Between Two Ravens: A Norse Mythology Podcast

In this episode, Shawn and David discuss Balder's Draumar, a poem that is typically found in copies of the Poetic Edda, though not found in the Codex Regius Manuscript. In this short poem, Odin travels to Hel (Niflheim) to find out why his son Balder is having ominous dreams foretelling his own death.Of course the only way to do this (It is Odin, after all), is to wake a witch from the dead and ask her questions which contain answers he himself isn’t ready to hear. David discusses the Greek gods Zeus and Hermes, their similarities to aspects of Odin in this story, and introduces the idea of Baldur being a Dionysian figure.The pair also discuss the idea of fate and the significance of Odin trying to change what he knows he cannot. Is Odin's lust for knowledge and power at the expense of everything else proof the gods do not have free will? Is Odin fated by his nature to act as it has been foretold?Ways to support us: Share Our Podcast Website with a friend: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/David’s Writing - Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com).Follow us on Instagram (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/Donate to buy Shawn a beer or help cover our hosting costs: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/donation/Additional Info/Books Discussed: The Poetic Edda (Crawford, Hackett Classics): https://amzn.to/3JqmsfFPoetic Edda by Carolyne Larrington (Oxford World Classics; David’s preferred translation): https://amzn.to/3sxITc7

Continuing with the “Monstrous Children of Loki”, This week we discuss Fenrir the Wolf and his particular connection with the god Tyr. Shawn discusses once again the idea of fate in this myth, as the gods take action on Fenrir to prevent his role in Ragnarök, are they actually helping to expedite it? David includes some interpretations on Tyr the King, the Warrior, and the Judge and how some Greek Stoic metaphors about Justice relate to Tyr “holding a thing with both hands”.We also return to discussing the Tyr rune and how you can actually apply magic to your life. Several errors we need to correct:  Fenrir is bound by the magical fetter Gleipnir ("the open one"), which is "made from things which cannot be put to the test". Gleipnir is attached to a chain named Gelgja (related to the word swallow, or gulp), passed through a rock called Gjöll (Old Norse for "noise" or "scream" or the Celtic 'Geall' for "pledge, stake, wager"), and then set under a larger stone called Thviti ("hitter", "batterer"). I don't know where David got his earlier notes from.Interested in discussions on psychology, philosophy, and wisdom? Check out The Walled Garden meet-ups (Thursdays 3pm PST, 6pm EST): (https://thewalledgarden.com/the-walled-garden-philosophical-society-meetup) Ways to support us: Share Our Podcast Website with a friend: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/David’s Writing - Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com). Follow us on Instagram (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/ Donate to buy Shawn a beer or help cover our hosting costs: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/donation/Additional Info: Gylfaganning 33 & 34: http://www.voluspa.org/gylfaginning31-40.htmDiana Paxson - Taking Up the Runes: https://amzn.to/34rqkywA Guide to Gods, Heroes, Rituals and Belief by John Lindow: https://amzn.to/3uHTiF4Prose Edda (Byock; Penguin Classics): https://amzn.to/3inCvznProse Edda “Snora Edda” (See Anthony Faulks version from the Viking Society for Northern Research): http://vsnrweb-publications.org.uk/

We return to the stories of Loki, “The cause of and solution to all of life’s problems.” This week Loki settles down and becomes a family man. Raising one or two children with the goddess Sigyn and he has three legendary children with the Giant Angrboda of Jotunheim: Fenrir the Wolf, Jormungandr the World Serpent, and Hel the goddess of the underworld.The Aesir are not amused and fear the harm these children will cause, sending them off to distant lands. David gives one last interpretation on Loki, Svadilfari, and the importance of Love (Eros) for the Trickster Archetype.We look at some of the parallels between Loki and Odin, review the story of Thor and the Midgard Serpent (Season 1 Episode 13), and discuss a bit about the significance of the goddess Hel (Hella). Next week we will go in depth on Fenrir the Wolf and the myths about Loki’s less famous children.  David’s latest blog posts on mythology: Loki, Svadilfari, and the Walls of Asgard (Between Two Ravens S2 Episode 6) https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/2022/08/06/loki-svadilfari-and-the-walls-of-asgard/A Mythological Perspective on Trauma (Walled Garden) https://thewalledgarden.com/post/mythological-perspective-on-trauma Interested is more discussions on psychology, philosophy, and wisdom?Check out The Walled Garden meet-ups (Thursdays 3pm PST, 6pm EST): (https://thewalledgarden.com/the-walled-garden-philosophical-society-meetup) Ways to support us: Share Our Podcast Website: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/ David’s Writing - Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com). Follow us on Instagram (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/ Donate to buy Shawn a beer or help cover our hosting costs: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/donation/Additional Info: Gylfagganing 33 & 34: http://www.voluspa.org/gylfaginning31-40.htm Hyndluljod (Including Voulspa et Skamma): http://www.voluspa.org/hyndluljod.htmA Guide to Gods, Heros, Rituals and Belief by John Lindow: https://amzn.to/3uHTiF4Prose Edda (Byock; Penguin Classics): https://amzn.to/3inCvzn Prose Edda “Snora Edda” (See Anthony Faulks version from the Viking Society for Northern Research): http://vsnrweb-publications.org.uk/

We are taking a bit of a break this week and releasing a short episode. David had some interpretations on S2 Episode 4 that came to him a few days after the episode was released and clarifying his explanation of how to make sense of Loki's "sacrifice".We will be back next week continuing the series on Loki. Shawn is also working on another solo short episode coming soon.David's blog post associated with this podcast episode: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/2022/08/06/loki-svadilfari-and-the-walls-of-asgard/David's related post at the Walled Garden: "Mythological Perspective on Trauma" expanding on my associations between Loki, Slepnir, and healing trauma ("Soul Wounds"): https://thewalledgarden.com/post/mythological-perspective-on-traumaWays to support us: Share Our Podcast Website: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/ David’s Writing - Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com). Follow us on Instagram (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/Donate to buy Shawn a beer or help cover our hosting costs: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/donation/

Our third guest interview. Kyle Kuypers is a friend/co-worker of Shawn and a generally eclectic individual who is passionate about Mythology, Story Telling, Dungeons & Dragons, and he co-hosts a fan podcast about the TV series Vanderpump Rules.We talk about Hero’s Journey, the flawed, “very human” Norse Gods. Kyle explains the history of Dungeons & Dragons, the table top role playing game which combines board gaming, war gaming, and story telling, along with its creator, Gary Gygax.How does Role Playing a character or leading a group of players compare to composing and performing Norse Skaldic Poetry? How would a character like Loki play out in a game of D&D? Kyle/Shawn at the end accomplish the impossible and make a very loose connection on the subject matter of both podcasts, Vanderpump Rules and Norse Mythology, in what can be considered the win of the century so far for both of them. It’s a fun conversation and a topic we might have to come back to again.Ways to tell modern stories and how Norse Mythology can inspire creativity.Kyle’s podcast Pump Talk: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pump-talk-a-consideration-of-vanderpump-rules/id1330715401 Twitter: @TalkPump -Let Kyle know if you are listening to Between Two Ravens and also watch Vanderpump Rules.David’s Walled Garden article on Albert Ellis, Stoicism, and CBT. (https://thewalledgarden.com/post/albert-ellis-cbt-stoicism) David’s Recommendations for how to get into D&D: Watch Terry Crews play. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IrM0zoDuSoLearn from Questing Beast about Old School Revival of D&D and easier to play rule sets. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRVJNkOObIU KNAVE rule set: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mtf3vDycfmE    3. Watch some other expert dungeon masters show how to take what’s fun from D&D and throw out the rest: Professor Dungeon Master: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uqyYZAh1K0 Rune Hammer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDMmGv-NPbA&list=PLlSmiQ728Xr2Pf3pGa3s6-zhhqpiw7hj_&index=12Ways to support us: Like, Subscribe, Give us a 5 star review! Share Our Podcast Website: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/David’s Writing - Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com)Twitter: @ProsocheProjectFollow us on Instagram (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/Donate to buy Shawn a beer or help cover our hosting costs: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/donation/

In this episode, Shawn and David discuss the myth about how Loki offers a set of ungivable gifts to a giant who was tasked to build (or repair?) the walls of Asgard. The catch being that the giant would need to finish the wall within a certain thought to be impossible timeframe.However, due to the giants trusty horse, Svadilfari, the giant seems on pace to finish in time. The gods, once again pissed off, threaten Loki to fix the situation, which he does. The good news is that Loki's actions pave the way for the birth of Odin's trusty eight-legged steed, Sleipnir; however, the unfortunate news being a rather disturbing result for the mischief god himself... Interested is more discussions on psychology, philosophy, and wisdom?Check out The Walled Garden meet-ups: (https://thewalledgarden.com/the-walled-garden-philosophical-society-meetup)  August 4th David of Between Two Ravens presents Albert Ellis: Stoicism as the root of cognitive behavior therapy.Ways to support us: Share Our Podcast Website: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/David’s Writing - Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com). Follow us on Instagram (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/Donate to buy Shawn a beer or help cover our hosting costs: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/donation/Additional Info: A comparison of versions of Prose Edda: https://www.mimisbrunnr.info/edda-to-english Prose Edda (Byock; Penguin Classics): https://amzn.to/3inCvznProse Edda “Snora Edda” (See Anthony Faulks version from the Viking Society for Northern Research): http://vsnrweb-publications.org.uk/The Poetic Edda: A Study Guide (Tezner) https://www.amazon.com/Poetic-Edda-Study-Guide/dp/1795087757

Continuing our series on “Loki - The cause of, and solution to, all of life’s problems.” Loki has pissed off Skadi, the giant goddess of hunting and skiing, by getting her father Thjazi killed. Loki solves problems the only way he knows how. By tricking her into marrying Njord rather than her preferred groom, the beautiful Baldur, and then Loki tries to make Skadi laugh by tying one half of a cord to his testicles, and the other half to a goat.It gets real weird this week. Shawn and David present their theories that Loki is the god of kink, Njord is a polygamist, Idunn is Thjazi’s sister, and that Loki’s “sacrifice” to appease the goddess is actually a meaningful lesson and not just a bit.We answer a fan question on “How are angels represented in Norse Mythology?” (4:30) and start the myth of the week at 11:15 mark.Interested is more discussions on psychology, philosophy, and wisdom? Check out The Walled Garden meet-ups: (https://thewalledgarden.com/the-walled-garden-philosophical-society-meetup)  July 28th Author Sharron LeBell discusses the life and work of the inspiring Edith Edger.August 4th David of Between Two Ravens presents Albert Ellis: Stoicism as the root of cognitive behavior therapy. This week, David was inspired by: We discussed part of Rocco Jarmin’s episode in regards to cognitive biases and instinct in relation to self-deception: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1a230lovJP20d29zwnEW0jShout out to @RenaissanceWisdom on Instagram for the inspirational quote from Zeno, the founder of Stoicism, on the relationship between Wisdom and Self-deception.Ways to support us: Share Our Podcast Website: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/David’s Writing - Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com). Follow us on Instagram (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/ Donate to buy Shawn a beer or help cover our hosting costs: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/donation/ Additional Info: A comparison of versions of Prose Edda: https://www.mimisbrunnr.info/edda-to-englishProse Edda (Byock; Penguin Classics): https://amzn.to/3inCvznProse Edda “Snora Edda” (See Anthony Faulks version from the Viking Society for Northern Research): http://vsnrweb-publications.org.uk/

Continuing our series on “Loki - The cause of, and solution to, all of life’s problems.” Loki gets himself in a pickle and the only solution is to sell out the goddess Idunn to the giant Thjazi. The only problem is, all of the Aesir are dependent on Idunn to supply them with magic apples that give the gift of eternal youth.  Under threat of torture and execution, Loki once again has to finish what he started. Shawn has some background on the “Norse Trinity” of gods, the confusion about Thjazi the Giant / Dwarf / Dark Elf, and fan-theory on the relationship between Thjazi and Idunn. David has some interpretations on the significance of Idunn, her apples, and Loki’s relationship to the repressed inner feminine in a man’s life. Ways to support us: Share Our Podcast Website: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/David’s Writing - Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com). David presents a meet-up on Albert Ellis, Stoicism, and CBT, August 4th, 2022 @ 6pm EST (https://thewalledgarden.com/the-walled-garden-philosophical-society-meetup) Follow us on Instagram (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/ Donate to buy Shawn a beer or help cover our hosting costs: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/donation/Additional Info: A comparison of versions of Prose Edda: https://www.mimisbrunnr.info/edda-to-english Prose Edda (Penguin Classics): https://amzn.to/3inCvznProse Edda “Snora Edda” (See Anthony Faulks version from the Viking Society for Northern Research): http://vsnrweb-publications.org.uk/

The start of Season 2! Shawn and David discuss the myth of Sif’s Golden Hair and Loki’s gifts for the gods from The Prose Edda, Skaldskaparmal. Loki creates one problem after another, but it all pays off for the gods in the end. Shawn provides some context on sources outside of Prose Edda relating to the gifts of the gods and the dwarven smiths. David interprets potential meanings of the symbols represented in each gift given to the gods in exchange for Loki’s offense.We provide some updates on Shawn’s travel plans and David’s new writing project Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com). David is now contributing articles with the Walled Garden Philosophical Society (www.thewalledgarden.com). The Walled Garden has weekly video meet-ups talking about Philosophy, Spirituality, and Poetry as sources of Wisdom, so come check it out. https://thewalledgarden.com/the-walled-garden-philosophical-society-meetupDavid will be presenting his meet-up on August 4th, 6pm EST.A comparison of versions of Prose Edda: https://www.mimisbrunnr.info/edda-to-english Prose Edda (Penguin Classics): https://amzn.to/3inCvznProse Edda “Snora Edda” (See Anthony Faulks version from the Viking Society for Northern Research): http://vsnrweb-publications.org.uk/Neil Gaiman’s Norse Mythology is a really good book. https://amzn.to/3nFODi9 Podcast Website: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/

In this episode Shawn discusses Viking Age England from 787-878 CE in part 1 of the series as told by the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. He briefly discusses the first centuries of Anglo-Saxon England in the lead up to the Viking Age.He then goes on to discuss the Viking Age itself along with the early raids, and the lead up to the arrival of the Great Heathen Army in 866. One by one the kingdoms fell, until the last Kingdom of Wessex, and its King Alfred defeated the pagan general Guthrum in a decisive battle.In the episode Shawn discusses the ambition of Alfred's Grandfather, King Ecbert, (the same dude from "Vikings" the tv show), who for a brief time in the early to mid 800s subjected the rest of the Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms to his rule.Between Two Ravens is a podcast about the psychological significance of Norse Mythology. Shawn is an amateur Norse Mythology expert. David is not a Jungian Analyst, but he reads a lot of books about Carl Jung's theories on the collective unconscious and individuation.Podcast Website: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/