Norse Mythology: End of Days Lecture Notes

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on the key concepts, events, and characters from the lecture on Norse mythology and eschatology.

Ragnarök

Norse mythological event referred to as the 'Twilight of the gods' or the end of the world.

Valhalla

The hall of the slain in Norse mythology, where warriors go after death.

Eschatology

The doctrine of last things, including concepts of end, rebirth, and death.

Cyclical Eschatology

Belief in eternity and repeatability of the cosmos, where beginnings and ends are tied together.

Linear Eschatology

Belief in a historical progression towards an ultimate end, with no return.

Fimbulwinter

The endless winter that precedes Ragnarök and causes chaos and greed.

Líf and Lífþrasir

The two humans who survive Ragnarök and repopulate the world.

Fenrir

The monstrous wolf prophesied to kill Odin during Ragnarök.

Hel

The ruler of the underworld in Norse mythology, where souls of the unworthy go.

Jormungandr

The World Serpent, a giant serpent that encircles the earth and is destined to battle Thor during Ragnarök.

Apocalypse

A term describing ultimate destruction, often associated with religious prophecies.

The Aesir

One of the two main families of gods in Norse mythology, associated with order and governance.

The Vanir

The second group of gods in Norse mythology, associated with fertility and prosperity.

The Jotnar

Giants in Norse mythology, often in opposition to the Aesir gods.

Thor

The god of thunder in Norse mythology, known for his strength and protection of mankind.

Baldr

The god whose death is a significant event leading to Ragnarök.

Mythical Eschatology

A perspective that views the end of the world as a cyclical event, reflecting a mythology-based understanding.

The Prose Edda

A primary source of Norse mythology that includes the narrative of Ragnarök.

Gimlé

A hall of the virtuous in the afterlife that is reborn after Ragnarök.

Nástrand

A hall where evil souls are punished in the afterlife, described in Norse mythology.

Themes of Destruction

Common motifs in apocalypse stories, including breakdown of civilization and rebirth.