Thor In Leonard & Mcclure’s Typology

Contents

TOC o “1-3” h z u HYPERLINK l “_Toc380253318” Introduction PAGEREF _Toc380253318 h 1

HYPERLINK l “_Toc380253319” Types of gods in the narrative PAGEREF _Toc380253319 h 1

HYPERLINK l “_Toc380253320” Justification of earth or kingly authority PAGEREF _Toc380253320 h 1

HYPERLINK l “_Toc380253321” The myth and the culture of its origin PAGEREF _Toc380253321 h 2

Introduction

Literature has been a fundamental part of the human society. It has mainly been used for entertainment purposes, as well as educating individuals about certain aspects of the society, not to mention inspiring certain ideas or shaping a shift in the societal way of doing things. Greek mythology has formed a fundamental part of literature that has become timeless. One of the key features of Greek mythology is the inclusion of tales pertaining to gods, goddesses, as well as other divine beings. Indeed, scholars have underlined the fact that the Greeks had varied gods and goddesses that they revered and worship even more than the other deities that they included in their tales. Their myths underline the existence of semi-divine beings, divine families, as well as societies of gods. This is the case for Kevin Crossley-Holland’s mythology “Thor’s Duel with Hrungnir”.

Types of gods in the narrativeThe narrative incorporates varied types of gods. First, there is the chthonic gods such as Vanir, the fertility god that occupies the top level (Leonard D & McClure, 2004). Chthonic gods may also be seen in the third and lowest level called Nifleheim, where citizens are guarded by Nifleheim, a half-female, half living monster. There is also the Olympian godess, Athena in this case, represented by the warrior gods named Aesir, who reside at the top level as well.

Justification of earth or kingly authorityIndeed, the story tends to justify kingly or earthly authority. This is especially considering that the arrival of Hrungnir at the Valhalla. Odin and the warriors concentrated on giving the giant volumes of liquor hoping that it will fall in a stupor (Clossley-Holland, 1980). Unfortunately, this does not happen, in which case they send form Thor, who knows that there is no honor in attacking an unarmed giant. This shows the difference between the ways of the kings and those of other commoners especially with regard to decision-making and strategizing. Kings kingly authority comes with the capacity to make decision and strategies that will not only bring victory but also honor, which is why Thor declines to attack the unarmed giant as such a thing would have brought shame to him (Clossley-Holland, 1980).

In addition, the defeat of Hrungnir by Thor is quite telling. Of course, the question remains why no other individual would have faced the giant. In spite of the size and the scary nature of the giant, Thor throws his hammer, which breaks the bone that the giant had threw into smithereens before crushing the giant’s skull and killing him instantly (Clossley-Holland, 1980). The tact, bravely and the strength of Thor is an attempt to glorify or justify kingly authority as it underlines a duty to defend one’s people and honor. This is also the case with Thor’s 3-year old son, Magni, who lifts up the giant’s leg while everyone else had been unable to do it.

The myth and the culture of its originThe myth seems to be derived from a culture that involves a number of festivities and belief in deities, who are credited with the course that the lives of the people take. On the same note, it is evident that the culture from which the myth originates is hierarchically arranged in line with the positions, status and the capabilities of the individuals. Testament to this is the statement that the Norse cosmology underlined a three-part structured universe, which had a top level, middle level and lower level, each of which had gods or beings with distinctive features.

References

Clossley-Holland, K (1980). Thor’s Duel with Hrungnir” in the “The Norse Myths”. New York: Random House

Leonard, D & McClure, M (2004). Myth & Knowing: An Introduction to World Mythology. Boston: McGraw Hill.