Norse Mythology by Oliver Laine

Author:Oliver Laine [Laine, Oliver]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-02-02T23:00:00+00:00

Valkyries

Already briefly mentioned as being associated with Odin, the familiar image of the Valkyrie is of a young woman wearing shining robes and armor, and carrying weapons such as swords, shields, and spears. They are said to appear around the edges of a battlefield and choose which fighters will live and which will die.

Then, they perform a further selection of those who die, taking the spirits of their chosen warriors to the hall that’s been reserved for them. The Valkyries also serve as cupbearers to these spirits.

In some of the heroic stories and sagas, the role of the hero’s lover is assigned to a Valkyrie – and she may either fight by his side on the field of battle, or give him her weapons and armor, or stay behind but offer him her guidance or counsel.

Depending on the depiction, a Valkyrie may often be accompanied by ravens (to denote her connection to Odin), horses, or swans.

Humans

According to material in the Poetic Edda, the first man was named “Ask” and the first woman was named Embla. Their names are derived from trees: “Ask” from the ash tree, and “Embla” from either the elm or a vine. The stories of their creation vary from account to account; some say that it was Odin, Hönir, and Lothur who gave them important gifts, while others say that the three gods involved were Odin and his brothers Vili and Vé.

Scholars still disagree on the right interpretation of the gifts that were given to these first humans, such as “soul”, “sense”, and “blood and goodly color”. What they do agree on is that the entire human race traces its descent from these two individuals, and that at least two of the Aesir were tasked with watching over them and protecting them: Odin, who participated in their creation or awakening; and Thor, who fights the giants on their behalf.

The fate of mankind during the upheaval and battles of Ragnarök is likewise embodied in one man and one woman, who are foretold to survive the end of the universe by hiding either in a sheltered wood or within the trunk of a tree. The woman’s name is said to be Líf, while the man’s is Lífthrasir.

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