Blog #39

Justin Huang

12/17/19

Blog #39

Aim- How does Norse mythology compare and contrast with Greek mythology?

Write Now- Are the Greeks or Norse more relatable to contemporary society? Why?

    The Greeks are more relatable because they are depicted to directly represent humans. They were portrayed in human form and they had real human emotions. The Norse seemed nonhuman in that they were not emotional. Their gods were stoic; they knew one day Ragnorok would end them all, but they accepted it and continued their lives with courage.

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Odin

Odin is best compared to Cronus or Prometheus. He was the allfather, the father and leader of the Aesir gods; in this way he relates to Cronus. Odin is also wise, he sacrificed one eye to drink from the fountain of wisdom. He gifts man knowledge and looks over them similar to how Prometheus gave man fire and protected them.

Balder

God of love, peace, light, and justice. Son of Odin and Frigga. He was killed by his brother Hodor after Loki tricked him to throw Mistletoe at him.

What’s the connection between mistletoe and Loki?

Mistletoe is a parasitic plant, although it looks pretty, it attaches to a host to absorb nutrients. Similarity, Loki is deceptive and cunning, he is a trouble maker.

Why does it make sense that the Norse would have mistletoe destroy Balder?

Balder is a god of goodness. Mistletoe, a parasitic plant, destroying him symbolizes the triumph of darkness. The Norse know Ragnork will one they destroy them, this is the first sign.

Thor

God of thunder and strength. He is best compared to Zeus because he is the strongest of all gods and the protector of mankind. They both wield lightning and are connected to oak trees.

Freyr and Freya

Freyr is the god of kingship, virility, prosperity, and sunshine. He is the brother of Freya. Freya is the goddess of love, fertility, and beauty. She practices seidr, a form of Norse magic. She brought magic to the gods and mankind. Freya also carries the slain who do not reach Valhalla.

Frigg

She is the highest ranking goddess as the wife of Odin. Despite her importance, there are scarce accounts of her.

Loki

He is portrayed as a scheming and selfish coward. Also, he can be playful and helpful. He is technically not a god as his father was a giant, and he has a sworn brotherhood with Odin.

Tyr

The god of war. In older accounts, Tyr is the highest god but by the Viking age his role is usurped by Odin.

Group Work

Compare and contrast the creation of the world and people between the Greeks and the Norse.

• What does this creation highlight about cultural understanding?

The two cultures share similar stories. In Greek myths, the titans were killed by the Olympians, and in Norse myths the gods first had to kill the giants. From this destruction the world was created.

• What were the values of the peoples?

Evidently the two cultures had similar values. Their gods were based on similar attributes. They each had gods for love and gods for strength. This demonstrates which values are universal all peoples.

• Notice any pattern about acquiring knowledge and wisdom?

Both cultures required sacrifice to gain knowledge. Odin’s eye was sacrificed to drink from the fountain of wisdom, and Prometheus was punished by being chained to a rock. This shows that knowledge was seen as a powerful weapon. Thus, gifts of wisdom to mankind often carried a large price.

Reflection

Norse mythology shares many characteristics with Greek mythology. They have similar gods that represent the similar values between these peoples. This conveys the universality of mythology as it is understood by all people no matter where or when they were born. However, the differences between the two mythologies show that they are unique. While the Greeks focused on human emotion with myths that emphasized hubris and tragedy, the Norse valued courage with a mythology that sought to stress the importance of bravery even in the face of inevitable demise. All in all, the Greek and Norse peoples valued many of the same characteristics as portrayed through their gods, though the cultures held distinct outlooks on life itself.