Thoughts I've thunk while sippin' at a cup of tea and reading something provoking, often get dropped here for the benefit of humanity and my own hubris.
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I received the following email the other day, and thought I would log my response...
I'm Ivo, a 16 jear old student and Im working on a essay about the relation between Greek and Norse gods and their evolution over time and I was wondering from where you gained the information necessary for this "thought".
Nice to meet you. Which "thought" are you referring to? I assume you mean Is Zeus either Odhinn or Thor? Usually I state where I get my resources... however, I don't have any good references off-hand that does a direct comparison between Nordic and Greek gods. I believe that most mythologist feel that Nordic gods (which are very similar to the Teutonic or German gods) were derivative from the Greek gods (by way of the Roman influence).
I personally think that they both were dervied from a common culture, however, my only proof is the Indo-European language roots (you've studied that before, right?) All European and Indian (not Native American) languages came from an original language … if this is so, why wouldn't religion and stories come with the language? However, I am not an authority on this subject, but I've been impressed enough with Nordic mythology to wish that it could be elevated from its present position.
So, give me more details about this "evolution" idea of yours, and I could probably give you some better references.
There was one major evolutionary step that Nordic mythology did, and that was the change to Odin worship. Before Odin was a more feminine nature worship. Odin brought in a more masculine change. This is shown in the big war between the Aesir (Odin's group) and the Vanir (original nature gods). In true integration fashion, some of the original nature gods were "kept around" … notably Freyr and Freyja … and this is probably because they were too popular to simply wipe away. You note the parallel with the integration of pagan gods becoming "saints" when Catholicism came to town.
This point here (of Odin coming to Scandinavia) is what most scholars use to prove the Greek influence (Odin == Zeus), however, Zeus was similarly integrated into Greece. This arrival of Zeus/Odin, I think, was brought by the same people who were bringing this Indo-European language with them. But you better not quote me, as I am not an authority on this subject. However, take this idea and run with it, and if you find more proof of it, let me know.
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i love greek myhtology and want to be a greek mythologist, how do I become one?
PostScript-I am 12 years old.
Comment posted on Friday, 21 November 2003I have actually had that same dream, and wish I had the guts to actually give it a go. Definitely follow your bliss. I believe that doing a lot of reading and a lot of listening at your age would help. A healthy dose of poetry is also good for the soul. If you haven’t read “Women Who Run With the Wolves” (by Clarissa Pinkola Estes), I’d recommend that one.
Eventually you’ll want to go to college and you can study it more there. Not very many universities have a “Mythology” program, but I do know that Pacifica University has graduate studies in Mythology (but you’d go there after you receive your Bachelor’s Degree somewhere else).
Hope that helps, and I look forward to reading your first book on the subject.
Comment posted on Friday, 21 November 2003I love Greek Mythology and I’m looking at it as a career option. Do you know what sorts of careers i could have that would involve greek mythology?
Comment posted on Monday, 19 July 2004
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