

S0E2: The "Nine Realms" (Part 1)
16 snips Dec 28, 2021
Dive into the fascinating world of Norse mythology as the hosts unravel the concept of the Nine Realms, exploring who inhabits them and their significance. Discover the berserker mystique and the shamanistic influences in Viking culture. The discussion also touches on the intriguing parallels between Norse mythology and Christian beliefs. Gain insights into the complex relationships among mythical figures like giants, elves, and dwarves, as well as the cosmic tree Yggdrasil's role in this rich narrative tapestry.
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Episode notes
Hosts' Holiday Catch-Up
- Shawn and David open by catching up about holidays and drinks, establishing a casual, conversational tone for the podcast.
- They mention early distribution (Spotify, Amazon) and celebrate 50 downloads as a small milestone.
Podcast As Research Motivation
- Shawn frames the podcast as a way to force research into pre-Christian Germanic religion and related histories.
- He ties interest in post-Roman Europe and the Merovingians to broader questions about pagan continuity and conversion.
Altered States Need Nuanced Study
- The hosts note altered states (shamanism, trance) likely featured in Norse practices but caution about simplistic psychedelic explanations.
- They propose exploring shamanism and altered states in future episodes to understand berserkers and ritual behavior.