Norse mythology is a collection of stories and myths that originated in Scandinavia and other Germanic countries. These stories were passed down orally for generations before being recorded in writing in the Middle Ages. The tales often feature gods, goddesses, heroes, and monsters, and were used to explain natural phenomena and cultural traditions.
In literature, Norse mythology has been a source of inspiration for many authors. For example, J.R.R. Tolkien drew heavily on Norse mythology in his works, particularly in his creation of the character Gandalf. Many modern retellings of Norse mythology also exist, including novels such as Neil Gaiman's "Norse Mythology" and "The Gospel of Loki" by Joanne Harris. Additionally, the Marvel Comics universe has incorporated many Norse mythological elements, particularly in its depiction of the character Thor.