Trickster
How do trickster figures challenge authority in myths?
They disrupt order and expose flaws in leaders.
How is the world created in the Norse Myth?
The giant Ymir is slain, and his body is used to create the earth.
What does Thor’s hammer symbolize? What deeper meaning does Thor’s hammer carry beyond being a weapon?
Protection and strength. It represents divine authority and guardianship.
Where do the Yoruba myths originate from?
West Africa
Who were the Vikings?
Seafaring people from Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Denmark) were known for raiding and trading.
What lessons do trickster figures teach audiences?
They show the value of adaptability and wit.
How is the Greek creation myth similar to the Norse creation myth?
A key similarity is that the world was formed from the body of the slain primordial being—Uranus in Greek myth and Ymir in Norse myth. Additionally, both pantheons have a powerful, sky-ruling chief god (Zeus and Odin) and a trio of women who control fate (the Moirai and Norns).
How does Loki’s role in Balder’s death reflect Norse cultural values?
Balder’s death, caused by Loki’s trickery, reflects the Norse belief in fate and the inevitability of Ragnarok.
How does Anansi outsmart the witch in "Anansi and the Witch"?
By using clever tricks and outsmarting her, showing wit over strength.
What was the Viking religion? Basics.
Paganism: Belief in many gods. Worshipped gods like Odin, Thor, and Freyja.
In what ways does Loki act as a creator of chaos?
He starts conflicts among the gods. He kills Baldr.
How are the gods from the Norse creation myth different from the gods from Greek mythology?
A major distinction is the fate of the gods: the Greek gods are immortal, whereas the Norse gods are not
What is Yggdrasil (the World Tree)? How does Yggdrasil connect different realms of existence?
A cosmic tree linking all realms. It unites gods, humans, and the afterlife.
How does the turtle trick Anansi? What is the lesson that this teaches?
The turtle invites Anansi to eat underwater, where Anansi cannot join. Lesson: Greed and selfishness lead to embarrassment.
Why did Viking raids stop?
Raids declined as Christianity spread, kingdoms strengthened their defenses, and Vikings settled in Europe.
Who is Anansi, and where do his stories originate?
Both disrupt order, challenge authority, and reveal human flaws.
What do both myths explain about human existence?
The Greek creation myth generally portrays humanity as an often-suffering subject of the gods' will, and given the purpose of honoring the gods through sacrifice. The Norse creation myth presents humanity as a deliberate creation of the chief gods (Odin and his brothers), given the specific purpose of populating the realm of Midgard and living in a cooperative relationship with the gods and nature.
Explain how the myth of Ragnarok represents a Norse myth.
A belief in the inevitability of fate and predestination through the myth of Baldr and Odin's sacrifice for knowledge.
Why does Anansi trick the firefly? What lesson does this story teach?
He wants to eat more food by dimming the firefly’s light. Greed and dishonesty damage friendships.
How was Viking society organized? ➡️
Into classes: jarls (nobles), karls (freemen), and thralls (slaves).
How do Anansi’s tales reflect the values of West African culture?
They emphasize wisdom, storytelling, and community lessons.
What is the purpose of the Norse creation myth?
To explain the origins of the universe, the gods, and humanity, while also conveying core cultural themes like the ongoing cycle of life and the necessity of conflict and sacrifice.
How did the Norse myths represent Norse cultural values?
1. Bravery and Heroism
2. Fate and Destiny
3. Honor and Reputation
4. Wisdom and Knowledge
What is the cultural significance of the Anansi stories? Meaning: What cultural values do they express?
Cultural Significance: Reflects West African values of cleverness, storytelling, and moral lessons.
What was the purpose of telling stories about Valhalla and Hel?
To teach cultural values. If you were brave in battle you went to Valhalla, and if you weren't you went to the underworld with Hel.