who, in my mind, was misunderstood. Instead of leaving him in Asgard, roaming around and binding him because of fear of Ragnarok, Odin should have raised him from when he was younger, since he had a love for wolves. No, he had to trick him and bind him, which would piss anyone off.

I also have a tattoo of his emblem (Cloud's emblem from Final Fantasy) on my chest. Maybe I'll get his name on my forearm written in Norse runes. I love this. He's a beast.

Freyr Freyr is a Norse god associated with fertility, prosperity, and peace. He wields a magical sword that can fight on its own, though he gives it away as part of a marriage agreement. His fate in Ragnarok is to be slain by the fire giant Surtr.

Though not as well-known as Odin, Thor, or Loki, Frey is the god of fertility, crops, peace, and prosperity. He also rules over Alfheim, the home of the light elves. He is the god of spring and summer and the twin brother of the goddess Freya, the goddess of love. Attached to his chariot is a golden boar. So really, Frey is kinda cool.

Freyr, also pronounced as Grey, is the god of healing, abundance, wealth, etc. He is the most important Vanir god and can defeat Odin at any time and anywhere. He also has a sword that can fight by itself, so what more can you expect?

Sigurd Sigurd is a legendary hero in Norse mythology, known for slaying the dragon Fafnir. He gains wisdom from the dragon's blood and is later betrayed and killed. His story is central to the Völsunga saga and influenced later medieval legends.

Defeated Odin. He was mortal and defeated the mightiest of the gods.

Balder Balder is a Norse god associated with light, beauty, and purity. He is invulnerable to harm except from mistletoe, which Loki uses to orchestrate his death. His death is considered a precursor to Ragnarok, marking the beginning of great upheaval.

Killed by Loki in his streak of insanity, Baldur is the god of beauty. Maybe he was beautiful back then, but I gotta say, I don't think he is at all.

Hel Hel is the ruler of the underworld realm of the same name, where she oversees the dead who do not die in battle. She is the daughter of Loki and is often described as having a half-living, half-dead appearance. She plays a role in Ragnarok by releasing the dead to fight against the gods.
Jörmungandr (Midgard Serpent) Jörmungandr is a giant sea serpent that encircles the world of Midgard. He is one of Loki's children and is prophesied to battle Thor during Ragnarok, where they will kill each other. His presence in the ocean is said to cause storms and natural disasters.
Bjorn Ironside Bjorn Ironside was a legendary Viking warrior and son of Ragnar Lodbrok. He is credited with leading raids across France, Spain, and the Mediterranean. His exploits are recorded in Norse sagas and medieval histories.
Ratatoskr Ratatoskr is a squirrel in Norse mythology that carries messages between the eagle at the top of Yggdrasil and the serpent Nidhogg at its roots. He is known for spreading insults between them, contributing to their ongoing feud. His role highlights the interconnected nature of the Norse cosmos.

Love him. Such a funny character.

Njord Njord is a Norse god associated with the sea, wind, and wealth. He is a member of the Vanir and father to Freyr and Freyja. He is linked to prosperity and safe seafaring, making him important to seafarers and traders.
Ymir Ymir is a primordial giant in Norse mythology, born from the merging of fire and ice. He is the ancestor of the frost giants and is slain by Odin and his brothers. His body is used to create the world, with his blood forming the seas and his skull becoming the sky.

Father and the lord of the Frost Giants, also Loki's real father.

Grendel Grendel is a monstrous creature in the Old English epic Beowulf, terrorizing the hall of Heorot. He is eventually defeated by Beowulf, who rips off his arm in battle. Grendel's death leads to a vengeful attack by his mother, who seeks retribution.
Leif Erikson Leif Erikson was a Norse explorer credited with reaching North America around the year 1000. He is believed to have established a settlement in Vinland, likely located in present-day Newfoundland. His voyages are recorded in the Icelandic sagas, which describe his encounters with indigenous peoples.
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