The Norse pantheon refers to the collection of gods and goddesses worshipped by the ancient Norse people, primarily in Scandinavia. This pantheon includes prominent figures such as Odin, the chief god associated with wisdom and war, and Thor, the god of thunder known for his strength and protection of humanity. Other notable deities include Freyja, the goddess of love and fertility, and Loki, a trickster figure who often causes chaos among the gods. The Norse pantheon is characterized by its rich mythology, which includes tales of creation, heroism, and the eventual destruction of the world in a cataclysmic event known as Ragnarök. These stories were passed down through oral tradition and later recorded in texts like the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda. The beliefs and practices surrounding these deities played a significant role in the culture and daily life of the Norse people.