Okay, Here's a question. Were The Norse Gods too weak? to actually be gods. They were quasi mortal, weak and always in trouble.
I think that was a reflection of how the Vikings lived - always in danger, with their lives on the 'edge'.
Were The Norse Gods too weak? to actually be gods. They were quasi mortal, weak and always in trouble. Matt
Ah but with whom were they in trouble? Mostly with the Vanir, a similar but rival (and somewht related) pantheon of gods [compare with the Greek Titans -- in fact both names translate to Giants], and with great beasts that represent the primordial forces of nature from which they sprang [Fenrir the Wolf, the Midgaard Serpent, compare with Typhon and the Kraken] The main difference between the Greek myths and the Norse ones is that for the Greeks, the gods' struggles were in the past and settled, while for the Norse, they were ongoing and less than certain.
One thing that always puzzled my about the Norse Gods is if they can predict Ragnaroc and everything is predestined, why bother? I mean your going to die heroically fighting the Frost Giants anyway, who cares are some stinkin' mortals. Pass the mead, Thor.
The thing about heroism is that the struggle against fatalism is what gives life its meaning, even if in the end you lose.
Again, the Greco-Roman myths agree with this concept. Oedipus is a prime example. It was trying to thwart the prophesy that lead to his being raised in Corinth,and so not recognizing his father or his mother; and, also (after he learned of it) to flee Corinth for Thebes to protect the people he thought were his parents and that is what makes the tragedy so poignant.
Besides, there is always the chance that they will "beat" the prophesy. And even if they can't win, perhaps the balance will be tilted just enough so that the next cycle is better.
Where, exactly is Northren Europe? I know where Northern Europe is.
Nothren Europe is the preferred spelling of many of we describe as "Scandinavian" peoples. The Moderator includes Celtic Mythos because he has to put it somewhere. You can see the root of the word in the name "Norway".