Between Two Ravens: A Norse Mythology Podcast

S5E3 Volsung Poems: Ottar/Otter (Solo Short Part 1)

Mar 11, 2024

Explore the intertwined tales of Ottar and Otter in Norse mythology, involving battles over inheritance, shape-shifting abilities, and the quest for cursed gold. Delve into the complex narratives of familial conflicts, prophecies, and necessary sacrifices in heroic journeys. Analyze the themes of fate, revenge, and mentorship in the original poems of the Poetic Edda.

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Introduction

00:00 • 4min

The Norse Volsung Poems: Loki's Gold and Odin's Pursuit

03:34 • 5min

Exploring Norse Mythological Tales and Heroic Journeys

08:50 • 8min

Exploring Norse Mythology Through Poetry

16:38 • 4min

Exploring the Themes of Mentorship and Self-Discovery in Norse Mythology

21:03 • 2min

S5E3 Volsung Poems: Ottar/Otter (Solo Short Part 1)

David isn't quite ready to put the Saga of the Volsungs to rest. This is the first of a series of shorts on the Poems of the Poetic Edda which inspired the Saga of the Volsungs.

As Shawn and I found in Season 4, Saga of the Volsungs has a few inconsistent parts, where the author appears to have tried to reconcile multiple sources into a coherent story. So David is back to interpret the original sources to see what meaning can be found in the original poems.

Part 1 looks at Otter/Ottar. Two different figures with a similar name, who both are involved in a battle between brothers over inheritance and have the ability to shape shift.

The Otter of Saga of the Volsungs was the 3rd brother of Regin and Fafnir. His death at the hands of Loki led to Fafnir obtaining the cursed gold and Regin, the foster-father of Sigurd, to set Sigurd on the path to destroying the Dragon Fafnir.

Lay of Hyndla features an Ottar who is a follower of Freya. This Poem is another attempt to condense ideas and themes found throughout the Poetic Edda.

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