![]() ![]() It’s perhaps less the notion of sharing than the possible changing of these Old Norse stories that sparked a mini-controversy last fall, when Gaiman announced his new book’s publication date. And because they are shared, they change. ![]() Myths about these impressive beings survive, then, because they captivate audiences they survive because they’re continuously shared. To paraphrase a sentiment attributed to Odin in the Viking Age poem Hávamál: Although everyone and everything eventually dies-giants and gods and brave warriors included-tales about praiseworthy folk will outlast them all. Like the Vikings themselves, his characters value ingenuity as much as physical prowess, since both help to build a memorable reputation. In writing it, Gaiman has provided an enchanting contemporary interpretation of the Viking ethos. And that sacrifices must be made to secure a good future. That carefully chosen words could be as powerful as deeds. It’s a passage that gives us a fascinating glimpse into an Old Norse worldview: It suggests that these early medieval people believed gods were many and formidable. This was the beginning of all things, the death that made all life possible. There was no other way to make the worlds. Odin and Ve and Vili killed the giant Ymir. ![]() They spoke of the universe, and of life, and of the future. Ve and Vili and Odin looked at each other and spoke of what was needful to do, there in the void of Ginnungagap. ![]()
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