Mythology

[Jiggz]

One of my earliest memories, and one that got me interested in cartooning, is sitting listening to my dad read me stories from Greek Mythology, which I would then draw.

I've recently become quite interested in Mythology again. What's better than a story that is both fantastical yet grounded by some underlying moral truth, and many of the names of gods and goddesses have etymological value too.

Anyone else a fan? Any other interesting Mythologies besides the Greek and Romans? Know of any resources and/or books I should read?

Also, is Beowulf a tale of Myth?

[Oofie]

I love mythology. It's pretty strong in the Irish culture, you should check out some of the Irish myths. I think they're beautiful. Children of Lír (http://www.ireland-information.com/articles/thechildrenoflir.htm) is probably the most famous, but by no means the best. If you're interested you should check out the tales of Cú Chulainn.

(Having just read the page I linked you, I realised it's an absolutely awful translation. I'll look for a better one)

[Quadros]

Check out Viking mythology, it's fucking brilliant. It replaces all the namby pamby morality of other pussy myths with spades of PURE AWESOME. Really the only message you learn is 'Fuck Giants' and perhaps 'Smack people in the face with an axe and you'll go to heaven'.

[Homemaster]

Check out Viking mythology, it's fucking brilliant. It replaces all the namby pamby morality of other pussy myths with spades of PURE AWESOME. Really the only message you learn is 'Fuck Giants' and perhaps 'Smack people in the face with an axe and you'll go to heaven'.

See, my friend really loves Vikings so I want to learn all about them. He says the same stuff as you. Mythology in general is very interesting and would help me a lot with story writing I'm sure. What do you suggest reading Quadros?

[Jallen]

When I was younger, I got this game called Herc's Adventures for the playstation. It was easily one of the best games I've ever played, and still is to this day. It's about Hercules and some friends going around and doing tasks for the gods. This game got me really interested in Greek Mythology and I still am.

Then when God of War came out and I actually played it, it was awesome because it was like all of the stuff in Herc's Adventures, but more violent and better graphics. If anything good has come out of Greece it would be the awesome stories they tell.

[xmbxr]

I love Greek Mythology. Sometimes I wish that I lived back then when people really believe in this stuff. It's kind of confusing. Also, sick & twisted sometimes. That just makes it all the more interesting, though. I really don't know any good resources though. But have you ever watched The Odyssey?

[Pachycephelosaurus]

I love Greek mythology. Orpheus (aside from the boy-fucking) was a great figure. Achilles was an ass.

[Carcinoma]

Greek Mythology is good to read, because it flows well: it doesn't even seem made-up by the fact everything links the way a time-line of your life would, perfectly.

Norse is alright, the Egyptians is quite interesting but I think Greek takes the win; mythology wise.

[Oofie]

Achilles was an ass.

I loved Achilles! He was so stubborn and egotistical. It was awesome.

But have you ever watched The Odyssey?

Or you could, you know, read it. Which I would recommend by the way, it's a great read. Much easier to get into than The Iliad.

[Vin]

I never really got into mythology. It was interesting, but I was young and kinda just drifted away from it. I used to love Egyptian mythology and Japanese mythology.

[Pachycephelosaurus]

I loved Achilles! He was so stubborn and egotistical. It was awesome.

I just hated the fact that he beat Hector, the most likable character IN the Iliad(aside from Odysseus). He was like the dumb jock of Greek mythology; always showing off and acting selfish. Such an ass...

[spaj]

I love Mythology. I really wish I could study it at an undergraduate level though, I've never really gotten the chance to dig deep into the more complex implications of it.

[DarknessEqualsMe]

I must have read the Illiad about 20 times. It's one of my favorite books, because it's just about so many subjects, all together in one book. My alltime favorite hero has to be Ajax (I don't know what you call him, but it's the apparently huge guy, son of Telemon). I love the part where he kills himself, just because Odysseus wins the armour of Hephaistos.

[xmbxr]

Or you could, you know, read it. Which I would recommend by the way, it's a great read. Much easier to get into than The Iliad.
Well, the reason I said if you've watched it is because I never read it. I watched it. It's a very long movie though. Which that's because it's a really long book. But like usual, I know that the movie takes a lot of parts out. I'm planning on reading it soon.

[Crabstick]

As a teenager I was really into Greek and Nordic mythologies. Not Roman, they're all a bunch of pussies.

[timbot]

Mythology is pretty awesome. Have you ever looked at Edith Hamilton's Mythology? It's kind of like mythology Cliff Notes. It basically has an overview of several myths, talks about all major characters--the gods, demi-gods, and heroes--and gives a little story and info about each. It certainly doesn't replace the writing of Homer and other classical Greek writers, but it is good for general information, and perhaps giving you an idea where to look for things more in-depth. I think it also talks briefly about norse, and maybe even egyptian mythology.
I wouldn't call Beowulf is a myth. There's no real mention of god's, and it doesn't have the same kind religious undertones that myths have. It's a legend more like the tales of King Arthur. If you haven't read it, I would suggest Seamus Heaney's translation.

[NVM]

Greek mythology is pretty badass. My class is currently reading Homer's The The Odyssey which is pretty cool.

Viking mythos is also great.

[tunacake]

I've always wanted to get really into mythology. Particularly Norse and Greek. Can anybody recommend any books other than the Iliad/Odyssey for us rookies? (I plan on buying those two the next chance i get)

[Oofie]

The Greek tragedies are interesting reads. Check out Euripides or Sophocles.

[Shagg]

Also, is Beowulf a tale of Myth?

Beowulf was an Epic that was supposed to symbolize the spreading and defending of Christianity in Europe.

[timbot]

Beowulf was an Epic that was supposed to symbolize the spreading and defending of Christianity in Europe.

Hmmm...Hope this isn't totally sidetracking the thread, but I'm not so sure that was the purpose of Beowulf. Why write a poem about pagans to symbolize Christianity? That doesn't seem to make sense to me. It's a poem written with a Christian perspective about pagan people. If the poem is supposed to be Christian allegory, then it would seem best to create a realm wholly independent of Christianity and paganism. If I were trying to write a story about the triumph of Democratic rule over Monarchical rule, I wouldn't write about a monarchist society defeating some other evil.

I tend to believe that it is mostly just a fun story that has some vague historical background. It's not devoid of meaning and a moral, and even some Christian influence, but I don't think the main purpose is to symbolize Christianity's spread.

[Brooke4585]

The Aeneid is a pretty excellent story, especially for the lovers of the Odyssey. It's the story of Aeneas, Troy's Odysseus, and it starts as Troy falls. It's one of those "the other side" stories from centuries ago.

Another excellent source of mythology is Native American myths. Those from the desert areas are really wonderful, as are those in the Northwest. I'm descened from South Eastern tribes, and ours are unique, but only from vastly different groups. All the ones in the South echo each other's stories.

[Miss Freeze]

Egyptian mythology is really intertesting. I can't think of a book that talks about it though.

[MissRAWR]

I just hated the fact that he beat Hector, the most likable character IN the Iliad(aside from Odysseus). He was like the dumb jock of Greek mythology; always showing off and acting selfish. Such an ass...

He did it because Hector killed his good friend. Patroclus. Yes it was accidental because he thought it was Achilles, but still. He was defending his friend's honor as well as sending a message to the Trojans. But the whole dragging him behind his chariot went a tad too far :lol:

I, personally, love Greek Mythology. One of my favorite stories has to be of Echo and Narcissus. Her loving him but being unable to tell him is so sad, and him being too into himself is terrible to me. I felt bad for Echo :[

My absolute favorite, however, is The Iliad. It gives background of both Greeks and Trojans, and tells the story of the Trojan War, and I love Traojan War stuff. The Odyssey is far better-known and is also interesting, but The Iliad is just more intriguing to me. The only thing that I dont understand is that I know Achilles was dipped in the River Styx and it made all but his heel immortal and everything, but I dont get how someone shooting you in the heel can kill you. I mean I know it's the source of the whole "Achilles Heel" and "Achilles Tendon" thing, but I still never understood why it went past wounding him and just killed him.

[Jiggz]

Greek mythology is pretty badass. My class is currently reading Homer's The The Odyssey which is pretty cool.

Viking mythos is also great.

I can't believe you guys get taught this at school. Although, I prpbably was taught it an didn't pay any attention.

Thanks for the recommendations guys.

[Miss Freeze]

At one of my old highschools they had an elective class that was Mythology. It was pretty badass.

[History]

Another excellent source of mythology is Native American myths. Those from the desert areas are really wonderful, as are those in the Northwest. I'm descened from South Eastern tribes, and ours are unique, but only from vastly different groups. All the ones in the South echo each other's stories.

If you like this, then I recommend you look into Mesoamerican mythology. Basically from the people of Teotihuacan, the Mayans, and the Aztecs. It's very interesting, because through time they had very similar if not the same gods, but with different names. It's also cool because most stories you will read you have to find in historical type books since there is not really a written record (a little for the Maya), and those tend to go into different rituals they had. Very cool stuff.

I'm also into Egyptian mythology, but I tend to get confused by it, I don't as much about it as I would like to. I'm fascinated by the Pharaohs associating themselves with different gods.

[RessXalcor]

Greek mythology is by far my favorite, so many stories and so many underlying morals. It began getting to it at 7th grade, we read to Greek myths and I loved them. Hooked ever since

[Tweek]

I too am interested in Vikings.
What does Explosm recommend?

[Quadros]

Anything even slightly including Thor. Thor was a badass in every sense of the word. Also read up on the viking version of the apocalypse, it's wicked-awesome.

[Pieman]

I'm personally into Christian mythology. I'm not religous at all, but the stories intrigue me greatly. My favourite story is that of Asmodaeus. That guy was real fucking badass. Not as much as Thor, because Thor is Thor, but still badass.

Also, was there an episode of Johnny Bravo where Johnny finds the hammer of Thor? Or was it another cartoon...

[Crabstick]

For those who are looking to get started into following a mythology, of any kind, find yourself a book which contains a collection of stories, a small anthology or such. It's how I first got into Greek mythology, by reading a book which contained stories of Apollo, Persephone, Hades, Atlas, Medusa, all the fun stuff. From there you can get into more specific readings.

[BurgerKueen]

I guess Greek mythology is my favorite. I've read the Mayan creation myth, Popol Vuh, for my Aztec&Maya Literature class but I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. There are too many references to astrology and their calendar which I'm not really informed about so it kind of takes away from the experience. It's still an interesting read though once you can memorize the long names which all look similar.

[BKS]

I was a champ at Greek mythology. I could name names and tell you what they were god off, tell you who killed who back when I was in 6th grade. I kind of stopped reading them and fell away from it, but it was by far my favorite, Norse mythology coming in second place.

[Beefjerk]

Beowulf is supposed to be the first English epic that the britts could call their own it was brought on English soil by the saxons when migrations were still trendy I think.
The historical background is somewhat acurate. It was originally pretty much pagan from the start but thanks to the random monks who copied the damn thing it got a lot of Christian influences and motifs.
Had to read it for literature exams, fairly entertaining tho.

[Salmoness]

I love Mythology. I really wish I could study it at an undergraduate level though, I've never really gotten the chance to dig deep into the more complex implications of it.

I'm a Classics Major, and trust me after studying mythology, it kind of looses it's charm. It's cool that you get an in depth look at Greek culture and such and such, but the homo-erotic pedophilia ruins it, like The Golden Ass (the title is about a donkey, but it applies...). Plato's Symposium is actually REALLY interesting, or like someone else said, certain plays.

[ladybug]

If you guys are interested in Norse mythology, you should read the Younger Edda.
It's also known as Snorre's Edda because it's written by Snorre Sturlason, and the first part of the book is about the creation and destruction (ragnarok) of the gods.

If anyone have any questions about Norse mythology feel free to ask me. I can probably answer them.

[Cristo]

I love Norse mythology and Greek mythology, everything about it. Particularly Norse mythology because I'm Scandinavian.

What I really like about Norse mythology is not just how brutal and badass it is, but also the names and language used. Ragnarok, Aesir, Vanir, Tyr, Odin, Thor, Freja, Valkyrie. It's such a damned cool looking language, and the stories are also ridiculously imaginative.

I also like how there's a Hel for the people who die normally, a boring place like purgatory and then there's Valhalla for all the warriors who die in battle - there's no Hell like Christian Hell, just Hel which is like purgatory for the people who died of illness and old age etc.

[BlackHawK]

I just bought a magazine wich tells all the Greek history, I was reading the 'gods page' and I found it fucking great, they had a god for almost everything.

Answering Jiggz, I'm a fan, but I dont know any book

[tunacake]

If you guys are interested in Norse mythology, you should read the Younger Edda.
It's also known as Snorre's Edda because it's written by Snorre Sturlason, and the first part of the book is about the creation and destruction (ragnarok) of the gods.

If anyone have any questions about Norse mythology feel free to ask me. I can probably answer them.

Thanks for the recommendation :lol:

I'll have to put that on my to buy list.

[PartyPooper]

I learned all the greek mythology I know from God of War.

Yes, the game is that bad ass.

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[Woodstock]

I rewrote the story of Narcissa and his reflection, but you can't read it. Mythology is a good, and versitile, source of inspiration. I'm not so into it, but I can see the appeal.

[Whoisdan]

Back in second-third-fourth grade, And slowly lessening as I went to seventh grade, I would read mythological story books like a crazy religion. I knew like, an unbelievable amount about both norse, greek, and egyptian mythology. I read every story, reviewed every chart of gods' and their names/positions/titles/etc.

Sadly, I now don't really remember a lot of it. I kinda miss those days. Knowing the tale of perseus from front to back, or that of hercules or many of zeus' affairs with those other than hera, they were good times.

[Kristam]

shocking

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[Kristam]

disaster movie

[RessXalcor]

Sadly, I now don't really remember a lot of it. I kinda miss those days. Knowing the tale of perseus from front to back, or that of hercules or many of zeus' affairs with those other than hera, they were good times.

I used to be the exact same way, except the whole egyptian mythology. Anything that had to do with Rome and Greek just plain fascinated me, now that I am no longer in school I have forgotten everything about it. I might start studying it now though just because I used to love and I will probably continue to.

[Gubzmanna08]

I must have read the Illiad about 20 times. It's one of my favorite books, because it's just about so many subjects, all together in one book. My alltime favorite hero has to be Ajax (I don't know what you call him, but it's the apparently huge guy, son of Telemon). I love the part where he kills himself, just because Odysseus wins the armour of Hephaistos.

I adore The Iliad too, but correct me if i'm wrong... But doesn't The Iliad end with Hectors Burial?
"And so they buried Hector, Breaker of Horses."

The part when Ajax of Telamon kills himself over Achilles armor is in another book, The fall of Ilium.

I loved Hector in The Iliad but my favorite part was when the gods chose sides and fought each other, Ares vs. Athena, Artemis vs. Hera etc.

It was SO AWESOME!!

[Gubzmanna08]

The only thing that I dont understand is that I know Achilles was dipped in the River Styx and it made all but his heel immortal and everything, but I dont get how someone shooting you in the heel can kill you. I mean I know it's the source of the whole "Achilles Heel" and "Achilles Tendon" thing, but I still never understood why it went past wounding him and just killed him.

Well theres loads of versions of why it killed him, but the most common theory is that the arrow that killed Achilles was dipped in poison and guided by Apollo. Another version of the story is that it was Apollo in the form of Paris who shot a poisoned arrow

[Tweek]

Buuuump.

I think I'll look for Younger Edda, but does anyone else have recommendations for Norse mythology?
Or even Celtic stuff. Pretty much anything from pre-Christian Europe, except Greek and Roman shit.
Specific titles would be handy, thankyou.

[Haggis McSpud]

Check out Viking mythology, it's fucking brilliant. It replaces all the namby pamby morality of other pussy myths with spades of PURE AWESOME. Really the only message you learn is 'Fuck Giants' and perhaps 'Smack people in the face with an axe and you'll go to heaven'.

Yeah, I read Horrible Histories; Vicious Vikings as well.

I'm pretty in to Greek mythology, Persephone and the Pomegranate Seeds is probably one of my favorites, also the story of Prometheus. (which actually helped me along the route to atheism because it's so similar to the story of Jesus) Some closer to home are pretty good as well, such as Tristan and Iseult. Hmm, could Robin Hood be counted as mythology?

[BlackHawK]

I knew a bit about Nordic Mithology and a little more about Greek Mithology.

The greek histories are awesome, full of details and nearly always 'explaining' the existence of something. I love it.

[Hats of!]

Check out Viking mythology, it's fucking brilliant. It replaces all the namby pamby morality of other pussy myths with spades of PURE AWESOME. Really the only message you learn is 'Fuck Giants' and perhaps 'Smack people in the face with an axe and you'll go to heaven'.

Did you learn Norse mythology through heavy metal albums?

Firstly, Vikings were a clan of Scandinavians, not the people. Secondly, there is some moral aspects to early Norse literature/mythology/folklore.
If we take something like the Eddas, this is perhaps the origin of most "Viking-sagas". Gylfaginning tells for example about a Swedish king who travels to the aesir (gods) in order to get knowledge. Generally, while some stories are about how Thor smashed that giant in his face, they generally hold a meaning. Not some silly "let's all be nice" meaning, but rather "kill them before they kill you".

But I really do like our (I'm a swede, if you didn't know that) lolklore/mythology. I mean, we've got elves, dwarves, giants, trolls... Yeah, everything Tolkien wrote about.

If you wish to read about this stuff, read the Eddas or Beowulf (it might be English, but it tells of a Swede kicking ass in Denmark).

And if you're really interested, learn a Nordic Language. Icelandic or Faroese is a bit to hard even though it's more accurate. Swedish, Danish or Norwegian is pretty similiar, and easier to learn.
I really do love Germanic languages just compare the Swedish names to the english: Ragnarök, Freja, Oden, Tor, Tyr, Frigg, Loke, Asgård, Midgård, Enhärjar, Valkyrja, Balder etc.

I mean, no-one is more awesome than Odin. He got an eight legged horse named Sleipner and two pet ravens (that can speak) named Hugin and Munin.

[John Travolta]

Fenrir is the most awesome, in my opinion.

[BlackHawK]

Did you learn Norse mythology through heavy metal albums?

Firstly, Vikings were a clan of Scandinavians, not the people. Secondly, there is some moral aspects to early Norse literature/mythology/folklore.
If we take something like the Eddas, this is perhaps the origin of most "Viking-sagas". Gylfaginning tells for example about a Swedish king who travels to the aesir (gods) in order to get knowledge. Generally, while some stories are about how Thor smashed that giant in his face, they generally hold a meaning. Not some silly "let's all be nice" meaning, but rather "kill them before they kill you".

But I really do like our (I'm a swede, if you didn't know that) lolklore/mythology. I mean, we've got elves, dwarves, giants, trolls... Yeah, everything Tolkien wrote about.

If you wish to read about this stuff, read the Eddas or Beowulf (it might be English, but it tells of a Swede kicking ass in Denmark).

And if you're really interested, learn a Nordic Language. Icelandic or Faroese is a bit to hard even though it's more accurate. Swedish, Danish or Norwegian is pretty similiar, and easier to learn.
I really do love Germanic languages just compare the Swedish names to the english: Ragnarök, Freja, Oden, Tor, Tyr, Frigg, Loke, Asgård, Midgård, Enhärjar, Valkyrja, Balder etc.

I mean, no-one is more awesome than Odin. He got an eight legged horse named Sleipner and two pet ravens (that can speak) named Hugin and Munin.

I read some place that in the nordic mithology there's not a dualism between 'good and bad (heaven and hell)', nobody is really bad, the giants, for example, are called as 'caotic' creatures. You seem to know a lot about it, could you tell us MORE and say if what I just said is right or not?


OFF: I've watched Beowulf movie and it sucks, they made it look like a cartoon or somewhat alike it.

[Hats of!]

I read some place that in the nordic mithology there's not a dualism between 'good and bad (heaven and hell)', nobody is really bad, the giants, for example, are called as 'caotic' creatures. You seem to know a lot about it, could you tell us MORE and say if what I just said is right or not?

Correct. Giants and gods were more like rivals than enemies. Sure, giants weren't quite as fond of humans as gods, but they weren't evil. More like pranksters, the god Loki, a god popular amongst tickers, was a giant.

Also, gods weren't as much icons of goodness as Jesus, but rather idols. For example, a grand king could very well after his death become a god amongst his former followers.

Edit, to expand a bit: The thing to remember is that the Norse mythology is nothing like Christianity/Judaism/Islam. It's more based around lore rather than rules. And (this is were the "manly-nerd" starts to get exited) it wasn't about being "good" as much as being "strong". That's just how the society worked (also, that's one of the reasons why you don't read about a Germanic Empire, but you do have plenty to read about a Roman and a Egyptian).

[Claudio]

I know little about mythology

[Claudio]

Please inform me.

[BlackHawK]

I confess the first time I heard about Norse Mithology was playing Age of Mithology, but I found it so exciting that I began reading things about it. I still don't know much about it, but is one of my favorites (after greek).

What I like the most is that the Norse Mithology has a 'final battle', the great Ragnarok.

[Hats of!]

What I like the most is that the Norse Mithology has a 'final battle', the great Ragnarok.

I really do like the tale were Loki kills Balder.
Balder was practically immortal, so all of the gods entertained themselves by shooting arrows at Balder, he can't die so no harm, right?
Anyway, Balder's blind brother Höðr wanted to try it out, but then came that bastard Loki. Loki gave him a dart made out of mistletoe, a plant which would kill Balder. Höðr shot, and killed Balder. Loki ran of, which you'd expect someone to do after they'd kill someone.

But later Loki is found and tied him down with his own sons entrails. And then they placed a snake right over his head, a poisonous snake that would drop poison over his face.
Sigyn, Loki's mate, held a bowl over Loki's head so she could gather the drops, but eventually she would have to leave and empty the bowl, making Loki writhe in pain and causing earthquakes.

[Quadros]

Yeah, I read Horrible Histories; Vicious Vikings as well.


Yeah everything I know about Norse mythology I leant from a book aimed at ten year-olds? Grow up. Also scroll down, what I said is aimed at you too.

Did you learn Norse mythology through heavy metal albums?

Firstly, Vikings were a clan of Scandinavians, not the people. Secondly, there is some moral aspects to early Norse literature/mythology/folklore.
If we take something like the Eddas, this is perhaps the origin of most "Viking-sagas". Gylfaginning tells for example about a Swedish king who travels to the aesir (gods) in order to get knowledge. Generally, while some stories are about how Thor smashed that giant in his face, they generally hold a meaning. Not some silly "let's all be nice" meaning, but rather "kill them before they kill you".


No, I just didn't read the shitty Swedish bits. This by the way is why I hate the lit forum, because EVERYONE has to know EVERYTHING. It's not enough to just know some Norse mythology and a brief history of northern Europe, You have to DISPLAY that knowledge in the most pretentious, multi-paragraphed way possible, or risk ridicule from someone who frankly isn't in a position to mock ANYONE. Honestly, why attack a post that said 'I like Viking mythology'? But I'll tell you what, I'll edit my original message. All the GOOD mythology avoided the morality shite. And you don't need to learn a fucking Scandinavian language to 'appreciate' the mythology. It's still awesome when it's translated into English. Shut up.

[Derelict]

I'm honestly with Quadros. This is one of the reasons I, too, hate the lit. forum. Everyone just corrects each other with a fucking page and a half of facts no one gives a shit about.

Though, Hats, you forgot about Odin's wolves; Geri and Freki.

My buddy, Tanner, is really into Norse Mythology. He's so obsessed with it, he can pretty much go off for about an hour when you ask him. I can't remember what the book is called, but there's a large series of novel-type-tomes of tales he reads from Scandinavia. One is about a man who cleaves another man's skull for insulting him in front of his friends, or something. It's really cool to read. They had a pretty twisted idea of morality back then. Basically if you challenged someone to something, you had the right to take it unless they defended it with their life. If you killed them, it was yours. If you simply took it, however, you'd be a thief and would go to Jotunheim as a coward when you die.

I, myself, am not exactly all that knowledgeable but I'd like to be. Does anyone know where Muspelheim comes in? I know it's the land of Surtr and fire giants, but do evil people go there? Jotunheim as far as I know, is where cowards and the like go. Obviously Valhalla is for heroes in battle that Odin picks and sends the Valkyries to collect, then they battle and drink there until Ragnarok where they fight on the side of the Gods from Asgard. That and various other little bits is about the extent of my knowledge.

[BlackHawK]

I'm honestly with Quadros. This is one of the reasons I, too, hate the lit. forum. Everyone just corrects each other with a fucking page and a half of facts no one gives a shit about.

Though, Hats, you forgot about Odin's wolves; Geri and Freki.

My buddy, Tanner, is really into Norse Mythology. He's so obsessed with it, he can pretty much go off for about an hour when you ask him. I can't remember what the book is called, but there's a large series of novel-type-tomes of tales he reads from Scandinavia. One is about a man who cleaves another man's skull for insulting him in front of his friends, or something. It's really cool to read. They had a pretty twisted idea of morality back then. Basically if you challenged someone to something, you had the right to take it unless they defended it with their life. If you killed them, it was yours. If you simply took it, however, you'd be a thief and would go to Jotunheim as a coward when you die.

I, myself, am not exactly all that knowledgeable but I'd like to be. Does anyone know where Muspelheim comes in? I know it's the land of Surtr and fire giants, but do evil people go there? Jotunheim as far as I know, is where cowards and the like go. Obviously Valhalla is for heroes in battle that Odin picks and sends the Valkyries to collect, then they battle and drink there until Ragnarok where they fight on the side of the Gods from Asgard. That and various other little bits is about the extent of my knowledge.

These are the Einhjars or something like that, right? They spend the day fighting, while in the night they eat and drink while their wounds are recovered by the Valkyries. Finally, Odin pick up the best ones to fight in the Ragnarok.

[Haggis McSpud]

Yeah everything I know about Norse mythology I leant from a book aimed at ten year-olds? Grow up. Also scroll down, what I said is aimed at you too.



No, I just didn't read the shitty Swedish bits. This by the way is why I hate the lit forum, because EVERYONE has to know EVERYTHING. It's not enough to just know some Norse mythology and a brief history of northern Europe, You have to DISPLAY that knowledge in the most pretentious, multi-paragraphed way possible, or risk ridicule from someone who frankly isn't in a position to mock ANYONE. Honestly, why attack a post that said 'I like Viking mythology'? But I'll tell you what, I'll edit my original message. All the GOOD mythology avoided the morality shite. And you don't need to learn a fucking Scandinavian language to 'appreciate' the mythology. It's still awesome when it's translated into English. Shut up.

Quadros, quit getting so annoyed when people take the piss a little, I was only messing about, you don't have to start flaming every time your internet coolness is even slightly doubted. I'm sure you have amazing knowledge in just about everything but come on, I actually thought this was a pretty cool discussion about mythology but just turning it into another shit fest.

[Quadros]

Quadros, quit getting so annoyed when people take the piss a little, I was only messing about, you don't have to start flaming every time your internet coolness is even slightly doubted. I'm sure you have amazing knowledge in just about everything but come on, I actually thought this was a pretty cool discussion about mythology but just turning it into another shit fest.
Yeah no, you made the retarded bitchy attack, so you derailed the thread. There was no need to make a stupid inaccurate smart arse quip at me, especially since you're entirely incapable of being funny. Besides you've been around long enough to know that I'm incapable of letting you insult me without response. I'm like Thor at the marriage of Freya and Thrym. Either I respond or I act like a woman and get shafted by giant dick.

And we're back on topic.

[ultrasoundchick]

As long as we're back on topic.

I love mythology of all kinds. Norse and/or Celtic are probably my favorites though. I don't know of any good books about mythology. I have spent a lot of time on wiki, looking up celtic mythology. I can just about get off with all the clickable links that tie each character together.

[coolexpert]

Try out the Indian Hindu mythology - I love it. The following are what I would recommend trying:

The Ramayana
The Mahabharata
Panchatantra tales (Jataka tales inclusive)

[Tweek]

I am reading the Eddas at the moment.

I like this part:

...and that time is called the Age of Gold, before it was spoiled by the coming of the Women...
An interesting perspective.

The whole thing about the sons of Borr ripping apart Ymir and creating the world with his parts is pretty fucking cool.

As you can tell I'm not really far into it yet.