Norse Myths in a Jiff

Later this week, I’ve got my first solo author event scheduled. Held at the Augusta County Library in Fishersville, I will be leading a workshop dealing specifically with incorporating mythology into a work of fiction. While we will discuss the book itself, the main focus of the workshop will be the origins of Norse Mythology, some fun tales, and how we can put it all together to create an inspired novel. 

While the butterflies rule my stomach, and a nervous patter has constantly caught ahold of my heart, on the blog today we will talk about some of the unique myths that I have incorporated within my book, The Halls of Valhalla. So, sip your coffee, lean back in your seat, and get ready to hear about the most peculiar myths ever spread by the Nords.

The Builder and his Steed

Long ago, the gods of Asgard protected their realm from invaders through sheer force of will. While attacks happened frequently, there was nothing in the city’s design to keep these villains out. 

One day, a nameless builder came to the gods with a proposition. Claiming to be able to build a magnificent wall around the realm before the next winter, the gods found it a folly deal, but agreed nonetheless. Despite the builder asking for some pricey rewards, there was no way he could finish such a feat by himself in only months. He asked for the goddess Freyja to be his prize, as well as possession of the sun and moon.

The arrogant gods thought nothing of it. They watched from a distance as the builder began to forge his wall, and they noticed his singular, peculiar companion. Svadilfari, an unusually intelligent and strong horse, worked alongside the builder. With his unique strength, the steed was able to do most of the heavy lifting, while the builder organized it all. As the days went on, Svadilfari’s assistance proved to be more helpful than the gods ever realized. 

Days before the deadline, it looked as though the builder was completing his work. Everything would be completed in time for the builder to demand his prize. The gods, suddenly aware of the folly they got themselves into, rushed to find a solution. 

Then came Loki, the trickster god. While mostly all of the stories expose Loki as a nuisance on the gods who fooled around and poked buttons, here he is the key to a happy ending. At least, the closest the Nords could get to a happy ending.

To distract Svadilfari from finishing the work with the builder, Loki swiftly transformed into a mare, or a female horse. Tempting the other horse, Loki ran off into the nearby woods, and Svadilfari quickly followed. This left the builder alone, and as the deadline came to fruition, the wall was unfinished, and the deal broken.

Much to the gods dismay, the builder revealed himself to be a giant within his rage, and was slain. Deep in the woods, where Loki the mare remained missing with the horse Svadilfari, something peculiar happened. 

When Loki returned, he was not unscathed. The mare was now pregnant, and would later give birth to one of the most well-known creatures within all of Norse Mythology: Sleipnir, Odin’s eight-legged legendary steed. 

Thrice Burnt, Thrice Reborn

With Ragnarok always on the horizon, the Norse gods always had something to be afraid of. Odin’s mighty knowledge he gained through ultimate sacrifice allowed him glimpses into the future, and while it could be helpful, it built this paranoia within the All-Father. As tensions grew between the gods, the slightest wrong twitch could send them into a disarray of rage and war. 

One day, when the gods of Asgard gathered in their throne room for a meeting known as an Althing, an unexpected and uninvited guest made an appearance. 

Gullveig, a goddess from another tribe, decides to enter the Althing for reasons unknown. She has not come to cause a fight, or argue with the gods. She had this odd fascination with gold, and how it related to power, and wanted to converse with Asgard’s gods about this subject. When the gods took in all her power, and the nonsense that came out her mouth, they lunged into attack, and launched a series of spears into her chest.

Gullveig remained unscathed. She was perplexed, but did not fight the gods.

Now frightened, the gods scrambled to grab a hold of her, and throw her into the roaring flames of their fireplace. 

Gullveig walked out the flames. 

The gods did it again, throwing her into the fire. 

Once more, Gullveig exited the fireplace, not a scratch in sight.

And for the last time, the gods gathered her up, and tossed her into the fire, knowing that this third time had to be the last. 

But she walked out the fire, perplexed as to why the gods were trying to end her life.

Now filled with a fear of her power, the gods told her to leave, and expelled her from Asgard. This moment between the tribes of gods can be one of the first scenes that led to the war between gods, which eventually tips into the coming of Ragnarok. 

Thank you for joining me today to learn about some exciting stories from Norse Mythology. Tune back in later this week to read all about how my workshop went, and maybe even to read another story or two!

Skal! 

Thanks for tuning in. See you soon :)