Between Two Ravens: A Norse Mythology Podcast

In this episode, Shawn and David discuss the son of Sigmund and Hjordis, Sigurd (The main character of the entire saga). Though Sigmund died before his son was born, Sigurd was raised with many father figures, The Kings Alf and Hjordis, our friend (and Sigurd's great-great-great grandfather) Odin, and his foster-father, a figure named Regin.Regin sees the potential of Sigurd, and sees the potential to use him to satisfy an old family fued of his with his brother Fafnir, who happens to now be a dragon who took his entire inheritance.Shawn also talks a bit about his own life and him grappling with his own mortality, and ties it in to how unlike Odin, Sigurd may be better equiped to understand his own fate as a mortal, and not a god.Ways to support us:If you have been enjoying our show, please write a 5 star review on itunes to help spread our podcast to a wider audience: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/between-two-ravens-a-norse-mythology-podcast/id1604263830Follow us or leave a message on Instagram:Instagram: (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/Check out David’s writing: Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com).Walled Garden (https://thewalledgarden.com/davidalexander)Our podcast is part of The Walled Garden Podcast Network. The Walled Garden is committed to the pursuit of Truth, Wisdom, Virtue, and the Divine, wherever it might be found. Visit thewalledgarden.com to learn more. This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5910787/advertisement

In this episode, Shawn and David discuss chapters 11 and 12 of "The Saga of the Volsungs", where Sigmund (who recently banished his first wife Borghild for killing his first son, Sinfjotli) desires to remarry. He eventually marries a Princess Hjordis, who was the daughter of a King Eylimi.However, Hjordis had other potental suitors as well, one being a King Lyngvi, who waged war on Sigmund as a result. The result, Sigmund goes out a badass, but not before his new bride becomes pregnant with a child of destiny.Ways to support us:If you have been enjoying our show, please write a 5 star review on itunes to help spread our podcast to a wider audience: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/between-two-ravens-a-norse-mythology-podcast/id1604263830Follow us or leave a message on Instagram:Instagram: (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/Check out David’s writing: Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com).Walled Garden (https://thewalledgarden.com/davidalexander)Our podcast is part of The Walled Garden Podcast Network. The Walled Garden is committed to the pursuit of Truth, Wisdom, Virtue, and the Divine, wherever it might be found. Visit thewalledgarden.com to learn more. This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5910787/advertisement

In this episode, Shawn discusses Bifrost (The Rainbow Bridge) as told in the sources. Primarily found in various chapters of Gylfaginning from Snorri Sturluson's Prose Edda, the bridge plays a pivitol role in the protection of Asgard,,, well until it doesnt.Shawn also briefly discusses Heimdal's role outside of causing controversy about him being the next James Bond, while also discussing Bifrost's potential location, its shape and its firey feature.Ways to support us:If you have been enjoying our show, please write a 5 star review on itunes to help spread our podcast to a wider audience: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/between-two-ravens-a-norse-mythology-podcast/id1604263830Follow us or leave a message on Instagram:Instagram: (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/Check out David’s writing: Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com).Walled Garden (https://thewalledgarden.com/davidalexander)Our podcast is part of The Walled Garden Podcast Network. The Walled Garden is committed to the pursuit of Truth, Wisdom, Virtue, and the Divine, wherever it might be found. Visit thewalledgarden.com to learn more. This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5910787/advertisement

In this episode, Shawn and David discuss another son of Sigmund of the House Volsung, Helgi Hundingsbane. As Helgi only features in 1 chapter of "The Saga of the Volsungs" (chapter 9), he isn't considered a major character. However, in the Poetic Edda, two poems feature different versions of his life and provide more context on his life.In reviewing chapter 9 of the sage and the poems "Helgakvitha Hundinsbana I/II", his main life events are the killing of a King Hunding (hence his name), then fighting a war that he eventually wins to marry Sigrún, who is a Princess and a Valkyrie. Helgi succeeds. Though as we see, the norns and Odin may have their own thoughts on his fate....Ways to support us:If you have been enjoying our show, please write a 5 star review on itunes to help spread our podcast to a wider audience: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/between-two-ravens-a-norse-mythology-podcast/id1604263830Follow us or leave a message on Instagram:Instagram: (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/Check out David’s writing: Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com).Walled Garden (https://thewalledgarden.com/davidalexander)Our podcast is part of The Walled Garden Podcast Network. The Walled Garden is committed to the pursuit of Truth, Wisdom, Virtue, and the Divine, wherever it might be found. Visit thewalledgarden.com to learn more. This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5910787/advertisement

In this episode, Shawn and David are back after a bit of a hiatus due to busy real world demands. Shawn gives updates on his life and recent adventures.Shawn outlines Chapters 7, 8, and 10 of Volsung Saga, connecting the story of Sigmund and his son Sinfjotli. Chapter 9 on Sigmund’s son Helgi and the associated Eddic Poems will feature in the next episode Volsung IV. David and Shawn make connections back to the previous short episodes on the sagas of historical kings and David’s narrative on Richard Wagner’s Song of the Neibelung as a condensed version of the similar story of Wotan/Odin and Sigfried/Sigurd. Sinfjotli is the tragic son of Sigmund who is born of a curse and dies by a curse. All of these are the steps which go into the making of a true hero.Other Notes:David’s addendum to the episode: At 39 minutes when I get sidetracked from a thought about what Sigmund and Sinfjotli in wolf skins represents. It is the archetype of Sigmund as the Wild Man, which is the proper foster father to teach a hero to get in touch with his true nature (animal nature, earthy side; see Robert Bly’s book Iron John). This Archetype is further confirmed in the way Sinfjotli’s younger brothers get killed, it involves them playing with gold coins, leading them to encounter Sigmund (a golden ball tempts the boy to follow the Wild Man in Iron John). Podcast mentioned during the episode: Psyche Podcast guest Peter Rollins talking about many interesting points, including the importance of why we need desire, and need suffering and struggle to find meaning and purpose in life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_lOTUSC8LsWays to support us:If you have been enjoying our show, please write a 5 star review on itunes to help spread our podcast to a wider audience: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/between-two-ravens-a-norse-mythology-podcast/id1604263830Follow us or leave a message on Instagram:Instagram: (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/Check out David’s writing: Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com).Walled Garden (https://thewalledgarden.com/davidalexander)Our podcast is part of The Walled Garden Podcast Network. The Walled Garden is committed to the pursuit of Truth, Wisdom, Virtue, and the Divine, wherever it might be found. Visit thewalledgarden.com to learn more. This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5910787/advertisement

S4E8 The Ring Cycle: Siegfried (3 of 4) - David presents part 3 of 4 short episodes on the Ring of Power. A Jungian interpretation of Wagner's 4 part Opera inspired by the high German version of Saga of the Volsungs (Nibelungenlied - Song of the Nibelung).Apologies for the delay. Shawn and I have a lot going on in our personal lives. But we hope to get back to recording regular episodes soon.Opera 3, Siegfried presents the hero's journey. The Jungian interpretation of a hero's journey is the development from to true adulthood. From boy to man or the "hero as adult child", as The Ring of Power puts it.David gives his take on "adult children" and personal responsibility and gives an extended summary of Siegfried's hero's journey, including his dwarven foster parent Mime, interference of his grandfather Wotan, and Siegfried's romantic connection to the Valkyrie Brunhilde.This episode is a short summary of the journey of Siegfried, but I believe will give helpful context as Shawn and I return to our deep dive on the Saga of the Volsungs and explore in depth the images and symbols related to the journey of Sigurd the Dragon Slayer.Acknowledgement to Jean Shinoda Bolen's book 'Ring of Power' as the inspiration for this 4 part series.Ways to support us:If you have been enjoying our show, please write a 5 star review on itunes to help spread our podcast to a wider audience: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/between-two-ravens-a-norse-mythology-podcast/id1604263830Follow us or leave a message on Twitter or Instagram:Instagram: (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/Check out David’s writing:Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com).Walled Garden (https://thewalledgarden.com/davidalexander)Our podcast is part of The Walled Garden Podcast Network. The Walled Garden is committed to the pursuit of Truth, Wisdom, Virtue, and the Divine, wherever it might be found.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5910787/advertisement

In this episode, Shawn continues his series on the "House of Yngling", which starts with Harald cutting his hair for the first time in 10 years, after successfully his life goal after becoming the King of Norway. We see that although Harald accomplished his dream, his overall ambition doesn't change, and he still seems to live his life in the same way as he eager to aggression, and still looking for just one more wife to sire him many sons.Shawn then discusses the idea that accomplishing goals may lead to a loss of purpose for the person who accomplished it, and again the idea that humans need to find a balance in their lives. In this case, the balance between having goals and ambitions, but also taking a step back and enjoying the present moment and your journey, the latter of which may be harder in today's world.Ways to support us:If you have been enjoying our show, please write a 5 star review on itunes to help spread our podcast to a wider audience: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/between-two-ravens-a-norse-mythology-podcast/id1604263830Follow us or leave a message on Twitter or Instagram:Twitter: (@TwoRavenPodcast): https://twitter.com/TwoRavenPodcastInstagram: (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/Check out David’s writing:Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com). Walled Garden (https://thewalledgarden.com/davidalexander)Our podcast is part of The Walled Garden Podcast Network. The Walled Garden is committed to the pursuit of Truth, Wisdom, Virtue, and the Divine, wherever it might be found.Visit thewalledgarden.com to learn more about weekly meet-ups and the other Walled Garden contributors.

In this episode, Shawn continues his series of solo episodes on the House of Ynging, this time focusing on the 3rd chapter of Snorri Sturluson's work, "Heimskringla", "The Saga of Harald Fairhair".Harald is widely considered to be the first king of a unified Norway. Taking over a petty-kingdom at the age of 10 upon the death of his father, Halvdan the Black, Harald commits to never combing or cutting his hair until he became the ruler of the entire country of Norway. In successfully doing so, he killed a LOT of people, and creating a tax law that would entice nearby rulers to allow themselves to be subjucated under his rule.Also, Harald had a lot of wives and many many kids....Ways to support us:If you have been enjoying our show, please write a 5 star review on itunes to help spread our podcast to a wider audience: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/between-two-ravens-a-norse-mythology-podcast/id1604263830Follow us or leave a message on Twitter or Instagram:Twitter: (@TwoRavenPodcast): https://twitter.com/TwoRavenPodcastInstagram: (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/Check out David’s writing:Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com). Walled Garden (https://thewalledgarden.com/davidalexander)Our podcast is part of The Walled Garden Podcast Network. The Walled Garden is committed to the pursuit of Truth, Wisdom, Virtue, and the Divine, wherever it might be found.Visit thewalledgarden.com to learn more about weekly meet-ups and the other Walled Garden contributors.

In this episode, Shawn and David discuss Chapters 3-6 of the Volsung Saga, in which King Siggeir orchestrates his revenge against the House of Volsung due to the previously mentioned perceived slight by Sigmund. The result, a heroic death by the namesake of the House, and the horrigying deaths of most of Volsung's children.However, the daughter of Volsung, Signy, has not forgotten the actions of her husband the king, nor has her twin brother,,,Ways to support us:If you have been enjoying our show, please write a 5 star review on itunes to help spread our podcast to a wider audience: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/between-two-ravens-a-norse-mythology-podcast/id1604263830Follow us or leave a message on Twitter or Instagram:Twitter: (@TwoRavenPodcast): https://twitter.com/TwoRavenPodcastInstagram: (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/Check out David’s writing:Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com). Walled Garden (https://thewalledgarden.com/davidalexander)Our podcast is part of The Walled Garden Podcast Network. The Walled Garden is committed to the pursuit of Truth, Wisdom, Virtue, and the Divine, wherever it might be found.Visit thewalledgarden.com to learn more about weekly meet-ups and the other Walled Garden contributors.

S4E4 The Ring Cycle: Die Walkure (2 of 4)David presents part 2 of 4 short episodes on the Ring of Power. A Jungian interpretation of Wagner's 4 part Opera inspired by the high German version of Saga of the Volsungs (Nibelungenlied - Song of the Nibelung).Opera 2, Die Walkure (The Valkyrie) presents the interplay of how the gods influence the lives of mortals. Odin wants to create a hero with free will who can obtain the ring of power for him. But if he influenced the lives of mortals, do they really have free will?The Valkyrie Brunhilde is introduced as the archetype of "the female warrior with love." She counters Odin's lust for power as she is inspired by Sigmund's love.But to betray the gods she must pay the ultimate sacrifice. Which is necessary for the birth of our hero…Acknowledgement to Jean Shinoda Bolen's book 'Ring of Power' as the inspiration for this 4 part series.Ways to support us:If you have been enjoying our show, please write a 5 star review on itunes to help spread our podcast to a wider audience: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/between-two-ravens-a-norse-mythology-podcast/id1604263830Follow us or leave a message on Twitter or Instagram:Twitter: (@TwoRavenPodcast): https://twitter.com/TwoRavenPodcastInstagram: (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/Check out David’s writing:Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com). Walled Garden (https://thewalledgarden.com/davidalexander)Our podcast is part of The Walled Garden Podcast Network. The Walled Garden is committed to the pursuit of Truth, Wisdom, Virtue, and the Divine, wherever it might be found.Visit thewalledgarden.com to learn more about weekly meet-ups and the other Walled Garden contributors.