The Norse sagas are relevant today. These written descriptions of Norse traditions tell about traditions, major events, and tales of exploration that allow scholars, or any history buff, to learn about what life was like for the Norse community. Today, these sagas have been read and studied by many people, which has resulted with books, shows, movies, and even holidays that have highlighted Norse culture.
The famous historical drama Vikings on the history channel is based on the saga of Ragnar Lodbrok and it has captured the eye of thousands of people. The thrilling drama and action keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as they watch a dramatized version of the life that vikings lived.
The most famous Norse contribution that is seen in media today is Marvel‘s use of the myths of Odin, Thor, and Loki; the Norse gods. For years Marvel has produced Thor comics that tell of his adventures; and, even more well known, Thor has appeared in several Marvel movies: Thor, The Avengers, Thor: The Dar World, and The Avengers: Age of Ultron. While these comics and movies are most definitely fictional the information about the characters are collected from the Norse sagas.
http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/leif-erikson-day
The most interesting, in my opinion, is the holiday; Lief Erikson Day. Since the finding of the area of what is believed to be Vinland in Newfoundland in the early 1900s there was a new found excitement about Vikings and the Norse culture. In September of 1965 Congress passed a resolution, signed by Lyndon B. Johnson that proclaimed October 9th, 1965. This day is to celebrate Nordic culture and their exploration. This holiday would not have been about if the Nordic people did not write down their stories, myths, and legends into the sagas, which still impact society today.
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