From Scandinavia to Alaska, people around the world have been in awe of Aurora for centuries, telling tall tales about their beauty and power. From strange sightings to culturally-rooted myths, these stories can give us a window into the world’s collective beliefs and imaginations of this mesmerizing natural phenomenon.

You might have heard about Northern Lights myths and legends. The stories spread around the world and passed over many generations explaining the cause of the Northern Lights. One of the most famous Aurora myths is from Finland. What happened that night...? The breathtaking tale...

It is obvious why the Aurora Borealis have impacted myths and legends throughout history. Imagine staring up at dancing green, red, and purple lights. Captivating? Scary? Oh, yes. While back then, Northern Lights myths depicted everything from departed souls to animals and terrifying spirits. Similarly, these myths and legends have travelled along with human evolution. Read on to learn about the top 19 Northern Light myths!

Every culture that has ever laid eyes upon these waving lights of green through the sky has formed Northern Lights legends and stories that could possibly explain the existence of these spectacles of nature. Some of these Northern Lights stories have been passed around for generations.

"The Inupiat in Alaska, like many different communities at the time, had to hunt for survival, but they believed that the spirits of animals had the chance to roam in another life..."

So who was this mythical figure that inspired such awe and fascination? Let's take a dive into the legend of Aurora - from her origins in Greek mythology to her connection with the Northern Lights - and rediscover why she captivated countless generations.

Why are these myths and legends so important to the Northern Lights experience? Perhaps it's because they add a sense of mystery and magic to what is already a breathtaking natural wonder. Or maybe it's because they connect us to the people and cultures who have revered the lights for centuries.

We've gathered some of the most spine-tingling Northern Lights myths and legends to share with you.

We'll explore not only who the gods were but also their roles within Norse mythology, where it all came from, and how it's still influencing us today. You'll also get an insider look at what life was like as a Viking warrior—and uncover a list of some of the most high-profile godly names during that time. Let's get started on our journey through Norse mythology!