Crash Course Mythology: Norse Apocalypse Ragnarok

Overview

• Focus on the Norse apocalypse myth, Ragnarok.
• Known for its epic battles, earthquakes, fire, and mythical creatures.
• Ragnarok serves as both an end and a new beginning for Norse mythology.

Key Characters and Events Leading to Ragnarok

• Loki's Deception
  • Loki tricks Hodr into killing Baldr, leading to Loki's punishment by the Aesir.
  • The gods capture Loki and punish him by tying him in a cave with snake venom dripping on his face.
  • Loki remains bound until Ragnarok.

Signs of Ragnarok

• Fimbulvinter: Three consecutive harsh winters causing societal collapse and familial strife.
• Wolves Sköll and Hati: Devour the sun and moon, plunging the world into darkness.
• Earthquakes: Break the bonds of Loki and Fenrir, signaling the beginning of the end.

The Battle of Ragnarok

• The Gathering of Forces
  • Loki, giants, and Hel's minions march on Asgard.
  • Asgard's defenders include the Aesir and Einherjar (honorable warriors from Valhalla).
• Heroic Duels
  • Tyr and Garmr kill each other.
  • Thor defeats Jormungandr but dies from venom.
  • Loki and Heimdall slay each other.
  • Fenrir consumes Odin; Víðarr avenges Odin using a magic shoe.
• End of the Battle
  • Surtr, leader of the giants, sets the world ablaze, leading to mass destruction.
  • The world sinks into the sea.

After Ragnarok

• Rebirth of the World
  • The earth emerges from the water, fair and green.
  • Survivors include Odin's sons Víðarr and Vali, Thor's sons Magni and Móði, and the resurrected Baldr and Hodr.
• New Pantheon
  • The new gods gather on the plain of Iðavöllr to recount the stories of the old gods.

Interpretation and Influence

• Christian Influence
  • Possible similarities with Christian apocalypse myths, such as Baldr’s return mirroring Christ’s resurrection.
  • The Eddas, main sources for the myth, were written post-Christianity in Northern Europe.
• Cyclical Nature
  • Like Hindu mythology, Ragnarok suggests destruction as a precursor to creation.
  • Contrasts with Christian apocalypse, offering rebirth for all, not just the righteous.

Conclusion

• Ragnarok is a story of both devastation and hope, where the end precedes a new beginning.
• The myth suggests a cycle of destruction and rebirth, common in various mythologies.