Imaginary Worlds
Seeing Ourselves in Norse Myths
Nov 8, 2023
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.
38:43
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Quick takeaways
- 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.
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