West Norse

West Norse refers to a group of North Germanic languages and cultures that emerged in the Viking Age, primarily spoken in regions that are now Norway and parts of the British Isles, including the Isle of Man, Scotland, and Ireland. It encompasses dialects like Old Norse, which influenced English and other languages due to Viking settlements. West Norse was significant for its rich mythological and literary traditions, including the sagas and Eddas, and played a key role in the cultural and historical development of Scandinavia and its interactions with other cultures during the Middle Ages.