Norse Mythology Part 1

After reading about Norse Myths, I still think I like Greek Myths more. Some how Greek Myths seems to be more exciting. Guess thats why there is more Hollywood movie of greeks than norsemens.

But anyway, this is the basics to Norse Mythology:

Gods in the Norse Mythology are classed into two groups: the Aesirs who has the image of humans (or wise versa) and the Vanirs, which included Valkyries, elves and other mysthic creatures.

Odin is the leader of all Norse Gods. He was the God of War, poetry and the creator of man. Odin was a wise man, but his knowledge and wisdom had a price. He had to travel to the underworld and drink from the fountain of knowledge that was hidden among the roots of the giant ash tree, called Yggdrasil. Before he could drink from the fountain he had to give one of his eyes to the demon, Mimir, that was guarding the fountain. Odin had no choice, in order to be the leader of Gods, he had to be wise. That is why Odin is usually shown wearing a helmet that covers half of his face. He is said to be a tall, powerful man with a long beard, accompanied by two crows and two wolves.

Odin had two sons: Thor and Balder.

Balder was said to be a handsome, wise and kind God. But he was destined to die young at the hands of the God of evil and mischief, Loki.

Thor on the other hand was tall, strong and fearless. He had a deep, booming voice. In fact that is why is he is the God of thunder and ligthning, because his voice is exactly like that of thunder. The part I like most about Thor is that he has this cool enormous hammer, called Mjolnir. If thrown by Thor, Mjolnir would hit its target and return to Thor's hand.

In the begining of time, Odin and his sons and the other Aesirs (Norse Gods) fought a great battle against the giants of the underworld. The giants were led by the mighty Ymir. At the end of the battle, Odin and the Aesirs were victorious. Odin used the body of the slain Ymir to form the earth, his blood to form the sea, his bones the moutains, his hair the trees, his skull the sky and his brain the clouds. And thus the dwarfs were also formed at this time from the body of Ymir.

If you haven't noticed it by know, a lot of creatures spoken above appears in the Lord of the Rings, dwarfs and elves to name a few. Thats because the author, Token, was a lecturer of Norse Mythology.    

Comments

[Denis]

Speaking of Odin, I'd like to add some more points, dude. Odin is a strange and solemn figure, always aloof. Even when he sits at the feasts of the gods in his golden palace, Gladsheim, or with the heroes in Valhalla, he usually eats nothing. The food set before him he gives to his two wolves who crouch at his feet. On his shoulders perch two ravens (not crows, mind you), who fly each day through the world and bring him back news of all that men do. The name of the ravens are Thought (Hugin) and Memory (Munin).

[Gary]

Thanks for the extra facts Denis. Seems like your teaching course has really refined your English.

[Denis]

The fact that I've been using broken English is due to my typical Malayisan attitude! Malaysia rulez! Huzzah!