Literature, developed by Vikings, originated around the 12th century. There are two types: Sagas and Eddas. Sagas were blends of family stories, political history, and involved heroes. Eddas told people about their mythology and gods, and they were written in both poetry and prose. The types of Eddas include Elder Edda and Younger Edda. The types of Sagas include  the Volsunga Saga, Laxdaela Saga, and Orkneyinga Saga. (Bourns)

Viking Literature was made using the language Old Norse. It was a written language and was first a 24-letter system, then later evolved into a 16-letter system. The system was called futhark. The language was written into wood, bone, stone, and metal. The letters that they used were called runes.  Runes were made with only straight lines. This language was used to record history and culture, and to communicate with others. (Megas)

Literature had a huge impact on Vikings.  It helped Vikings learn their cultural identity.  The society and culture of Vikings was complex. Things like journaling helped Vikings record their culture so they could record it and pass it down through generations. A huge part of culture for the Vikings was religion. Their Germanic religion was called Norse Paganism, and it was considered mythology. They were polytheistic, and their main gods were Odir, Thor, and Freyr. (Jonathan Duffy)

Viking Literature had an impact on the English language. Old Norse, the language Vikings used, influenced many words that are used today. These words can include sky, egg, skin, wagon, husband, knife, and many others. Old Norse also had an impact on the grammar that is used. The pronoun "they" was derived from the language, then passed down to English. (Rosie)

Literature is extremely important. Culture, language, and many other things that are used today are better remembered when recorded, because it allows us to go back and look at the things that have happened. Without literature, most of the things we use today wouldn't exist. Books wouldn't exist, journals wouldn't exist, newspapers, and so much more. And since the Vikings impacted so much, lots of the things we use would be different.