Norse Legends for Kids

“Thor!” Sif called after him, “Where are you going?” “To Midgard, to find out what I’m gonna do when I grow up!” Thor replied as he ran. Crossing over the Rainbow Bridge Thor came upon a little village of humans. As he came nearer he saw smoke rising from one of the small stone houses on the outskirts of the town. He quietly crept over to investigate. Shadows danced and sparks flew all around the inside of the house and a fearsome looking man wearing a heavy leather apron made loud banging noises as he struck and pounded a glowing hot piece of iron ore. The man was covered in black soot from the flame. He raised his hammer and brought it down so speedily and with such a clamor it made Thor’s bones shake. “Oh. Hello there little one, I didn’t see you there.” The blacksmith greeted Thor not knowing he was a little god. “Hi.” Thor blurted. “Do you like your job? What do you do?” “Well, yes I do like my job.” The Blacksmith replied. “I’m very proud of what I do. I take the earth and mold it using fire to make whatever it is that my countrymen need. Some want bowls or nails and others buy my swords and hammers. They have many needs but they all come to me to meet those needs and that’s why I like my job.” Thor thanked the Blacksmith and continued into town to find something to eat. He went a little way and turned into a pub and sat down with some other men to eat. As they ate they talked and Thor listened to see if he liked any of the jobs these men did. “I am a merchant.” said one. “I find things of value and sell them in the marketplace. Without me, How could you get those things which you cannot make yourself? I can bring you Ivory from Africa, gold from Arabia, Silk from Asia, and Tin from Europe. I trade in all things vegetable, animal, and mineral.” “I am a banker.” said another. “The merchant could not buy his goods without my money. I keep people’s valuables safe from crooks and mischievous criminals, and lend money to others so they can buy the things they need to live happy lives.” “I am a soldier.” said the other. “I keep the peace and ensure the stability of the country. Without my vigilance and protection the banker and the merchant would be unable to conduct business for fear of being mistreated. I defend my countrymen as if they were my own kin, and I oppose those foreigners who wish to do them harm or to oppress them.” When Thor had eaten his fill, he hurried on down the road toward a castle that stood on the side of a hill. As he neared the castle some men on horseback came out and Thor walked beside them. “Hello, Sir.” Thor said, approaching the most splendidly dressed rider. “What is it boy?” The Earl asked slightly annoyed. “What do you do?” Thor asked. “Why, I am the Earl.” He replied somewhat astonished that he had to declare himself. “Okay, but what do you do?” Thor repeated the question.