Legend and Leadership from the Norse
- Be More Shark
- Jan 10
- 12 min read
Mythologies from around the world have offered extraordinary perception into the nature of humanity and our potential for greatness. Among these, and where I personally find profound interest and connection, is Norse religion.
Often referred to as Old-Norse paganism or the beliefs held by the Vikings, Norse presents us with a striking tapestry of gods, heroes, and cosmic struggles. Many of these stories have inspired entities (such as Marvel) to produce popular films, books and characters into our everyday world. The reality of this religion, however, is far more sophisticated, and interesting!
When we think about leadership lessons, it is all too easy to default to contemporary stories of business moguls or political visionaries. However, the sagas of Odin, Thor, Freya, and other Norse deities offer timeless perspectives on leadership qualities such as wisdom, bravery, sacrifice, teamwork, humility, and resilience that resonate strongly today.
Norse religion is often misunderstood as being synonymous with Vikings, violence, or the stereotype of "rape and pillage" that has been unfairly ascribed to the culture.
It is equally important to disassociate this rich and complex belief system from the actions of individuals like Anders Breivik, who proclaimed himself an "Odinist," or the appropriation of Norse symbols by extremist groups.
These misrepresentations obscure the true essence of Norse traditions, which celebrate honour, courage, community, and a deep connection to the natural world. Unfortunately, as seen with the Nazi party in 1930s Germany, ancient figures and symbols have a dangerous appeal to those seeking to disrupt and exploit power, using these affiliations to instil fear and division. It is crucial to reclaim the true meaning of Norse mythology and reject the misuse of its symbols, recognising it as a source of inspiration and wisdom, not a tool for hate or violence.
Drawing on my research into these ancient elements, this article illuminates the leadership values embedded in Norse religion and transposes them into contemporary contexts, showing how millennia-old myths can still guide and inspire our modern paths. We'll take a look at some of the key 'characters' that form the backbone of Norse with a leadership lens.
Odin’s Relentless Pursuit of Knowledge
One of the central figures of Norse mythology is Odin, often called the Allfather. He exemplifies wisdom and the pursuit of knowledge. According to the myths, Odin sacrificed his eye to drink from the well of Mímir to gain unparalleled insight. This tale emphasises the lengths to which Odin would go to acquire wisdom, an attribute critical to effective leadership.
In modern leadership contexts, it may not be practical (or advisable!) to sacrifice an eye in pursuit of knowledge. Yet Odin’s action prompts us to consider the importance of continual learning and the willingness to make sacrifices for the good of the team or an organisation. Leaders who have a thirst for knowledge, who invest in education, who seek out diverse opinions, and who remain open to new ideas echo Odin’s relentless quest.
The lesson is that knowledge is never complete - a leader must be an enduring student.
Odin’s behaviour demonstrates the significance of sacrifice. Sometimes, one must give up short-term benefits for long-term advantages. For instance, a modern business executive might choose to allocate time and budget to training and development programmes rather than funnelling those resources into immediate profit-making activities. Though initially costly, this strategic sacrifice can yield enriched leadership within the organisation and more knowledgeable, capable teams which in turn retains talent and builds trust and loyalty to a business.
Thor’s Bravery and Strength - Balancing Power with Protection
While Odin represents knowledge, Thor, the god of thunder, symbolises raw strength, bravery, and protection. As in Hollywood films, he is often depicted wielding his mighty hammer, Mjölnir, which he uses to guard Asgard and Midgard from giants and other threats.
Thor’s role as protector underscores how true strength in leadership is about defending one’s people and ensuring their welfare.
In our workplace, that “protection” may manifest as creating a supportive environment where employees feel secure to speak up, take calculated risks, and learn from their mistakes. A leader who embodies Thor’s spirit advocates for the team, raises concerns when resources are insufficient, and takes responsibility if something goes wrong. While it is tempting to focus solely on achievements and tangible targets, a Thor-like leader also stands as a buffer between the team and external pressures. Such leadership cultivates trust, strengthens loyalty, and ultimately fosters success.
At the same time, Thor’s narrative teaches us the importance of humility. Though physically formidable, Thor is occasionally outmatched and must rely on cunning or assistance from others. This reminder that even the strongest among us sometimes require help is pivotal to a balanced leadership style. Leaders who are unafraid to admit their limitations and seek input or assistance are often more respected, as they reveal a human, relatable side.
Freya’s Influence through Empathy and Diplomacy
Among the Norse deities, Freya shines as a goddess of love, beauty, fertility, and, intriguingly, war. Her sphere of influence is incredibly broad, spanning both the gentler aspects of life and the harsh realities of conflict. It is Freya’s charisma and sense of diplomacy that enable her to navigate these extremes, proving that leadership is not just about raw power or intellect, but also about empathy, negotiation, and the ability to forge strong relationships.
Leaders can draw on Freya’s example by cultivating emotional intelligence, leveraging empathy, communication, and diplomacy to inspire and guide. When a leader listens actively to team members, offers genuine praise, and builds consensus, they can foster loyalty that endures, even in challenging times.
Freya teaches us that influence often arises from emotional connection and genuine understanding rather than from authority or hierarchical standing.
In a corporate environment, a leader who cultivates healthy relationships across departments, bridging silos with compassion and tact, is often more successful at achieving collective goals. Whether it is steering a challenging negotiation or uniting disparate stakeholders, the “Freya approach” underscores the power of diplomacy. Ultimately bridging the gap between conflict and harmony through empathy, respect, and open dialogue.
Tyr’s Sense of Duty & The Courage to Face Consequences
Though far less celebrated in modern culture, and less universally recognised than Odin or Thor, Tyr stands as one of the most courageous gods in Norse tradition. Tyr is best known for sacrificing his hand to the monstrous wolf Fenrir so that the gods could bind Fenrir and prevent catastrophic harm. This selfless act demonstrates a profound sense of duty and willingness to bear personal cost for a collective good. Leadership often demands similar qualities, which manifest as the courage to make tough decisions and the willingness to face the consequences of those decisions.
Consider a CEO facing a difficult re-organisation within their company. Redundancies and swathing budget cuts might be necessary to ensure the long-term viability (and in some cases potential survival) of the organisation. A courageous leader, akin to Tyr, does not delegate or distance themselves from these decisions but takes responsibility.
Rather than hiding behind layers of management, a Tyr-like leader acts through transparency and empathy, ensuring those affected receive honest explanations and compassionate support.
This embodiment of duty must be coupled with ethical responsibility. Tyr’s story reminds us that sometimes, personal sacrifice is inevitable when fulfilling one’s obligations. A modern leader in a crisis who offers to take a pay-cut alongside other cost-saving measures demonstrates a sense of shared sacrifice, mirroring the integrity embedded in Tyr’s narrative. By doing so, leaders not only maintain morale but also reinforce trust and respect among their teams.
Frigg’s Nurturing Vision in Preparing and Protecting the Future
Frigg, Odin’s wife and the mother of Balder, is revered as a goddess of foresight and motherhood. She represents a nurturing form of leadership that emphasises protection and the well-being of future generations. In one myth, Frigg attempts to shield her son from harm by securing promises from all things in the world that they would not hurt Balder. Although the myth famously ends in Balder’s tragic death (the overlooked mistletoe becomes his downfall), Frigg’s diligence and love remain a poignant testament to her caring nature.
Leaders who take inspiration and guidance through Frigg’s methods can cultivate a focus on sustainable futures. They plan not just for the next quarter’s performance results, but for a longer-term resilience.
They ask- “How do we create a structure that protects and nurtures our people?” This question directs efforts to build robust organisational cultures that consider mental health, work-life balance, and truly inclusive and equitable opportunities.
Frigg’s story also highlights that sometimes, even the most diligent leaders cannot avert all disasters. Her heartbreak serves as a reminder that leadership does not guarantee absolute control. Instead, leaders must do their utmost to anticipate future risks, protect their stakeholders, and bounce back from setbacks with renewed determination. If a crisis does strike, a Frigg-like leader focuses on collective healing and using lessons learned to prevent future pitfalls.
The Value of the Collective - The Aesir and the Vanir
Norse religion includes two main tribes of gods.
The Aesir (which includes Odin, Thor, and Tyr) and the Vanir (which includes Freya and Njord). Initially, they were in conflict, but eventually, they found peace and united under shared goals. The lesson for our leaders here, is that cooperation between distinct and diverse groups can create a richer, more robust organisation than if they remain in a perpetual destructive rivalry.
In contemporary leadership, particularly in global or cross-functional organisations, the ability to bridge differences is essential. Whether uniting various departments, merging companies, or managing multicultural teams, differences in perspective and skill sets can be enormous strengths once harnessed correctly. The treaty between the Aesir and Vanir exemplifies that even formidable tensions can be reconciled through mutual respect and shared purpose.
When leaders emphasise collaboration over competition, they foster an environment that encourages knowledge exchange, innovation, and synergy. The leaders themselves should act as ambassadors, much like the deities who sought to mend fences. Building trust across different teams and departments often requires vulnerability, consistent communication, and a genuine interest in understanding the other side’s values and priorities.
Ragnarök and Renewal - Embracing Change and Transformation
An especially compelling aspect of Norse religion is the concept of Ragnarök. The cataclysmic battle that ends with the destruction of many gods and the rebirth of the world.
While grim, the myth underscores a cycle of destruction and renewal, highlighting that every ending paves the way for a fresh start. From a leadership standpoint, this is a powerful metaphor for the cycles of business and life. No organisation can remain static, and sometimes destructive processes, such as radical restructuring or product line discontinuation, are fundamentally necessary for future growth.
Effective leaders recognise when old methods are no longer viable. They could identify “Ragnarök moments” in their organisations, where continuing along on the same path invites stagnation, indifference, apathy, or worse. Such moments demand the bravery to let go of outmoded strategies and the courage to explore new frontiers. Leaders who successfully guide their teams through transformative times are often those who foster a vision of renewal, offering reassurance that while the process is daunting, it leads to a new beginning.
In Norse myth, the world does not end with Ragnarök, rather, it is re-born in a purified form, with surviving gods and mortals forging a new era. Likewise, in our business context, after a tumultuous change, new products, structures, or markets can emerge far stronger and much more resilient. Leaders who navigate these transformations effectively position their organisations for sustained growth.
Modern Applications - From Myth to Management
Given the above lessons from the pantheon of Norse gods, how might modern leaders practically apply these insights?
1. Lifelong Learning (Odin’s Wisdom)
o Encourage continuous development programmes.
o Stay open to innovative ideas, regardless of seniority or department.
o Model a growth mindset by taking on new skills and inviting feedback.
2. Strength and Protection (Thor’s Bravery)
o Safeguard your team from undue pressure or unproductive conflict.
o Take responsibility for failures and celebrate achievements collectively.
o Demonstrate humility by asking for help or acknowledging gaps in your own expertise.
3. Diplomacy and Empathy (Freya’s Charisma)
o Invest time in building meaningful connections with colleagues.
o Use conflict resolution strategies that respect every perspective involved.
o Express genuine care and support for team members’ professional and personal challenges.
4. Duty and Integrity (Tyr’s Sacrifice)
o Own the consequences of tough decisions instead of deferring blame.
o Communicate transparently when implementing unpopular changes.
o Show ethical leadership by sharing burdens (financial or otherwise) with the team.
5. Sustainable Vision (Frigg’s Nurturing)
o Look beyond immediate goals to ensure long-term resilience for the organisation.
o Prioritise nurturing and protective policies, such as health benefits and inclusive cultures.
o Respond to failures or crises with a focus on healing and forward planning.
6. Collaboration (Aesir and Vanir)
o Identify areas of overlapping interest to unify disparate teams or departments.
o Promote regular cross-functional meetings and shared problem-solving sessions.
o Recognise and celebrate diverse skill sets, turning potential conflict into creative synergy.
7. Transformation (Ragnarök)
o Remain vigilant for signs that a process or product needs radical rethinking.
o Champion the concept of renewal, reminding everyone that change can lead to growth.
o Support employees through change with clear communication, training, and emotional support.
By blending these ancient stories with contemporary leadership frameworks, we recognise that mythology can be more than mere entertainment or a historical curiosity. Rather, the spiritual beliefs of our ancestors can serve as a repository of wisdom, instructing us how to be better leaders, colleagues, and more compassionate and inclusive human beings.
Leading with Mythic Insight
Norse religion, with its vivid pantheon and sweeping sagas, continues to capture our imaginations. The stories of gods like Odin, Thor, Freya, Tyr, and Frigg, as well as events like Ragnarök, echo across the centuries, reminding us that leadership, whether on the battlefield or in the boardroom, relies utterly upon timeless virtues. Wisdom must be pursued without end, strength is tempered by humility, empathy fosters unbreakable bonds, and periods of transformation herald renewed strength.
It is important to emphasise that these lessons do not advocate for leaders to emulate gods in their omniscience or might!
Human leaders must remain grounded, self-aware, and genuinely compassionate and caring. Yet by embracing the ideals found in these old Norse myths, today’s leaders can discover a practical and inspiring roadmap for guiding their teams. The ancient sagas persist because they address universal themes - the challenges we face, the sacrifices we make, and the potential we have to emerge stronger from adversity.
Of course, our workplaces are perhaps less dramatic (in most cases!) than the cosmic battlegrounds of Norse mythology, but they still host epic struggles of their own.
Leadership and direction of a business, alongside resources, personalities and power struggles, business value, creative visions, and ethical considerations can all play a part in creating a saga in their own right.
Navigating such complexities calls for leaders willing to learn from diverse sources, including ancient wisdom. Let Odin’s curiosity, Thor’s protective strength, Freya’s compassion, Tyr’s courage, and Frigg’s nurturing spirit live on in our organisational cultures, infusing them with authenticity and moral clarity.
As I’ve always tried to portray in coaching and mentoring of leaders at different levels, leadership is both an art and a science. Tools and data can guide us up to a point, but the deeper principles of human behaviour, and those sagas that illustrate them, illuminate the intangible qualities that differentiate a good leader from a truly remarkable one.
By reflecting on these legends passed down through generations, we connect with a spiritual tapestry that underscores our responsibility, potential, and the profound influence we hold as leaders.
Norse Today
Today, Norse religion, often referred to as Ásatrú or Heathenry, continues to thrive as a modern spiritual practice. Revived during the 19th and 20th centuries and gaining momentum in recent decades, it is celebrated by communities worldwide through rituals, ceremonies, and gatherings. Practitioners honour the Norse gods and goddesses, observe seasonal festivals such as Blóts (sacrificial feasts), and partake in Sumbels, where toasts are made to deities, ancestors, and personal aspirations. Many modern Heathens focus on values such as honour, community, and a deep connection to nature, weaving ancient traditions into contemporary life.
In leadership, Norse influences appear in the enduring appeal of Viking values - Resilience, Teamwork, and Boldness.
These themes are reflected in leadership training programs that often inadvertently draw on these ancient Norse myths to inspire strategic thinking, collaboration, and adaptive decision-making.
As we explored in this article, Odin's relentless pursuit of wisdom is often cited as a model for lifelong learning and intellectual curiosity, while Thor’s protective nature resonates with leaders who champion and safeguard their teams. The Norse ethos of communal strength and mutual accountability has also been embraced by organisations seeking to foster inclusive and empowering environments, making these ancient principles highly relevant in today's leadership discourse.
The Norse god Tyr, a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and justice, has unfortunately been appropriated by far-right movements in recent years, with his rune often misused as part of their iconography. This unfortunate association risks tarnishing the rich and inclusive cultural heritage of Norse mythology, much like the swastika, a symbol of well-being in Hinduism, was distorted by Nazi ideology. It is crucial to distinguish between the misuse of symbols and the true essence of Norse spirituality. Followers of modern Norse religion, or Ásatrú, overwhelmingly reject hate-filled ideologies, instead embracing values of honour, community, and mutual respect.
By reclaiming these symbols and narratives, practitioners seek to remind the world that
Norse traditions are about strength, justice, and connection, not exclusion or division. Recognising this distinction is vital to appreciating the depth and diversity of Norse culture without conflating it with extremist agendas.
While Norse religion indeed may be ancient, its lessons remain strikingly relevant. Leadership is a timeless pursuit, enriched by the wisdom of those who came before us and refined by the bravery of those stepping forward today. These enduring legends, having captivated humanity for thousands of years, deserve more than passing admiration or cinematic spectacle.
They warrant our attention as examples of leadership worth embodying.
Great reading piece and well representation of the Norse gods and ways!