There's a neat piece from Science Nordic about the influence that medieval texts had upon our modern perceptions of ancient beliefs - particular in relation to the god Odin. Since history is so often written by the victors - or, at the very least, the survivors - much of what we know about Odin is rooted in Middle Age manuscripts written and illuminated by Christian monks.
Annette Lassen holds a PhD in Norse Philology from the Department of Scandinavian Research at the University of Copenhagen, and has recently published a book (available in Danish only) on the diverse representations of Odin found in medieval texts. Lassen says, "researchers should weed out the Christian perception of Odin in order to arrive at the original conceptions of the god. Regarding medieval texts as a single, heathen text and extrapolating an image of Odin from this is not a viable option. The texts are very diverse."
Many interpretations of Odin exist in the early manuscripts, because each writer presented thoughts and ideas colored by his own agenda. Lassen points out that often, heathen gods were presented as demons in disguise - and completely fooling the misguided heathens.
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Annette Lassen holds a PhD in Norse Philology from the Department of Scandinavian Research at the University of Copenhagen, and has recently published a book (available in Danish only) on the diverse representations of Odin found in medieval texts. Lassen says, "researchers should weed out the Christian perception of Odin in order to arrive at the original conceptions of the god. Regarding medieval texts as a single, heathen text and extrapolating an image of Odin from this is not a viable option. The texts are very diverse."
Many interpretations of Odin exist in the early manuscripts, because each writer presented thoughts and ideas colored by his own agenda. Lassen points out that often, heathen gods were presented as demons in disguise - and completely fooling the misguided heathens.
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The Nordic pantheon was also heavily influenced by pre-Christian Rome who wanted to equate their own Gods/Goddesses with those of the cultures they were assimilating. So it stands to reason that some of the mythos began to cross over very early, losing some of the original tellings and character.
Now, as an eclectic Pagan, I have learned from experience that major Deities do NOT need our stories or faith to exist, and they are drawn to those who wish to honor them. Some of my most profound magical experiences have come from the use of the FUTHARK runes. Just try burning one into a piece of prominently displayed woodwork and watch what happens.
BB,
Larry
Thats only a problem if youre reading medieval literature written centuries after christianity came to iceland because youre trying to find information on pre christian belief…
Its a good source for secular belief across 8 centuries, that in itself is fantastic. If you dont think so then you devalue the traditions of the people whos literature youre using to support your neopaganism. And I doubt even your Jungian archetypes would be happy with that.
Some say Odin was a real king ,originally.That he fled with his people from a place in the Middle East to Scandinavia .We all know that there was a time when a person died ,they may have been deified.Much more .But,tangents .M
Hail Odin!
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