In recent years, I have noticed an increase in the popularity of Nordic culture and mythology. It is somewhat like the Mummy-mania that hits every once in awhile and thern you have another resurgence of Egyptian enthusiasm. This is different in the sense that it is much more subtle; some aspects are much more obvious than others, but overall the Nordic resurgence is more like a slow tide than a tsunami. What I want to look at is those aspects that have brought and are bringing Nordic culture and mythology into the popular view and how effective they are at doing so.
The earliest examples of Nordic mythology getting into popular culture in at least some manner that I can remember are through books and comics. The comics are an easy one, the title, "The Mighty Thor," doesn't leave much for imagination. Many historians and followers of the mythology usually groan at the mention of Marvel's long-haired, spandex-wearing god. But I don't mind it. Yes, the comics make the gods look almost silly, which can be a touchy point for some, but they do get some important points right. The representation of gods as human-like and in such that they face trials and tribulations just like we do, but on a magnified scale, is a key understanding of Nordic mythology. Those two aspects are about as far as the similarities go, besides the names and character/personality traits of the heroes/villains. But the comics (and subsequent recent movies) have achieved in making the names of Thor, Odin, Loki, and others almost household names. That's important. Someone who loves the comics may then wonder where these names came from then delve into the history.
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Books are quite similar to the comics, though they tend to do much better in representing the mythology. As I mentioned in a previous article about the importance of a writer being well versed in mythology and legend, Tolkien borrowed from Norse mythology constantly. The names of the dwarves in "The Hobbit" are all derived from Nordic myth, Gandalf's clothing and demeanor is a popular representation of Odin, the usage of runes in the books, the name Warg, even the inclusion of the races of men, elves, and dwarves, all are derived from Norse mythology. In Nancy Farmer's "The Sea of Trolls" trilogy, and Rick Riordan's new "Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard,"Norse mythology is at the forefront. Both do an incredible job at capturing the culture and the mythology in an accurate and understandable sense. There may be a deviation here and there for the sake of the story and such, but for the most part these books portray the mythology with an intimacy. Nancy Farmer's books are actually what got me into learning more about the Norse in general.
I've learned a great deal from music as well. In my Top 10 Metal Bands You've Never Heard Of, my number one band, Amon Amarth, makes Norse mythology and culture both accessible and entertaining. Their songs range from tales of the gods to practices carried out by the ancient Norse themselves. Take their most recent album "Deceiver of the Gods." This album is focused around the god Loki, with such songs as "Father of the Wolf "(referring to his son Fenrir) and "Shape Shifter "(referring to his ability to change shape), but it also includes songs like "Blood Eagle" and "We Shall Destroy" that capture parts of the Nordic culture, albeit more violent ones (if you don't know what a Blood Eagle is, go ahead and look it up, it's quite interesting). The spirit of the culture and the magnitude of the mythology is not diminished but revered in these songs. Through their music, including myself, many have become interested in the Nordic culture.
Many of you reading this have likely heard of the TV show "Vikings." This show focuses around historically accurate or inspired events and people of the ancient Norse. It captures the culture exceedingly well. This is where people start learning about the Nordic peoples without even knowing it, and that's important. Besides being a genuinely interesting and well made and written show, "Vikings" translates history, culture, and even religion in a manner of detail that even I have been surprised at. Sometimes I'll be looking something up that I have either forgotten or want to know more about and when I find the answer I recall a scene from the show (a prime example of this is the use of swords in Nordic wedding traditions). If you haven't watched the show I highly recommend it either if you're just looking for a new show or want to learn more about the Nordic peoples. It's a fantastic gateway into the history of those great peoples.
Speaking of the history of the Nordic peoples, some of their descendants are offering a college course on Viking life. In Seljord, Norway there is a college course that consists of learning many of the crafts and skills of the Nordic peoples. This course is not focused in any way on the violent image that is continually cultivated by most popular portrayals of the Norse. It is focused on their workmanship and their design work. Ever seen the Mammen axe? That's the kind of craftsmanship the Norse are renowned for. It is this focus on the positive culture of the Norse peoples that is important.
The other observations I have made around this revival of the Norse culture and mythology are the simple recognitions of it. I wear a rather prominent Mjolnir and nearly everywhere I go someone comments on it, either knowing what it is or merely liking the design of it. It is this recognition of a previously obscure religious symbol in such a common sense that is a marker of the popular acceptance of that culture. All of the aspects I mentioned contribute to a rising of the public understanding and awareness of Nordic culture and mythology.
Hail to the north, my friends.
