York - The Doom of the Gods, or Ragnarok of Norse mythology, is scheduled to take place this Saturday, and hundreds of modern-day Norsemen are converging on York to celebrate the event.

Scholars of Norse mythology have indeed calculated that Saturday is the day that Ragnarok as described in the ancient myths is set to begin, according to the website of the Jorvik Viking Center in York. The myths describe a series of events that will take place leading up to a final apocalyptic battle.

Last year was supposed to be the end of the world according to the ancient Mayan calendar.

The prophecy of Ragnarok was made by the god Odin, who hung from the world-tree-Yggdrasil for nine days in order to be given the wisdom to foresee these events.

Vikings
© Mirror, UKFinal countdown: Vikings warriors are preparing for the end of the world.
Among other things, the wolf Fenrir, son of Loki, will break free from his chains, the Midgard snake will rise from the sea and a wolf will devour the sun.

This weekend is also the 30th Annual Jorvik Viking Festival, celebrating Viking life. The event features exhibits, contests, re-enactments with participants in Viking costume culminating in a grand finale re-enactment of the final battle.

"Ragnarok is the ultimate landmark of Norse mythology, when the gods fall and die," said Danielle Daglan, festival director, in an article in The Mirror.

"This really is an event that should not be underestimated."