Norse Mythology
Yggdrasil
What is the name of the world tree in Norse mythology?
G.K. Chesterton
Who wrote Orthodoxy?
Grendel
Who is the monster Beowulf defeats in Heorot?
The loss of his lord and his exile from his community.
In The Wanderer, what is the main character lamenting?
Roland
Who is the hero of The Song of Roland?
Ragnarök
What is the prophesied end of the world in Norse mythology called?
A metaphor for modern materialism or narrow rationalism that limits imagination and truth.
What does Chesterton mean by the “clean, well-lit prison”?
Wyrd
What is the term for the Anglo-Saxon concept of fate?
The Cross on which Christ was crucified.
What is the “Rood” in The Dream of the Rood?
Charlemagne
What is the name of the emperor in The Song of Roland?
Asgard, Midgard, and Niflheim
Name the three roots of Yggdrasil and the realms they connect.
The idea that Christianity allows for humility in individuals while still encouraging great ambition for good works.
What paradox does Chesterton identify in Christianity’s view of humility and ambition?
Hrunting
What is the name of the sword Beowulf uses to kill Grendel’s mother?
The portrayal of both physical exile from community and spiritual exile in a fleeting world.
How does The Wanderer reflect the theme of exile?
His excessive pride and desire to prove his strength.
Why does Roland refuse to blow his oliphant to call for help?
Loki
Which god is known as the trickster in Norse mythology?
Its ability to unify apparent contradictions, such as joy in suffering and divine humility.
According to Chesterton, why is Christianity described as a "surprise"?
The self-sacrifice for the good of his people, even in the face of certain death.
How does Beowulf’s final battle with the dragon illustrate the heroic code?
What is as a loyal servant and witness to Christ’s suffering and triumph?
How is the Cross personified in The Dream of the Rood?
Conspiring with the Saracens to ambush Roland’s rear guard.
How does Ganelon betray Roland?
The belief in the inevitability of events (wyrd) and the acceptance of change as part of life’s balance.
How does the cyclical nature of creation and destruction in Norse mythology reflect the Norse understanding of fate?
The argument that true progress requires unchanging ideals, rejecting the stagnation of conservatism and the aimlessness of liberalism.
How does Chesterton’s concept of "eternal revolution" critique both conservatism and liberalism?
Pride as a reflection of honor and duty to others, balanced by humility in facing fate.
How does Beowulf’s pride differ from the modern understanding of hubris?
The juxtaposition of the transient nature of earthly life with the eternal solace found in faith.
How does The Wanderer contrast earthly sorrow with Christian hope?
Roland’s ultimate demonstration of loyalty to Charlemagne, sacrificing himself despite his pride, and achieving martyrdom for his cause.
How does Roland’s death illustrate the theme of loyalty and sacrifice in The Song of Roland?