Norse Review Questions

1. Why do the gods care when Idunn is kidnapped?
Idunn is the keeper of the golden apples, which give the gods eternal youth. Without these apples, unlike Greek gods, the Norse gods will age. It is imperative that the apples be recovered so the gods can stay alive and youthful.
2. From reading the myths of Northern Europe, what do we learn about their culture and values. Be specific. Support your claims with examples.
Based on reading their myths, we can see that the Norse held some dark and dreary beliefs. For example, they believe that in Ragnarok, or doomsday, good is doomed to fail. They value bravery in warriors, as evidenced by their belief in Valhalla, the golden place where the bravest warriors get to go after death.
3. Who is more like Prometheus, Loki or Odin? Support your decision.
Loki is more like Prometheus, because he is punished against his will, whereas Odin chooses to forfeit his sight for knowledge. Loki's punishment, like Prometheus', is perpetual.
4. Identify three other ways in which Norse mythology is like other myths that we have studied so far. Be specific.
The Norse pantheon is similar to the other pantheons we have studied. Odin is like Zeus, Frigg is like Hera, etc. The Norse also include tricksters in their myths. Loki is similar to Coyote in Native American myths. Additionally, the Norse believe in different realms, Asgard and Midgard, like the Greek Mt. Olympus and Earth.
5. Provide three reasons that Loki is such a popular figure?
Loki provides a certain element of humor. He is clever, and he brings balance to the mythology. The Norse probably valued this dichotomy of chaos and control. He is also a character that provides lessons for moral myths.