german 375 exam 1

What problems arise from interpreting myths from prehistoric cultures?

Lack of written records; oral transmission changed stories; Christian scribes may have distorted them; myths are fragmented and viewed through modern biases.

How do we know anything about prehistoric cultures?

Through archaeology, comparative mythology, Roman texts like Tacitus, and later medieval sources such as the Eddas and sagas.

What are the main sources of knowledge about Nordic mythology?

The Poetic Edda, the Prose Edda by Snorri Sturlason, Icelandic sagas, and runestones or inscriptions.

What are the problems with these sources?

They were written after Christianization, may be biased, incomplete, or intentionally moralized by authors like Snorri.

How do scholars work around these problems?

Cross-referencing with archaeology, linguistic and oral tradition analysis, and comparison with other Indo-European myths.

Who was Snorri Sturlason?

Icelandic chieftain, historian, and author (1179–1241) who wrote the Prose Edda and Heimskringla to preserve Norse poetic traditions.

How can we evaluate whether the Edda reflects authentic pre-Christian beliefs?

Compare to Poetic Edda and archaeology, identify Christian influence, and assess consistency with Viking values and Indo-European parallels.

What is the Nordic Creation Myth?

Ginnungagap was the primordial void; fire and ice formed Ymir; Odin and his brothers killed Ymir and made the world from his body.

What is Ragnarök (Nordic Armageddon)?

The final battle where gods and monsters die, world is destroyed by fire, and a new world is born with surviving gods and humans.

What is the Mythological Present in Norse belief?

The age of tension where gods maintain temporary order against chaos, reflecting the inevitability of fate and decline.

Who are the main gods in the Nordic Pantheon?

Æsir (Odin, Thor, Frigg) are sky/war gods; Vanir (Frey, Freyja, Njord) are fertility gods; Loki is a trickster figure.

Why is Loki important?

He is a trickster who causes chaos, fathered monsters, and helps trigger Ragnarök; symbolizes unpredictability and transformation.

What is the role of fate in Norse mythology?

Fate is inevitable and controlled by the Norns—Urd, Verdandi, and Skuld—who weave the destinies of gods and humans.

What are runes and how is Odin associated with them?

Runes are symbolic letters used for magic; Odin discovered them after hanging on Yggdrasil for 9 days and nights.

How is the concept of blood feud reflected in Norse myth and society?

Revenge for wrongdoing was a moral duty; feuds maintained honor and were reflected in sagas and myths.

What advice does Odin give in the Hávamál, and what does it reflect?

Odin advises caution, wisdom, moderation, and trust; reflects Viking values of honor, self-reliance, and reputation.

What is Seiðr? Are there other types of magic?

Seiðr is divinatory magic mostly practiced by women; other types include galdr (chanting) and runic magic.

What can Tacitus and archaeology tell us about changes from the 1st to Viking Age?

Tacitus described early Germanic tribes; archaeology shows shift toward centralized kingship, elite feasting, and stratified society.

How did belief in Norse mythology inspire dying in battle?

Warriors believed they would go to Valhalla or Fólkvangr if they died in battle, ensuring glory and eternal honor.

What are berserkers?

Warriors who fought in uncontrollable fury, often associated with bears or wolves; possibly induced by ritual or substances.

How did petty kings and war-bands operate in Norse society?

Kings relied on gift-giving and loyalty from their warriors; war-bands were bound by personal allegiance and mutual benefit.

What roles did queens and thules play?

Queens were advisors and peace-weavers; thules were oral historians, poets, and trusted counselors in the king’s hall.