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The Viking Language: An Introduction

Old Norse — the language of the Vikings, the sagas, and the parent of the modern Scandinavian languages. Many English words trace directly back to it.

Choose how you want to study

Both options cover the same course content — the difference is how and when you learn.

Single session

Pay as you go

Book individual 1-hour sessions with Nigel. No commitment — start whenever you're ready.

  • 1 hour per session
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Delivered via Microsoft Teams

$40 / session

Book a session

Bundle — best value

4-session package

Save with 4 sessions. Use them however you like — one topic or several.

  • 4 × 1-hour sessions
  • Save $20 vs single sessions
  • Delivered via Microsoft Teams

$140 / 4 sessions

Book a bundle

Interested in a group class? Classes of up to 5 students can become available with a minimum of two students — students have access to 8 group classes for the price of 4 one-on-one sessions. Tick the group class option in the booking form to let Nigel know.

What you'll learn

By the end of this course

Read the Old Norse runic and Roman alphabets

Understand the fundamentals of Old Norse grammar

Read short passages from the Eddas or sagas with guidance

Understand Old Norse's place in the Germanic branch of the Indo-European family

See how Old Norse shaped modern English — sky, window, knife, egg and hundreds more

Who this course is for

Is this course right for you?

You're fascinated by the Viking age and want direct access to the literature

You want to read the Eddas and sagas in the original Old Norse

You're interested in Scandinavian heritage or the modern Scandinavian languages

You've studied the History of English course and want to explore the Norse contribution in depth

Your teacher

Nigel Dickey

ND

MA — University of Auckland · Seven years at Oxford

Nigel spent seven years attending degree-level classes across every branch of the Indo-European language family. He now teaches from Auckland to students worldwide via Microsoft Teams.

Read Nigel's full story →

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