When we talk about the Norse gods, we also have to look at the people who worshiped them. In this case, this would be the Vikings.
During my writing process, first came a spark of an idea, and then it wasn’t long until the muse showed up with characters in tow. And the characters just happened to be of the fantastical kind, carrying the Viking sword called the Ulfberht.
The Ulfberht made it that the Vikings were fierce in battle, for the steel sword was strong, practically unbreakable (it was in such a demand and quality that there were even counterfeit Ulfberhts created and sold for those who could not afford or obtain the original).
As the story unfurled, I then realized that I wished to tell more than what people might expect with Vikings—the stereotypical tale, especially since Viking is probably not a name that they called themselves, but a name given to them. There was no united Viking army, but instead they lived in factions, as tribes (and it must not be forgotten that these tribes, led by chieftains, fought each other).
I didn’t just want to throw in the names of Norse gods, but truly celebrate what we typically know and maybe even reveal things that we didn’t know. So, the what-if questions formed and elements of time travel mixed with Vikings, and the fantastical tale of a shape-shifting dragon. I wanted to build a world that provided enough of a backdrop that could embrace this fantasy with all of its magick.
For more info on the Ulfberht check out: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulfberht_swords