Valhalla: mythology, history, and cultural significance

¶ … Norse myth of Valhalla and its rebuilding. It will answer two questions regarding the Norse myth of Valhalla and the gods' survival of Ragnarok.

Who are these new gods and why did they survive Ragnarok?

Many of the old gods die in Ragnarok, such as Odin, Thor, Freyr, Heimdall, and Loki. Ragnarok occurs after the death of Balder, one of the favorite gods, and after the Norse world undergoes three winters back to back. Odin is aware of the gods' fate at Ragnarok, and knows there is nothing he can do to prevent it. Among the new gods are Vidar, Vali, Modi, Magni, Balder, Honir, and Hod, and they survive because they have hidden during the fighting and subsequent destruction of the Earth, or in the case of Balder and Hod returned from Hel after the destruction. The author writes, "And Balder and Hod will come back from the world of the dead; it will not be long before they, too, tread the new green grass on Idavoll" (Crossley-Holland 175). The gods also survive because of fate, which is such an important aspect of Norse mythology. Odin knew the gods' fate before Ragnarok occurred, and new that he could not change that fate. The gods who survived did so because it was their fate to return to the new world, and lead the people in a new way, so they were essential for the survival of the humans and the return of the world to its natural, fresh state.

In Norse mythology, the gods are the most important beings, and so some of them have to survive to continue the myth and to continue life. The old gods suffer their fate at Ragnarok, and that leads to the destruction of the old world, and the rebirth of a new, where everyone has a new chance at life and a new beginning. The author writes, "There will be life and new life; life everywhere on earth. That was the end, and this is the beginning" (Crossley-Holland 176). It makes sense that in a world reborn, gods would be reborn too, because what would the world be without them?

2. Why does Thor despite his death remain an important part of this new mythology?

Thor remains a very important part of the new mythology because his two sons, Modi and Magni survive, and because they have his legendary hammer, Mojillar. Thor's hammer is mighty, and those we wield it are mighty, so his influence continues even after his death. The author notes that there will still be evil in the world, and so, people like Thor's sons will need to fight it. He writes, "Many courts will rise once more, some good, some evil" (Crossley-Holland 176). Thus, the people, as they begin to repopulate the earth and Valhalla, will need the gods to protect them, and Thor's sons will be charged with at least some of the people's safety. In addition, the hammer is a symbol of fertility as well as a weapon, so it is necessary for the successful recreation of the human world.