Questions tagged [norse]
For questions on the myths and religious beliefs of the Norse people, the pre-Christian inhabitants from modern Scandinavia.
199
questions
2
votes
2answers
82 views
Are there any beings from Norse Mythology that could be mistaken for a Kitsune (fox-person spirit)?
I'm starting a new Roleplaying campaign soon, and my character is norse/icelandic themed.
One of the other character is inspired by Kitsune.
I want to find out what, if anything, might my character ...
3
votes
0answers
85 views
Are owls mentioned in Norse Mythology?
The wikipedia page on Birds in Norse Mythology does not mention
Other websites mention owls:
The owl is associated with Hawthorn and the mystique rune is Huathe. The owl is the guide to the ...
8
votes
2answers
1k views
Confusion regarding the telling of a chess game in the Völuspá (Ragnarök aftermath)
The Völuspá, from my understanding, is where it mentions the aftermath of Ragnarök. In it, they talk of the chess game where they find golden pieces of the "dead" gods and then use them to play a ...
2
votes
1answer
100 views
Skagganauk abyss?
In Roger Zelazney's Creatures of Light and Darkness, he imagines the Egyptian Typhon, brother of Set, as a void that often takes the form of a stallion. He calls this entity "Skagganauk Abyss&...
1
vote
1answer
84 views
Word to mean unwise/foolish coming from the idea of being untravelled?
I remember reading somewhere that there is a word in old Norse for unwise/foolish that etymologically refers to someone who's not travelled or left home. Any ideas?
10
votes
3answers
799 views
Is there any link between Achilles and Sigurd/Siegfried?
The two heroes are invulnerable, Achilles because he was dipped in the river Styx by his mother Thetis, and Siegfried because he took a bath in the dragon's blood.
Both have a weak spot though, ...
5
votes
1answer
92 views
Is Krampus really pagan?
Is Krampus really pagan in origin and not medieval Christian? A lot of people say that he is pagan and of Norse origin. A lot of people say that he is the son of Hel who is the goddess of Helheim in ...
10
votes
2answers
2k views
Friday: the day of Frigg, or Freyja?
The Wiki page says Friday is named after the goddess Frigg.
Other articles say its both or Freyja, and there are some that say Frigg and Freyja are the same goddess.
Is there a consesus that I don't ...
26
votes
2answers
1k views
Did the Gods and Goddesses in Norse mythology act as patron gods?
I know in mythologies such as Greek mythology, gods and goddesses would act as patrons. For example, Athena was the patron goddess of Athens. Did the gods and goddesses in Norse mythology have any ...
2
votes
0answers
38 views
Is the practise of standing on stones at election consigned to mythology and folklore?
Humblus
I was reading up about legendary Danish kings when I came across a character named Humblus and a rather sensational claim is made at the bottom of the article, and that claim is that political ...
7
votes
4answers
23k views
How are Norse and Celtic mythology related?
I was in a charms shop a while back and they had a section laid out for Celtic Mythology charms and their meanings. I had a look and found Thor's hammer. I ask my mom and she said the Mythologies are ...
0
votes
3answers
209 views
Will there only be one Ragnarök, or will there be multiple?
I need a detailed answer to this question. Thank you!
9
votes
1answer
167 views
Are Fenrir and Jormungandr Jötnar?
I though Jötnar were humanoid in appearance, and yet Loki and Angrboda produced a serpent and a wolf as offspring.
I know that Loki and Angrboda are Jötnar, so how did they give birth to monsters in ...
12
votes
1answer
206 views
Who is the Greek king Brynhild fought?
In chapter 27 of the Saga of the Völsungs, Brynhild brags of having been in battles with a king of Greeks:
She answered in heavy mood from her seat, whereas she sat like unto swan on billow, having a ...
22
votes
3answers
8k views
Is there a connection between Adam and Eve, and Ask and Embla?
The creation myths of the Abrahamic religions declares humanity's protoplasts to be Adam and Eve. Norse lore declares them to be Ask and Embla.
Linguistically, these seem to be fairly similar names. ...
15
votes
1answer
1k views
Was the Mjölnir usable by only the worthy?
Present works of fiction present Mjölnir as a hammer of unbelievable power, which can only be used by the worthy.
But, when the Mjölnir is given to Thor, its properties are described:
Then he gave ...
5
votes
2answers
265 views
What is the meaning of Ragnarök for the Germanic peoples?
Why did the Germanics believe into Ragnarök? In Christian mythology, the revelation is basically there to fear the people from going against the Christian way and otherwise ending up in hell. But in ...
-3
votes
3answers
2k views
Who are the deities of natural order, justice or wisdom?
I'm seeking names of deities who embody the values of natural order, justice, or wisdom/knowledge.
I've already gone through the ancient Greek ones, listed below, but I would like different sounding ...
2
votes
1answer
94 views
Did the Norse goddesses fight during Ragnarok?
Did the goddesses in Norse mythology fight during Ragnarok? Everything I have read is about the gods fighting.
4
votes
1answer
241 views
What is this Norse symbol?
It is possibly Icelandic but I can only find it in one place with no name or explanation. Similar to a helm of awe but with an A in the middle and the ends are alternating circles and crescents.
11
votes
3answers
565 views
What is the root of ice giants in Germanic mythology?
Does the idea of ice giants stem from glaciers? They are described as both evil and good and I thought that goes back to how glaciers can grow bigger and take your land, but also can become smaller ...
6
votes
2answers
2k views
What is the link between Odin and Santa Claus?
What is the link between Odin and Santa Claus? How does Santa trace his origins to the Norse god?
3
votes
1answer
183 views
What does these runes say?
I was thinking of a tattoo with Nordic influence, I found this picture and I love it, but I need to know what it says (if it says anything), information about the symbols (like Yggdrasil or the Crows ...
1
vote
0answers
54 views
Does Ragnarok start or happen when certain events take place? [closed]
Do the following events occur at same time and will begin Ragnarok? Or does some of these happen during Ragnarok?
When Jormungandr circles the entire midgard with it's body length?
When Fenrir breaks ...
6
votes
2answers
1k views
Are there any common concepts in Egypt and Norse mythology / civilization?
I'm looking for some concepts (could be objects, weapons, creatures, traditions, ...) that are common between both Egypt and Norse mythology/folklore or history/civilization.
Context: I'm working on ...
11
votes
1answer
1k views
What is the relationship between Thor and storms?
We all know Þórr means thunder and that Mjǫllnir may possibly mean lightning, however, in all the texts I've read, there isn't a single mention (or at least not a relevant one) of a connection between ...
32
votes
4answers
8k views
What is the difference between giants, Jotuns and trolls in Norse mythology?
I am a little bit confused by the way the terms giant, frost giant, jotun (or jötunn), ettin and troll seem to overlap in Norse mythology.
I don't understand if they refer to a single race or ...
19
votes
1answer
31k views
What happens after Ragnarök?
In Norse mythology, Ragnarök is a series of future events, including a great battle foretold to ultimately result in the death of a number of major figures (including the gods Odin, Thor, Týr, Freyr, ...
3
votes
1answer
76 views
Is there a myth about someone who constantly creates their own demise?
Since this is certainly a common theme, I'm wondering if there is a myth about someone who ignorantly walks themselves repeatedly into ill-fate or their own misery. It would be like Sisyphus, but ...
4
votes
1answer
109 views
Did Sif (the Norse Goddess) ever become a Warrior in mythology?
In modern recreations of the character (e.g. in the Marvel Universe), Sif is depicted as a Warrior, usually of Justice*), generally associated with the aspect(s) of Justice. However, in the original ...
11
votes
3answers
13k views
What kind of cats pulled Freya's chariot?
Everyone knows that the goddess Frejya's chariot was pulled by cats, but what kind of cats are we talking about? Are they giant sized house-cats? Were there any puma-sized cats in ancient ...
-2
votes
1answer
69 views
Need translation for a Thor’s hammer pendant
I have a Thor’s hammer pendant that I bought years ago. I’m not sure what is written on it. A translation would be great!
7
votes
3answers
755 views
Was there a hell or place of suffering after death in Norse mythology?
Was there a hell or place of suffering after death in Norse mythology. If so, was it eternal? What caused a person to go there?
14
votes
1answer
6k views
Does Hel have a role in Ragnarok?
During Ragnarok, Fenrir the wolf kills Odin and is then killed by Vidar. The Midgard Serpent Jormungandand and Thor kill each other.
What role does Hel, Loki's other child by Angrboda, play?
6
votes
1answer
258 views
Why does Loki borrow Freya's feathered coat to fly
...instead of just turning himself into a bird? I mean, he turned himself into a fly before.
7
votes
5answers
9k views
Could Ragnarok be considered to have occurred?
According to Wikipedia, The myths of Ragnarok as we know them were compiled in the 13th century, and while describing events in some detail, these were considered to be prophetic, as the events ...
6
votes
3answers
281 views
Why did Snorri Sturlson link the Norse Gods to the Trojans?
In the Prologue to the Prose Edda, he seems to develop a genealogy of the Norse Gods being descendants of the Trojans. Starting with the Trojan king Priam, he develops connections, like for example ...
3
votes
1answer
70 views
Since when does Valhalla exist in Norse mythology?
Since when does Valhalla exist in Norse mythology ? Like (almost) all Indo-Europeans the Vikings believed in a cycle of life, death and rebirth. Valhalla contradicts this fundamental content of Norse ...
2
votes
1answer
77 views
Finding A Good Prose Edda and other resources for Norse mythology
I am beginning an interest in Norse mythology, and I am looking for a complete copy of the Prose Edda. There are several versions available on Barnes and Noble, but I want one that gives all four ...
16
votes
5answers
7k views
Are dwarves and dark elves the same?
I remember reading somewhere that in Norse mythology dwarves and dark elves are the same thing. Then I started reading Gylfaginning and it sounded like they were different, but then later on they send ...
1
vote
1answer
88 views
Dragons and serpents in Norse and Indo-European mythology
Apart from christianity, serpents and dragons are affirmative symbolic beings, i.e. serpents symbolize renewal, healing and rebirth (skin-sloughing of serpents, Ouroboros).
In Norse mythology, that ...
4
votes
2answers
159 views
"Berserker" In the sagas
Is there any writen reference to that word? I've been looking to put it in futhark, but apparently there is a debate about its origin(bear skin or shirtless). So, how would they write it down(younger ...
2
votes
2answers
2k views
Does Loki die at the end of Ragnarok?
It is believed that most gods including Odin, Thor, and multiple other gods and goddesses die at the end of Ragnarok.
4
votes
2answers
5k views
Meaning and usage of Grimnir?
Interest in this epithet of Odin's was renewed when it was casually tossed out in a recent episode of American Gods. *
My question has three parts:
What is the meaning of Grimnir? I found this ...
8
votes
1answer
2k views
Did Frigg cheat on Odin?
I read a story where Odin gave all his possessions to his brother Villi and Ve and made them the rulers of the Universe. One of Odin's possessions is his wife, Frigg. Hence, while Odin is away, his ...
20
votes
4answers
2k views
Does Odin choose who enters Valhalla?
Ero Sɘnnin's answer in How was it decided which warriors would go to Fólkvangr and which to Valhalla? seems to suggest that Odin gets to choose who enters Valhalla:
Valhalla is presided over by ...
1
vote
1answer
141 views
Are there any known records of pagan worship in early 13th century Europe?
(Specifically Scandinavia, Iceland, Finland, Gotland, Baltic lands, and Russian Slavic lands to the east of the Baltic) I am aware of recorded paganism in Henry of Livonia's Chronicle of Livonia (i.e. ...
5
votes
1answer
144 views
Thor and Bifröst
Forgive my profound ignorance, as I am a rather new learner to Norse mythology. Please correct me if my recounts are in error.
From what I understand, Thor does not accompany the gods who travel ...
7
votes
2answers
135 views
Does Loki grow old and infirm while chained beneath the serpent?
Once Loki is chained in the cave with a serpent dripping venom over him, he is destined to remain there trough the ages until the day of Ragnarok.
But in other parts of Norse myth, it's made clear ...
10
votes
1answer
198 views
Does the Prose Edda have a Hungarian translation?
This question is cross-posted at hu.wikipedia where it's also on-topic, because that site has some mythology enthusiasts.
Does the Prose Edda have a translation to Hungarian? If it does, please ...
