Guests Ada Palmer and Carolyne Larrington discuss the impact of Norse mythology on modern fantasy, the misinterpretation of Norse myths, the portrayal of Thor in pop culture, and the relevance of Viking values in our world. They also explore the depiction of Norse mythology in films and the reflection of fragility in ancient stories.
Norse mythology has been misunderstood for centuries, with gaps, biases, and misguided interpretations altering the original tales.
Modern interpretations of Norse mythology in popular culture raise questions about accurately seeing the world through the eyes of the ancient Vikings and projecting our own values onto their culture.
Deep dives
The Mystery of Norse Mythology
Norse mythology has been misunderstood and misinterpreted for centuries, leading to a lack of knowledge about the myths. The oral tradition of Norse mythology meant that many stories were lost over time. Written compilations by Snorri Sturluson in the 13th century have gaps and biases. Misguided attempts to align Norse mythology with 19th-century norms altered the original tales. Now, modern interpretations are starting to uncover the complexity and underlying ethics of the Norse myths.
Filling in the Gaps: Fantasy Worlds and Norse Mythology
Norse mythology has influenced a multitude of modern fantasy worlds, from Game of Thrones to Marvel and DC Comics. However, filling in the gaps of the myths with our own perspectives raises questions about how accurately we see the world through the eyes of the ancient Vikings. The desire to understand and complete the myths attracts many fantasy writers, but it also raises concerns about projecting our own values onto an ancient culture.
Grimdark, Mythological Heroes, and Fragility
Grimdark, a genre characterized by dark and morally ambiguous themes, finds its roots in Norse mythology. The fatalistic nature of the myths, with the looming event of Ragnarok, influences the tone of modern adaptations. Norse mythology explores the fragility of the world and how the gods fought to create a temporary space for humans. In the face of today's challenges like climate change, the myths' emphasis on hard work and carving out a habitable world becomes particularly relevant.
Thor and Loki have become pop culture icons thanks to Marvel. But the influence of Norse mythology on contemporary fantasy runs through Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings and so much more. University of Chicago professor and author Ada Palmer explains how people misunderstood Norse mythology for centuries, and why it’s so hard to capture the mindset of the Vikings in pop culture. And I talk with University of Oxford professor Carolyne Larrington, author of The Norse Myths That Shape the Way We Think, about how a light Marvel movie and a grimdark fantasy film like The Northman each capture aspects of the mythology in their own ways.