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ENH251 - Mythology

Deals with the myths and legends of civilizations with the greatest influence upon the development of the literature and culture of the English speaking people, and compares those myths with myths from other cultures.

V. Scandinavian Myths

V. A. Sources and background
V. B. Cosmological myth
V. C. Norse gods and goddesses and myths pertaining to them
V. D. Eschatological myth of Ragnarok

V. A. Sources and background

V. B. Cosmological Myth

In the fascinating world of Scandinavian cosmology and Norse mythology, the cosmos is a rich tapestry of interconnected realms, both visible and invisible. Here’s a concise overview for our college audience:

  1. Yggdrasil: At the heart of Norse cosmology stands Yggdrasil, the mighty world tree. Its branches and roots extend across the Nine Worlds, each inhabited by various beings.

  2. The Nine Worlds:

    • Midgard: Our world, home to humanity and civilization.
    • Asgard: The realm of the Aesir gods and goddesses.
    • Vanaheim: The domain of the Vanir gods and goddesses.
    • Jotunheim: The land of the giants.
    • Niflheim: The primordial icy world.
    • Muspelheim: The fiery, chaotic realm.
    • Alfheim: The abode of the elves.
    • Nidavellir/Svartalfheim: The world of the skilled dwarves.
    • Hel: The realm of the eponymous goddess Hel and the deceased.

  3. Other Notable Locations:

    • Valhalla: Where fallen warriors chosen by Odin reside.
    • Folkvang: Freya’s hall, where other fallen warriors find their place.
    • Ginnungagap: The chaotic void before creation.
    • Bifrost: The rainbow bridge connecting Asgard and Midgard.
    • Hlidskjalf: Odin’s seat for observing all worlds.

These realms intertwine, shaping the Norse worldview and providing a rich backdrop for epic tales of gods, giants, and destiny. For further exploration, consider reading Neil S. Price’s The Viking Way1 or Mircea Eliade’s Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy2.

Remember, these myths aren’t just stories—they reflect the ancient Norse understanding of existence, fate, and the interconnectedness of all things.     Learn more: 1. norse-mythology.org   2. mythopedia.com   3. en.wikipedia.org

WHEATON(1844) The Cosmos in the Norse mythology.jpg
By This file is from the Mechanical Curator collection, a set of over 1 million images scanned from out-of-copyright books and released to Flickr Commons by the British Library.  View image on Flickr   View all images from book   View catalogue entry for book. , Public Domain, Link

V. C. Norse gods and goddesses and myths pertaining to them

V. D. Eschatological Myth of Ragnarok

Ragnarok, in Norse mythology, signifies the apocalyptic battle that will mark the end of the current cosmic order. According to tradition, this cataclysmic event will involve a fierce confrontation between the forces of good (the gods and their allies) and evil (the giants, monsters, and chaos). During Ragnarok, not only will the gods and giants perish, but the entire universe will be torn apart. Signs of its impending arrival include strife, harsh winters, and natural disasters. The Voluspa and Prose Edda provide detailed accounts of this epic battle123. In Viking warrior societies, dying in battle was revered, and this reverence extended to their pantheon, where even the gods were not eternal but destined to be overthrown at Ragnarok1.

Learn more: 1. en.wikipedia.org   2. newworldencyclopedia.org   3. norsemythologist.com