Questions tagged [norse]
For questions on the myths and religious beliefs of the Norse people, the pre-Christian inhabitants from modern Scandinavia.
191
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2answers
348 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, ...
18
votes
1answer
22k 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, ...
-2
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4answers
78 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
44 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 ...
3
votes
1answer
55 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
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3answers
11k 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 ...
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1answer
52 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!
5
votes
3answers
437 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
4k 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
127 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
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5answers
7k 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
104 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 ...
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1answer
55 views
Norse goddeses at Ragnarok
Did the goddessess in Norse mythology fight during the Ragnarok? Everything I have read is about the gods fighting.
2
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1answer
42 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 ...
1
vote
1answer
42 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 ...
1
vote
1answer
83 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.
15
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5answers
6k 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 ...
0
votes
1answer
48 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
132 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 ...
1
vote
2answers
221 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
4k 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
1k 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 ...
0
votes
0answers
26 views
Was Thor capable of recalling mjolnir in mythology like he is in the mcu? [duplicate]
I’ve never read anything that would indicate that he was capable of such a feat but it’s been a while since I read the eddas and I’m not sure if he could do this in the mythology. God of war 2018 had ...
8
votes
3answers
443 views
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 ...
19
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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 ...
3
votes
1answer
136 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 ...
2
votes
1answer
130 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
113 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
112 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
181 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 ...
17
votes
2answers
634 views
How are future apocalyptic events detailed so greatly?
For example,
From Wikipedia article on Ragnarök (emphasis mine):
In Norse mythology, Ragnarök is a series of future events, including a great battle foretold to ultimately result in the death of ...
0
votes
1answer
55 views
How was the Old Norse Edda likely formatted?
If you look at version of it online, it's all broken down into verses and stanzas, all numbered. But I wonder if this is how it was originally written down, or if the verses weren't ever marked.
8
votes
1answer
92 views
School in the Sky?
I'm looking for references to schools in the sky. Was there a school that the Greek gods attended? A university frequented by the Norse pantheon? An academy in Tian? I'd love any pointers you've ...
6
votes
1answer
91 views
Why does the Valkyrie call the raven “the skull picker of Hymir” in Hrafnsmál?
At the beginning of Hrafnsmál the Valkyrie calls the raven "the skull picker of Hymir":
1. Hearken, noblemen, while I celebrate Harold the magnificent and his feats of arms. I will tell of ...
8
votes
3answers
3k views
Does Hel have any relationship to bees?
There was a very interesting segment on Vikings, (S5/ep3 "Homeland") in which a dying Floki has a vision.
One of the figures in the vision is a dark robed woman, who opens her mouth to release a ...
1
vote
1answer
296 views
What Christian influences are there in the Prose Edda, besides the prologue?
I've often read that there are Christian influences in the Prose Edda:
Snorri’s Edda was later nicknamed the 'Younger Edda' because much of it derives from older sources. What those sources were ...
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4answers
259 views
Were Ancient Europeans religious?
Did the Indo-European people actually view the gods as physical or meta-physical beings beyond the view as archetypes?
If so, does this mean that the Indo-European people were, technically, atheists? ...
5
votes
1answer
156 views
Was the alleged Christian influence of Norse Mythology primarily due to Snorri Sturluson's writings?
Since Snorri himself was a Christian, and his works are some of the most popular sources for Norse Mythology, is he to blame for the modern "Christianized" interpretation of Norse gods and beliefs?
5
votes
1answer
213 views
What stories from Norse mythology deals with fear?
Are there any stories from Norse mythology, where a person has to face a fear and is rewarded for it/succeeds?
All that springs to mind is Tyr/Fenrir story, where Tyr puts his hand in the mouth of ...
24
votes
6answers
40k views
Why is the story of Odin hanging from Yggdrasil so similar to that of Jesus on the cross?
I hope this actually has an answer, I couldn't find anything but speculation on the web.
Basically, the story of Odin hanging from Yggdrasil is very similar to that of Jesus on the cross. Here are ...
3
votes
0answers
23 views
What is the game the champions play in Harold's court?
In N. Kershaw's translation of Hrafnsmál we learn that champions play chess in Harold's court:
8. Very magnificent is the life enjoyed by the glorious champions who play chess in Harold's court. They ...
12
votes
1answer
592 views
What kind of offerings did worshipers make to Thor?
I'm currently playing a role-playing game as a cleric that worships a god of storms and I'm researching what kinds of offerings that god would likely accept.
What examples are there of the kinds of ...
7
votes
2answers
12k 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 ...
4
votes
3answers
343 views
How and why are Idunn and Tyr gods?
In the eddic poem Hrafnagaldur Óðins, stanza 6, Idunn is identified as an "elf" (alfar) and the "youngest of the elder children of Ivaldi." This implies that Ivaldi had two sets of children, probably ...
2
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4answers
7k views
Is there a connection between Odin or Zeus and the Christian God?
Could the Norse Odin or the Greek Zeus be Christianity's "The Creator" and father of Jesus?
3
votes
1answer
195 views
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 ...
2
votes
1answer
72 views
Are there any Norse stories that feature trials to claim the throne?
I’m writing a story where the main character is the heir to a throne but has to pass 3 trials to actually claim the throne as hers.
Are there any trials that the Norse used in similar cases?
11
votes
2answers
1k views
Who is the mother of Freyr and Freyja?
Skadi seems to marry Njord after Freyja and Freyr are born. The only other figure I can find is Nerthus, though information on her seems scarce.
5
votes
2answers
671 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 ...
10
votes
1answer
748 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 ...
