1. What genres do the following texts belong to, and how do their intended period contexts, purposes, and intended audiences differ?
Voluspa, Volsunga Saga, Beowulf, The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings.
Remember to give some examples from these texts that support your identification (for example: "Voluspa is an example of the _____ genre, as the following references to gods from the poem illustrate: "Hear my words / you holy gods' (l.1) "By Odin's Will I'll speak the ancient lore" (l.3), etc).
2. What are some possible features of residual (or "secondary") orality preserved in Voluspa, according to the criteria Ong (1982) advances?
3. Identify a central incident that happens in at least four of the above texts, and discuss how it is both similar and different in each example (remember to cite from the original texts).
4. How did Tolkien draw on the Old Norse and Old English texts in his The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings fantasy novels? Provide some concrete examples.
5. Discuss how Tolkien's use of "tradition" (e.g. older literary sources) differs from the techniques and agendas of modernism (see Week 7 in your Reader).
6. Identify some recent films, TV shows and/or games which have brought back some of the old gods and heroes from obscurity. What place do the old myths have in the modern world?
7. How does the film Beowulf and Grendel "problematise" the hero-myth of Beowulf ? [Subject to viewing]
8. Discuss what you think any of these texts desire (in the sense of their intention, how they wish to be received, what pleasures they offer, etc).
ReplyDelete4. How did Tolkien draw on the Old Norse and Old English texts in his The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings fantasy novels? Provide some concrete examples.
Tolkien drew from different aspects Norse mythology when writing his novels, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. The very landscape of Middle Earth was inspired by Iceland. At a young age, Tolkien had been a reader and translated Norse readings in his own time. The Volsunga Saga was his first nordic purchase-the text which also inspired Richard Wagners opera, Der Ring des Nibelungen. Both texts make mention of an all-powerful ring and a broken sword that is reforged, are both main features of the story, similar key elements in Tolkien’s novels (Buckley, 2017)
Tolkiens mythical creatures were largely based on Nordic sources such as the Prose Edda and the Elder or Poetic Edda, which contain accounts of elves and dwarves. The names of the Norse dwarves, or dvergar, are also listed in the Völuspá, and Tolkien used these names in The Hobbit: Dwalin, Bombur, Fili, Kili and so on. Gandalf (literally translated as "magic-elf") is also the name of one of the dvergar - although Gandalf himself is modeled after the god Odin.
Another example, would be the final battle which is prophesied at the end of the legendarium is Dagor Dagorath (Final Battle) and bears many resemblances to Ragnarök (literally "fate of the Gods"), the battle which destroys the Norse world. Both battles result in a near-complete destruction of the world, from which a new world is created and the old worlds inhabitants live in after it. (The One Wiki to Rule Them All, 2016)
In addition, Tolkien also drew ideas from his knowledge as a professor of the Old-english/Anglo-saxan translations. Literature such as Beowulf influenced his writings (Tolley, 2016). Tolkien also mentions Beowulfs personality of masculinity and heroisim, which can be seen in the Lord of the Ring’s character, Aragorn. Another major influence on Tolkien is riddle poetry from Anglo-Saxon England. The Middle English vision poem Pearl also influenced Tolkien's writings. The anonymous poem commemorates the loss of the poet's daughter, who is described as a pearl. In the description of the pearl, we can see elements not only of Tolkien's One Ring, but also of Gollum's obsession with it, even to the phrase "My Precious" (Tolley, 2016). Tolkien made translations of both Pearl and Beowulf, as well as other Old and Middle English texts.
References:
Buckley, C. (2017). How Icelandic Norse Mythology Influenced Tolkien. [online] Culture Trip. Available at: https://theculturetrip.com/europe/iceland/articles/how-icelandic-norse-mythology-influenced-tolkien/ [Accessed 13 Mar. 2018].
The One Wiki to Rule Them All. (2016). Norse mythology. [online] Available at: http://lotr.wikia.com/wiki/Norse_mythology [Accessed 13 Mar. 2018].
Tolley, C. (2016). [online] Catalogue.pearsoned.co.uk. Available at: http://catalogue.pearsoned.co.uk/assets/hip/gb/uploads/M02_NORT6036_02_SE_C02.pdf [Accessed 13 Mar. 2018].
ReplyDelete6. Identify some recent films, TV shows and/or games which have brought back some of the old gods and heroes from obscurity. What place do the old myths have in the modern world?
Films: Thor Trilogy
The American comic book company, Marvel universe, have adopted the Norse Pantheon and related elements, with the likes of Thor.Other Norse Gods make an appearance such as Loki (Thor’s adopted brother in this version) , Heimdall, Odin and mention of the nine realms. Now adapted to the big screen, the film (like comics and mythology) uses Yggdrasil (depicted as a constellation in space which binds the Nine Realms together, resembling a tree) and the Bifrost Bridge (the means by which the Asgardians travel to other planets) as plot bases. These versions of the Norse legend usually interact in our contemporary world, of Midgard (Earth), where Thor plays a vital role in the Avengers, standing as one of the longest running superheroes for the franchise.
TV Shows: American Gods
Another example would be the american fantasy drama, and Television series, American Gods, has adopted multiple deities from various cultures. Characters such as Mr.Wednesday (Odin-Norse mythology), Mr.Jacquel (Anubis-Egyptian mythology), and Mama-Ji (Hindu mythology- the goddess of time and destruction). These Gods of old, interact in our contemporary world, as their powers have diminished due to peoples loss of belief in such beings. Instead they are forced to take on the new gods,a representation of new material things such as Technology (Mr. technical boy) and Media (Media). Nowadays deities which people seem to worship and follow more closely. (Romano, 2017)
References:
Romano, N. (2017). The ‘American Gods’ Bible: A Guide to the Old Gods and the New. [online] Collider. Available at: http://collider.com/american-gods-explained/#mr-world-crispin-glover [Accessed 13 Mar. 2018].
Hi Jonah,
DeleteThis is a really great response with references to where you got your information; you've described the relation to Norse Mythology well and I've not seen the TV show American Gods myself so now I'm kind of interested given your descriptions.
However, there's a part of the question you may have missed out? More specifically 'what place do the old myths have in the modern world?' I'm not certain if you meant to incorporate the answer with your descriptions but if that's the case I don't think it was made clear enough.
Otherwise you have good identifications of Norse influences in these texts. Nice!
--Erika.
Hey Erika, thank you for your comment. Re-reading my answers again, I will make sure to answer questions more in depth and to also check ive read the whole question before posting answers.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
Delete3. Identify a central incident that happens in at least four of the above texts, and discuss how it is both similar and different in each example (remember to site from the original texts).
ReplyDeleteA Certain parallel that is seen across, in the above texts, is the slaying of dragons, or serpents (Worm), and is usually the central incident in these stories. Such destrucious creatures, are seen as a threat to settlements, or people in general..In Voluspa "Midgard's defender dies triumphant, but the human race no longer has a home" and in Beowulf "The dragon began to belch out flames and burn bright homesteads; there was a hot glow that scared everyone, for the vile sky-winger would leave nothing alive in his wake." Such a theme, gives the dragon slayer a purpose;to seek out the serpents,and monsters to slay them.
References:
Delete(Beowulf, cited in Critical Reader, Week 1, p.5 )
Voluspa (CR p.4)
(Beowulf, cited in Critical Reader, Week 1, p.6 )
Hey Jonah,
DeleteThis is a nice short answer to the question. Dragons were definitely a large part in Norse mythology which is evidently shown in a lot of the text readings. I also found it interesting how dragons in all the western mythologies were all described negatively (as worms or monsters), because as Paul mentioned in one of the lectures that they are all praised and respected in the Eastern cultures. This is also makes me think about the original origin of dragons, and how the same sort of creatures and have very different views depending on where in the world they are studied and talked about.
8. Discuss what you think any of these texts desire (in the sense of their intention, how they wish to be received, what pleasures they offer, etc).
ReplyDeleteI think that these arts of literature desired the attention of readers and listeners to take action. For example, stories of "the far-famed Thor", would inspire Vikings to fight in battle. Prophecies of Voluspa, would speak of the end of days, or "Ragnarok", which would prepare the followers to repent and act as better people, as the end of days is near.
However, in contrast, I believe J.R.Tolkien was entertaining a new generation with his Lord of the Rings, and the Hobbit. Although, he was inspired and adopted Norse Pantheon, he has created his stories to engage young readers with tales of adventure, friendship and comradeship.
Question 6: Identify some recent films, TV shows and/or games which have brought back some of the old gods and heroes from obscurity. What place do the old myths have in the modern world?
ReplyDeleteA massively popular example of Old Norse heroes and tales being brought into the modern era is Marvel Comics and their cinematic universe. Since the 1960s, Thor, Odin, Loki, and Heimdall have been brought back into the public eye with those four arguably being the most prominent, especially in the films. But the unearthing of Norse culture goes deeper than that, the films touch on Lady Sif and the Warriors Three, Hela, Surtur, and the world ending scenario of Ragnarok. The comic publications however delve even deeper, a prime example of this is the 2011 comic Fear Itself written by Matt Fraction. The story tells of Thor and the Avengers battling against the reincarnated form of Skaði, who awakens the Midgard Serpent Jörmungandr. The prophecy of Ragnarok and the battle between the Serpant and Thor detailed in Voluspa does take place, the prophecy of the old story “Far-famed Thor, the son of Earth, the son of Odin, goes forth to fight the Snake. Midgard’s defender dies triumphant…”
“...nine steps beyond the Serpent’s body, Thor, wounded, walks in pride.”
Thor mentions this prophecy almost word for word, telling Jörmungandr that he will take nine steps and perish. This is an interesting interpretation, as Thor in the world of Marvel is still seen as a mythological figure, but one that does actually exist.
Hey Sam,
DeleteGreat points made in your answer, however it would help to make reference to where you found your information. Other than that good knowledge of the text and awesome response.
Question 8: Discuss what you think any of these texts desire (in the sense of their intention, how they wish to be received, what pleasures they offer, etc).
ReplyDeleteThese texts all offer something that is of great importance for readers, and that is escapism with just a touch of wish fulfillment. From Tolkien and his tale of staunch conservatism and fear of modernisation, the peaceful country side of the Shire (England) falling to industrialism, to Voluspa and its way of answering the unanswerable of how and why we are here. An example of this, is Beowulf, a particular line stands out as what would be heavy themes of escapism “He ruled it well for fifty winters, grew old and wise as warden of the land ”
During the late 900s - which is speculated to be Beowulf’s origin - england was in a period of war, the Viking invasion being overthrown. It is safe to assume life was hard, made even more strenuous under such inconsistent leadership. A story such as this, telling of a land brought to peace for 50 years would be an incredible point of escapism for all listeners of this tale. This is a universal truth across all stories, that people want to be able to escape into the words and forget about their own lives, swept up by glorious tales of heroes and gods.
Question 6: Identify some recent films, TV shows and/or games which have brought back some of the old gods and heroes from obscurity. What place do the old myths have in the modern world?
ReplyDeleteRecently the company Marvel has expanded their cinematic universe of custom superheroes where we first got a glimpse of some references to old gods and heroes from obscurity, which is present through a few characters; Thor, Loki and Odin. In the latest instalment of the Thor franchise, ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ is where these old myths are modernised in a way so that people can understand and connect with the history and mythology. In Extract 3 of the poem Völuspá, the prophecy of ‘Ragnarok’ is explored in lines 1-4;
“Far-famed Thor, the son of Earth,
the son of Odin, goes forth to fight the Snake.
Midgard’s defender dies triumphant,
But the human race no longer has a home” (Terry, P. (trans). 1990)
These four lines (P.7 Critical reader) show the English translation of the original fate of Thor, who dies in the process of killing his enemy. However, in the 2017 film adaptation directed by Taika Waititi, the fate of ‘Ragnarok’ has slightly been changed so that viewers and avid Marvel fans can still enjoy Thor’s adventures as he doesn’t die, but instead will appear in the next Avenger’s movie, thus reviving and giving new life to the legend of Thor.
Depicted in Dragon Age: Inquisition, there is a character/god named Fen’Harel who’s creation has been inspired by the Norse myth of Fenrir. In Norse mythology Fenrir is described as a monster and great mythical wolf who is also a trickster (McCoy, 2012), Fen’Harel is described in a similar way;
“Fen'Harel, the elven god of betrayal (or god of rebellion) is also known as the Dread Wolf, He Who Hunts Alone, Lord of Tricksters, The Great Wolf, Roamer of the Beyond, the old wolf, and Bringer of Nightmares.” (Fandom, 2018).
I think they decided to reform the old Norse god to keep the mythology alive and to form a tribute to the past.
Bibliography
D. M. (2012). The Binding of Fenrir. Retrieved from https://norse-mythology.org/tales/the-binding-of-fenrir/
F. (2018). Fen'Harel. Retrieved from http://dragonage.wikia.com/wiki/Fen'Harel
Terry, P. (trans). (1990, 1966). Poems of the Elder Edda. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press
Hi Anthony,
DeleteNice response! I like the way you described Norse mythology's influences on both your chosen movie and game. I agree with what you're saying about how it brought back the legend of Thor and modified it to keep him alive for more adventures to come. However, do you think also that he was kept alive because of how major a part he plays in the franchise as a whole? In Marvel movies, characters who die don't seem to stay dead, which seems to be a recurring thing in the superhero genre. Take a look at DC's Batman vs. Superman (Superman's death at the end and he inevitably comes back because of who he is) or even Marvel's Avengers (Phil Coulson who died but came back apparently in their TV show). Thor himself is a huge character and we all know he's to play a part in the upcoming Avenger's film Infinity War, but I think it's more-so the fact that the producers can't seem to let go of their favourites: characters who provide an emotional impact on their audience. It seems a rarity nowadays to see the main character killed off and so comparing it to older myths, especially the one in question, Volupsa, our modern Marvel Thor seems to be a softer take on the tragic myth in general. It's true Thor lost his eye and Asgard was blown up but compared to the original myth where he died and the Entire World was destroyed, the modern age has the penchant for lighter fates.
What do you think fam.
--Erika.
6. Identify some recent films, TV shows and/or games which have brought back some of the old gods and heroes from obscurity. What place do the old myths have in the modern world?
ReplyDeleteFFXV
The gaming franchise Final Fantasy relies heavily on different religions and mythologies and draws inspiration heavily to construct a different world in each game they make. The most recent game, Final Fantasy XV, holds several different influences including notions from Norse Mythology, Greek Mythology, and Christianity.
Norse Mythology:
Niflheim -- An opposing country in the game is named after one of the Nine Worlds depicted in Norse mythology; much like how the world is described as one of ice, the Niflheim in Final Fantasy XV is the coldest place the player visits in the game and seems to be the only on that bears a snowy tundra.
Greek Mythology
Solheim -- In the game, Solheim is depicted as an ancient, advanced civilization helped by Ifrit, the god of fire. This is similar to how Prometheus in Greek myths loved man more than the gods themselves; when Zeus took fire away from mortals, Prometheus took a torch and lit it from the sun and brought the fire back to them which echoes how Ifrit gifted Solheim the knowledge of fire to further their civilization.
Christianity:
Jesus Christ -- Noctis Lucis Caelum is central to a god-given Prophecy to bring back the light after the night inevitably becomes eternal because of a darkness named ‘Starscourge’. Noct is given the names ‘King of Kings’ and ‘King of Light’ because of what he was chosen for and what he does by the end of the game: sacrificing himself to bring back the sun. Before he does that, however, he sleeps to gain the power to do so. This echoes a similar narrative structure with Jesus Christ where he dies for the sins of humanity. While Noctis doesn’t exactly come back from his sacrifice, his ascendance to happiness in the afterlife reflects the way Christ ascended to the heavens after his Second Coming.
Miracles -- Lunafreya Nox Fleuret is otherwise known as the Oracle, someone who is the only one who can commune with the gods and can cure people afflicted with the ‘Starscourge’; this is another notion shared with Jesus Christ where he went around performing miracles to aid the less fortunate.
Last Supper -- just before Noctis sacrifices himself, there’s a scene in the game where he and the people who’ve journeyed with him have one last campfire and meal. This is similar to when Jesus Christ had the Last Supper with his Disciples before his death.
[CONTINUATION]
DeleteTHOR
The Thor trilogy is based heavily on Norse Mythology, indicated by the names and places used as well as the series of events that lead to the world-ending event predicted in Voluspa.
The legends -- The film Thor draws heavily from Norse mythology as seen by it’s depiction of Thor and Odin, and also the settings shown such as Midguard, our earth, and Asgard. However, the creator of the movie changed a few things around to suit their storytelling needs. One of these examples is Hel, goddess of the underworld and daughter of Loki in Norse mythology. In the movies she has been reimagined as Hela, the goddess of death and the daughter of Odin.
Ragnarok -- Voluspa’s tale speaks of Ragnarok: the destruction of the World Tree and the Nine Worlds. In the movie adaptation, Ragnorak is a weapon that can be activated and used manually; by the end of the film, Thor and Loki use this weapon to their advantage to destroy Asgard and, in turn, their enemy. This is different than the original myth as the end result is only the destruction of Asgard rather than the entirety of the universe.
DISCUSSION
While searching for different examples of mythologies and religious stories, I found that Thor borrows heavily from Norse Mythology while Final Fantasy XV seems to take little things from each legend to build its own story as shown above. The influences may differ but I believe the original motive of telling a compelling story, which is the same intentions of the old myths.
The world is always changing because the people are always changing. While old heroes and gods are interesting, they’ve been relayed in a way that was meant for the people in that time rather than today. It’s in this that I think most content creators borrow inspiration and ideas from these mythos and religions to reinvent the underlying narrative present in them and modernize it for the people of today so that it’s relevant. The use of modern technologies -- such as gaming consoles and movies -- help convey their stories to the majority of the modern world in a way that the people of this time are familiar with and can relate to.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/Solheim
http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/Religious_allusions_in_Final_Fantasy_XV
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niflheim#cite_note-5
https://www.greekmythology.com/Myths/The_Myths/Creation_of_Man_by_Prometheus/creation_of_man_by_prometheus.html
https://norse-mythology.org/gods-and-creatures/giants/hel/
Hi Erica, you have some really great points here, I find it interesting that found the mythology in the game Final Fantasy, because most games try to come up with their own complete history and world building, however from FF they smartly use and combine different mythologies to create a fresh new identity of its own which people can relate to as they learn/or if they have knowledge of the history themselves, therefore able to understand a backstory more easily as opposed to being slammed with an information dump so it's great that you picked up on that, good work!
Delete