Balder the Glorious
In the chapter entitled "Baldr and Loki" in R.I. Page's book, Norse Myths, he takes a close look at the character Balder and how he relates to two very different stories of how he was killed. First is the Snorri version of the Death of Balder and second being the Saxo version. Page states that Baldr "is the best of all gods, fair in complexion and nature, wise, eloquent and full of grace, yet ineffectual."(Page 47) He is mentioned many times throughout Norse mythology but there are few myths actually focused around him. A lot is focused around Baldr's invulnerability. Baldr is the most loved and perfect of the gods and is killed, but later in Norse mythology is reborn when a new better world is created. Page brings up the similarities this has to a popular Christian belief of Jesus Christ's resurrection from death. He points out that this is no coincidence being that it is not
Explanation of New Concept - Archetype Archetype has several definitions. The Saxo version is meant to be real history not mythology (Page 51). Baldr is killed when fighting for the throne and a woman Nanna. Loki on the other hand is the archetypal symbol of deviance, disrespect, greed, and evil. The one I felt that was most suitable in correlation with Norse mythology was: "the original model, form, or pattern from which something is made from or from which something is developed" (Webster). The combination of these two archetypes in one myth present the listener or reader with the two far extremes of what is to be expected and not expected in the Norse culture. A god who dies and then is resurrected is also a theme in Egypt (Osiris), and Adonis. Examples are Baldr in Saxo version of Norse mythology or Herakles in Greek mythology. only Christians who have this belief. Definition of three TermsKennings- Chants that contain poetic devices sang by ancient Norseman. Semideus- something that is semideus is considered half or part god. All loves him and all would do anything for him.
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Acceptance Essays
