Cody's Trivia Corner

How did the days of the week get their names? 

It’s not as complicated as you might think. Many of the names come from Roman gods, transported into Nordic culture. Let’s review each one. 

Sunday – day of the Sun. “Sunna” or “Sól” is a goddess in Norse mythology, which came from the Roman god “Sol”. 

Monday – day of the moon. The Nordic “Mani” for moon caused Mánadagr to become Monday. Interestingly enough, the Latin name for the moon is “Luna”, which is reflected in the name for Monday in other languages such as French, “Lundí”. 

Tuesday – named after Tiw, also known as “Tyr” the Norse god of war. Comparable to Mars, the Roman god of war. 

Wednesday – named after Odin, similar to the Roman god Mercury. Both are responsible for a variety of things such as luck. 

Thursday – named after Thor, the lightning god and most powerful of all gods. Comparable to Roman god Jupiter. 

Friday – named after Freya, alternatively called “Frigg”, the goddess of love, Venus being the Roman equivalent. 

Saturday – named after Saturn, the god of wealth, in Latin (Saturni), still recognizable in English today since the Norse didn’t change it.