Reflections on Old Norse Myths

When seeking to understand the function of mythology in the pagan past and in medieval Iceland scholars are confronted with the problem of how sources from the Middle Ages can properly be used. The articles in this volume demonstrate diverse angles from which Old Norse mythological texts can be viewed. Many discuss methodological problems in dealing with the texts and draw on expertise from different fields of study such as history, philology, literary studies, and history of religions. The authors are all established experts in the field, but demonstrate new approaches to the study of Old Norse mythology, and offer insights into possible new directions for research.

List of Illustrations

Preface

List of Contributors

Contemporary Research into Old Norse Mythology — JENS PETER SCHJØDT

Íslendingabók and History — PERNILLE HERMANN

Why Did Christians Continue to Find Pagan Myths Useful? — JOHN MCKINNELL

Male or Female Initiation? The Strange Case of Ragnars saga — RORY MCTURK

Skírnismál and Nordic Charm Magic — STEPHEN A. MITCHELL

‘Hildr Prepares a Bed for Most Helmet-Damagers’: Snorri’s Treatment of a Traditional Poetic Motif in his Edda — JUDY QUINN

Myth, Genealogy, and Narration: Some Motifs in Vo3lsunga saga from the Perspective of the History of Religions — CATHARINA RAUDVERE

Ibn Fadlan’s Account of a Rus Funeral: To What Degree Does It Reflect Nordic Myths? — JENS PETER SCHJØDT

Why Was Óðinn Killed by Fenrir? A Structural Analysis of Kinship Structures in Old Norse Myths of Creation and Eschatology — RASMUS TRANUM KRISTENSEN

Index