r/norsemythology

There is an interesting theory suggesting that Snorri Sturluson may have significantly shaped or even added to Loki’s character in the Poetic Edda, possibly to align Norse mythology more closely with Christian ideas. In this interpretation, Loki takes on a role similar to a metaphorical “devil” figure.

One argument often mentioned is the claim that Loki barely appears, or does not appear at all, in the Prose Edda. From this, some conclude that he may not have been part of the original pre-Christian mythological tradition.

What do you think? Was Loki an ancient pre-Christian deity or a later literary construct that evolved into a symbolic antagonist?

Why do you think the Norse mythos leans so heavily into this theme of inevitable doom rather than eternal triumph? Does it reflect something about their worldview, environment, or culture? I'd love to hear different interpretations.

Hi everyone!
I am relatively new to learning about mythology, so I have a lot of questions that I couldn't find satisfactory answers to.

I was wondering if there exists any predictions about a second/modern day Ragnarok?

I read about the 536 CE winter that people think might be related to an older Ragnarok. What is that about?

Thank you for everything. I have so many questions but these will be a good start vkdnnkxc

I’m English and have never felt much pride in my culture. From past colonisation, decapitating people and witch hunts there’s not much to celebrate. I’ve been searching for stuff that I can research and learn about to feel more connected to my country and its history without just feeling like a demon

I’ve got an autistic hyperfixation on Greek Mythology and after learning everything there is to know about it I want to discover other pantheons. And then I found Norse mythology and thought ‘hey. That’s the Viking’s. Didn’t the Vikings venture to England?’

And so I’ve been trying to find out if this is a silly thought or if Norse Myths actually have something to do with England. But I don’t know if the sources that are saying yes are credible and then I’ll learn about it and feel silly when it’s nothing to do with me.

So who’s more credible than the Norse Myth Reddit sub??? So yeah, does Norse Mythology have anything to do with England?

I want to know the general Lukkustafir Staves used for versatile purposes. Very sorry to be ignorant, but I'm from another culture with interest in Norse mythology and theo-philosophical practices. Thank you!

I need to know, for a story I may or may not write.

I'm prepping a Call Of Cthuhlu investigation that follows a group of soldiers (the players) going through a nazi research bunker in the Galdhopiggen mountain range. The nazis came across an eldrtich analog of some norse myth I haven't decided yet (thats why I need y'all) that the nazis are trying to use to bolster thier forces.

I'm currently leaning towards using Drauger and have them be a phenomenon caused by a naturally forming compound found in the region. I want to lean really heavy into loss of humanity and body horror while also staying relatively true to the abilities of the monsters and the norse descriptions of them.

Any and all help is appreciated, thank you.

what other mythology do you like?

I’m English and have never felt much pride in my culture. From past colonisation, decapitating people and witch hunts there’s not much to celebrate. I’ve been searching for stuff that I can research and learn about to feel more connected to my country and its history without just feeling like a demon

I’ve got an autistic hyperfixation on Greek Mythology and after learning everything there is to know about it I want to discover other pantheons. And then I found Norse mythology and thought ‘hey. That’s the Viking’s. Didn’t the Vikings venture to England?’

And so I’ve been trying to find out if this is a silly thought or if Norse Myths actually have something to do with England. But I don’t know if the sources that are saying yes are credible and then I’ll learn about it and feel silly when it’s nothing to do with me.

So who’s more credible than the Norse Myth Reddit sub??? So yeah, does Norse Mythology have anything to do with England?

Need help deciding, you can put as many domains onto 1 god as you want but I was just thinking of using them in a homebrew campaign, using 5th edition rules ofc

EDIT: Guys I don’t own the PHB so I wasn’t aware there’s a list, I couldn’t find anything online

https://preview.redd.it/h2jxm7pr9qqg1.png?width=615&format=png&auto=webp&s=e787b3a787c7801e245e559879e6a0335ab1cc1c

Hello everyone,

My name is Alec Brewer, president of Brewer Publishing. I wanted to announce our most recent project, one that I'm excited about showing your community. It's a new translation of the Poetic Edda by linguist Quinton Elsken, including 36 poems found across multiple manuscripts. What's new about this version is that is preserves the poetic form, not by keeping the Old Norse poetic form, but by translating the text into English blank verse. Here, you get a clear translation and get to appreciate its poetic beauty. Here below, I'll include Baldrs Draumar to give you a sample of what you'll find within this edition:

1.         The gods had gathered in a rush,

the goddesses joined them as well.

They sat there long, and long they sought

to find why Baldr dreamed of death.

 

2.         Then up rose Oðin, Man of Ages,

he saddled Sleipnir up and rode

to Niflhel, death’s cold abode,

and met a hound that came from hell.

 

3.         Its chest was smeared with blood and gore

and long it howled at magic’s lord.

The dead-road thundered as he passed,

until he reached the hall of Hel.

 

4.         He rode beyond the eastern door

to where an ancient prophet lay.

He sang a song that raised the witch,

and, forced to speak, she said these words:

 

5.         “What sort of man would wander here

and force me up from death’s embrace?

My corpse was soaked in snow and rain

for many ages, now long past!”

 

6.         “My name is Vegtam, Valtam’s son.

I know of home, I’ll hear of hell!

What guest is coming, that the hall

is decked in golden finery?”

 

7.         “For Baldr was the mead prepared,

with shields above its shining vat.

The gods will tremble at his death.

I’ve said enough, I’ll speak no more!”

 

8.         “Not yet, for there are many things

that I still want to hear from you!

What sort of man could possibly

take life away from Oðin’s son?”

 9.         “His brother Hoð will be the one

who’ll pierce his brother through the side

and bleed the life from Oðin’s son.

I’ve said enough, I’ll speak no more!”

 

10.       “Not yet, for there are many things

that I still want to hear from you!

Who will claim justice for the deed

and carry Baldr’s bane to burn?”

 

11.       “In western halls will Rind birth Vali.

He will not wash his hair or bathe,

at one night old he’ll bring the corpse

of Hoð to roast in pyre’s flames.

I’ve said enough, I’ll speak no more!”

 

12.       “Not yet, for there are many things

that I still want to hear from you!

Who are the girls who’ll weep for him

and cast their pearly hair aloft?”[1]

 

13.       “I see, you’re not the man I thought,

your name’s not Vegtam, it is Oðin!”

“And you’re no prophet, as I thought,

three fiendish sons were born to you!”

 

14.       “Ride home now, Oðin, and be proud,

for none will call on me again

till Loki breaks his bloody chains

and sends his son to eat you whole.

[1] The answer is probably “waves”, with their “hair” (literally “neck’s corner”) being their white crests. It’s unclear why this question reveals Oðin’s identity.

After watching a documentary about the Battle of Blair Mountain I had a sudden idea for a series of short stories combining Norse mythology with Appalachian folklore and history. Think of it as American Gods meets Old Gods of Appalachia. The whole series takes place in a setting I’ve named Midgard County West Virginia, the county seat of which is the town of Valhalla. Say that with a West Virginia accent. It works. The following is just a little snippet I scribbled down after watching the documentary.

I don’t know, but I think there’s something there.

Honestly, It kinda uncanny how the bits of Norse Mythology I’ve used mesh almost effortlessly with Appalachian Americana. Just as an example, Odin’s Hall is the local VFW post. Where it turns out the Valkyrie, including the main character Misti-Fae, work as servers and bartenders. I mean to me that just hits on so many levels.

If you’re curious as to more of the setting, I’m happy to discuss, but I don’t want to bore you with too much detail if you’re not interested.

Anyway, thoughts?

“Let me tell you a story…

For seven blood‑soaked days and nights back in 1921, as summer’s green gave way to autumn’s gold, my sisters and I rode the winds above Blair Mountain. Below us, the mountainside erupted in volleys of gunfire—each muzzle flash bright as a poor man’s dignity—as the call to battle echoed like thunder from hill to holler: “Stand and fight!”

It was that call that drew us from far‑off Valhalla.

We saw men—common men, working men, men of no account to those who thought themselves their betters—clad in muddy boots and ragged coveralls. They wore red bandanas tied around their necks—symbols of resistance and solidarity. These were the sons of slaves and immigrants, standing shoulder to shoulder, rifles in hand, fighting, dying for justice, respect, and a decent day’s wage.

As we rode over the battle, we watched. We weighed each man’s soul. And, as is our duty, we chose the worthy. You know, historians today are still uncertain as to how many men fell that week. We Valkyrie are not. Forty‑three I carried to Odin All‑Father’s Hall.

No scabs.

No strikebreakers.

No deputies or company men.

Only warriors.

Union men—every one.

So now you’re gonna come into my house—with your fancy clothes and your out-of-town money—stand there and with your whole chest call these good folk “rednecks” like it’s some kind of slur?

Well, let me tell you honey—you don’t know nothin’ ’bout what that word really means. But you’re fixin’ to learn, ’cause I’m gonna teach ya. And by Odin’s one good eye, it’s a lesson you won’t be forgettin’.”

~Misti-Fae Wagner