#I should do more viking norway stuff because there's so much to be inspired by

[ifindus]

Waiter, waiter!! More Viking Scotnor headcanons please! (If you have any ofc :3 )

Oh no!! Not my weakness!! 😳

Their relationship during the viking age was mostly very amicable, apart from a few minor fights and arguments later on. In contrast to England and Denmark, Norway and Scotland mostly co-existed peacefully beside each other and even developed a friendship. Norway has always been a traveller and would rarely stay in one place for long, but he would often spend his summers and occaionally autumns in his territories close to Scotland before moving along on his next adventure. During these months Norway and Scotland would hang out and Norway would tell Scotland stories about all his adventures out on the sea, exploring westward, as a hired soldier for the Byzantine emperor, helping out Denmark with his wars agaisnt England, and joining Sweden on his trips east. Scotland would think these were the coolest stories and always look forward to Norway's occasional visits. And sometimes Norway would even bring him exotic gifts he'd picked up on his travels.

[bereft-of-frogs]

A Theology of the MCU: Myth, Marvel, and Mímir’s Well

(I love coming up with pretentious essay titles ya’ll this is one of my true academia skills)

aka, solving the in-universe discrepancies between the Marvel Asgard and Myth Asgard that no one asked for but I’m going to do anyways

So I was finally inspired to work out what I thought about the in-universe Norse Mythology and how it related to the actual Asgardian characters we know and love by this post. I’ll get to what I agreed with and what I didn’t a little later, but this kind of meta has been long coming because I def use and abuse mythology and should figure out what I think about how mythology and the relations between myth Thor & Loki and ‘real’ Thor & Loki before I screw anything up too badly.

The easy explanation is that the contents of the mythology in the alternative universe depicted in the MCU is just different. Our only real engagement with the myth in the movies is when Selvig pulls out the children’s book at the library and the images clearly look like Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston, rather than other depictions of the mythological Thor and Loki.

[Sidenote: eddas for dummies ’s illustrations of the Norse gods are great: https://edda-for-dummies.tumblr.com/]

So we could just say that things are different, they match onto ‘reality’ a little better than the Norse mythology we’re familiar with in our version of the universe, and done.

Or we could make things more complicated.

Which, in my opinion, is infinitely more fun. And I apparently have a lot of time on my hands (lol I don’t, I’m just procrastinating), so I’m writing up my explanation of how the ‘real Asgard’ and ‘myth Asgard’ were connected in the Viking Age and how the real Asgardians could have inspired their mythological counterparts.

And the answer is syncretism!

One of the main problems the original post points out is that the dates don’t line up. Loki is commonly accepted to be born in 965 CE, as stated in Thor. So he was born after the myth development and worship, and at the start of the Christianization of Scandinavia. Thor is accepted to not be that much older, given their similar appearance as children and other general character/relationship traits. How is this possible?

My headcanon explanation is: the Thor and Loki of the myths are actually amalgamations of several different Asgardian heroes, or even other deities from the proto-Indo-European mythology, that are eventually condensed into the figures of Thor and Loki (and Frigga and Heimdall, etc etc). (Very common in real world mythological and religious development.)

But since it turned out that these figures were real in the MCU and there was indeed a physical place called Asgard where Odin reigned, with Valkyries and gods, a Valhalla, etc…So that’s where I got the ‘amalgamation of several Asgardian heroes’ thing. Perhaps two thousand years ago the barrier between Asgard/Midgard was thinner, or it was more acceptable to travel on Midgard. Asgardian heroes, infinitely stronger and magical and seemingly immortal, travel on Midgard and have adventures and are seen as gods. The stories told, the sagas, poems, etc are all depicting something much more concrete, and material, than distant deities. Neil Gaiman’s Norse Mythology has its flaws, but the introduction does contain one of my favorite quotes: “…myths of a people who did not entirely trust or even like their gods, although they respected and feared them.” which I feel like would be a good description of this relationship. They write down stories of stuff they did with their wandering friends, and over time they take on spiritual significance.

“But,” you say, “that doesn’t 100% make sense either. There are references to Thor and Loki earlier than 965CE, and there are some stories that you pick out and attribute to the ‘real’ Thor and Loki when you’re using and abusing mythology for fanfiction inspiration. How do you explain that, hmmm?”

This is where the original post was like a lightbulb going off. Mímir’s Well could give a humans a glimpse of the wider Realms and/or future. (Or at least I think it was supposed to be Mímir’s Well…I think the movie may have said something about the Norns, but I also have Thoughts about the Norns,* so I’d prefer to have it just be Mímir’s Well.) But I thought the ‘drunk Viking fell in a well’ was a little reductionist.

Absolutely no disrespect to OP intended! I love that post. It’s brilliant and the meta on the ages are so well thought out I have officially adopted that explanation for the age discrepancies. I just have a lot of Feelings about the development of religious systems and tend to be sensitive about attributing religious development to things like ‘drunk people making up stories’ because I think spirituality/religion of any kind is a profound reflection of man’s attempt to make sense of the universe, and so complex and varied and beautiful and I’ve struggled a lot against people who don’t understand, or purposely misrepresent, the fundamental societal purpose of religion and the quest for meaning…but anyways…

So yeah, due to my weird neuroses about religion and myth, I want to give the early poets more credit than ‘drunk Viking that fell in a well.’ Instead of accident or foolish ignorance, there could have been a mortal, or several mortals, who gained particular favor among visiting Asgardians and were gifted with knowledge of the future and of Asgard and built their myth upon that. Because of increased traffic between Asgard/Midgard, early Scandinavian societies were interacting more with Asgard than modern humans. So they were getting stories of Asgardian heroes, interacting with travelers, etc. They prove themselves to Asgardian travelers in various ways, then the Asgardians show them the wells. Perhaps mortal sorcerers were held in higher regard as well. Anyways, they also enter Mímir’s well at the invitation of whatever Odinic wanderer that may or may not be Actual Odin, and see the future, but distorted by their own limited perception and experience.

You have to keep in mind that linear time is essentially a social construct. (I’m only half joking with that.) Especially in Norse mythology, where time is simultaneously linear and cyclical. So, at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter that the timeline doesn’t add up. When the mortals enter the well they see things that happen no matter where they happen in the timeline. So they see Ragnarök, which has both not yet happened and already happened. For another example, they could see the essence of Loki’s betrayal/fall from grace, and it gets combined with another figure, who, let’s say, went to a feast and insulted all those assembled.

This makes it super easy to steal from the myths at will, and kind of sort myths into ‘yes this story involved the ‘real’ Thor & Loki’ and ‘nope this involved someone else and was later attributed to Thor and/or Loki.’ So I sit there and say like “Ah, I like this one, someone saw this in the well” and “nope, I don’t see this one as fitting their characters, that one was from another Asgardian hero.”

Examples of the divide:

People seem to generally like ‘lips sewn shut’ storyline (‘The Treasures of the Gods’ in Crossley-Holland), the birth of Sleipnir (‘The Building of Asgard’s Wall’), and I’ve seen the Lay of Geirrod (‘Thor and Geirrod’) done fantastically well. I tend to lift themes/motifs pretty frequently (and that’s how I stole the essence of Helreith Brynnhildr, which was written down in the 13th century, but actually happened to the Valkyrie in the 21st) and there are other stories I’ve seen less frequently adapted, like ‘Thor’s Journey to Utgard’ that I think make sense, but I don’t really see either Thor or Loki as having wives or children, so I can file that as someone else.

[Two more headcanon-y headcanons: there was another figure that was more like the myth-Loki - blood brother of Odin who at some point betrayed them, and was the more malevolent figure, that was syncretized with Loki at some point. And Hela got so much more distorted because of whatever Odin did to erase her from memory. He was successful on Asgard, where he had more control/power, but he couldn’t catch everything on Midgard, which was already starting to grow more distant from Asgard, if the Hela thing occurred between Thor and Loki’s births like the timeline seems to imply.]

So yeah. This is a thing I did. I did a lot of thinking about this while washing dishes the last couple of days. I just really like exploring the relationship between mortals and the gods, which would also be important if Asgard was going to sail their way to Earth and rebuild in Norway, like Odin wanted them to in Thor: Ragnarok. (That was a great line too: “Remember this place. Home.” Ahhhhhh, we can have such interesting interactions between modern Scandinavians and Asgardians and it would have been great. Thanos ruins everything. But also, we probably never would have because I don’t anyone working at Marvel cares to think this much about myth…)

*My Thoughts about the Norns: I weirdly like the idea that the Norns are essentially the True Deity. Mostly because I’m super, super into triple goddesses. And the way (though I’m pretty sure I picked this up from other fanfiction), the characters invoke the Norns like ‘God’. (tbh it’s also a good cheat for fixing dialogue where I’ve snuck in a ‘oh my god’ or ‘godforsaken’ etc.) You’ll also notice though, that I only ever have the like ‘highborn’ Asgardian characters invoking the Norns. The ones who have their names directly taken from mythology (Thor, Loki, Heimdall, Frigga, Odin, etc, plus I think people who were actually living in Asgard, so most of the survivors on the Ark), invoke the Norns, but other ‘lowborn’ characters from the Nine Realms will say ‘gods’ instead. That worked itself into the second chapter of ‘Misuse of Magic’.

God, I’m such a nerd. I’m going to go put myself in nerd timeout. Bye…

[PS - I used the Kevin Crossley-Holland anthology, The Penguin Book of Norse Myths, above because well…I own it. And it’s in my apartment and not my parents’ basement. But I do recommend, accessible but with an extensive notes section.]

Did I do it right? This is the first time I’ve ever posted this sort of thing hope it’s okay ahhhh

back to timeout

[noordinarytravel]

Destinations You Need to Check Out in 2019

2019 is right around the corner and I already have my eye on vacation hotspots. Have you figured out where your next adventure will be? If you haven’t had time to think that far ahead, or if you need a little inspiration, check out my suggestions below.

Cuba

I am starting with Cuba because it is one of my top three favorite destinations (it is so hard to pick just one!). Yes, there are a few things you have to do in order to go to Cuba legally however it is not impossible and it is well worth the effort.

My hubby and I went when our kiddo was at camp (the other two are out on their own) because we try to take at least one trip each year by ourselves. I found Cuba to be safe and the people extremely warm and friendly. We stayed outside of Havana in a fabulous Airbnb right on the water’s edge.I recommend Cuba because there is a wealth of culture, history, music, and food to experience. It won’t take long for you to find some gorgeous scenery and to meet some authentically friendly people. Our hosts at the Airbnb were so sweet and took the time to tell us various points of interests.

When we were deciding which visa to choose, we selected the visa that was in support of the Cuban people. The Airbnb hostess helped us find an orphanage to which we donated a lot of hygiene goods, OTC meds, and school supplies. Yes we had to pay an extra bag fee since we stuffed a duffle bag full of stuff, but it was a small price to pay to help the children of the orphanage.

If you are worried about an air/land type of trip, or if navigating around Cuba freaks you out (it shouldn’t by the way), then you should definitely consider a cruise. Many of them include the price of the visa and you will return to the safety of the cruise ship if that is your preference. I also found a couple of itineraries that include and overnight at port. No matter how you decide to visit Cuba……just do it!!!

When we were deciding which visa to choose, we selected the visa that was in support of the Cuban people. The Airbnb hostess helped us find an orphanage to which we donated a lot of hygiene goods, OTC meds, and school supplies. Yes we had to pay an extra bag fee since we stuffed a duffle bag full of stuff, but it was a small price to pay to help the children of the orphanage.

If you are worried about an air/land type of trip, or if navigating around Cuba freaks you out (it shouldn’t by the way), then you should definitely consider a cruise. Many of them include the price of the visa and you will return to the safety of the cruise ship if that is your preference. I also found a couple of itineraries that include and overnight at port. No matter how you decide to visit Cuba……just do it!!!

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Russia

So I am really excited about this one. We are heading to St. Petersburg in June but we will be taking a quick trip to Moscow too! I love trying new foods so I started doing a little research. I am not a huge fan of beets so I think I will pass on the borscht BUT I am ready to try solyanka, pashka, and of course vodka!

Solyanka is made with different types of meat (i.e sausage, bacon, ham, or beef) and vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, onions, and potatoes. Smetana appears to be a cheese cake type of dish which is absolutely my speed. Vodka……well that needs no explanation. 😁

I am always curious about superstitions and the paranormal in other cultures. In Russia, a female ghost is called a “rusalka” and is a young woman who died as the result of drowning, either suicide or murder. The rusalka lives underwater and lures men to their death.

Another story is that of a “domovoy.” A domovoy is a spirit that lives in the oven or near the fireplace of a home, but never goes outside. It takes the form of a hairy little man, or it my appear as a doppelgänger of the homeowner. It may act as a protector of the family and their possessions, or it could be a prankster. Seems to me a domovoy is the one you want to encounter, not the rusalka!

The tour I have high on my list is the Bunker 42 Tour. On this tour you can see the inside of a Cold-War era underground facility designed to function the case of a nuclear war.

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Cook Islands

So it seems to me that the Cook Islands are still a bit of a best kept secret. Not a secret at all of course, but I encounter a lot of people who have never even heard of them, much less have actually visited. The flight to Rarotonga won’t be cheap but there is much to love about it making it a great and worthwhile investment, especially if you are a beach lover. The Cook islands are made up of 15 islands in an areas known as Polynesia.

Highland Paradise offers visitors a great lesson in the history and unique culture of Cook Islands. Guided tours of both historical sites as well as rebuilt locations give tourists an in depth view of the significant cultural events and the spiritual nature of this paradise location. You should also visit Te Vara Nui Village for a great cultural experience. And if you enjoy seafood, then you are in for a treat! Typical dining fare includes tuna, mahi mahi, and broadbill.

If you are a budget traveler, don’t assume Cook Islands are out of budget. The are options available for less than $200 per night. The Rarotongan Beach Resort, Aro’a Beachside Inn, and Magic Reef Bungalows offer grand accommodations without a grand price tag.

If you are on the other end of the spectrum, you have plenty of luxury accommodations to choose from including overwater bungalows and villas with private pools. You’ll need to save up though because you are looking at $400 - $2000+ per night. No matter which way you prefer to travel, this tropical paradise is something I recommend you check out in 2019!

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Norway

When I think of Norway, I imagine rough seas and Viking ships. Has my imagine gone into overdrive? Maybe. If you love the outdoors, Norway has A LOT to offer you: skiing, hiking, fishing, surfing, rafting, dog sledding, and even wildlife safaris. Yes, I said wildlife safaris.

You have a fair chance of seeing reindeer, or a white-tailed eagle’s  but you also particpate in an organized tour to see whales, the long-haired musk oxen, or the king crabs Summertime is a great time to go whale watching and you will be able to catch a glimpse of sperm whales, pilot whales, minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and killer whales.

If the great outdoors isn’t your thing, don’t sweat it. There is still a ton of stuff for you to do and see, especially if you love the arts and culture. In Oslo the Viking Ship Museum has some amazingly preserved Viking ships on display, smaller ships, tools, and other everyday utensils.

Southeast of Olso lies a large mound that was believed to be nothing more than a landmark for the locals. Earlier this year it was decided that it needed to be examined and, with the use of ground penetrating radar, a 66-foot long boat burial was found within the mound.

In addition, you should make time for the Norwegian Museum of Science of Technology, the Munch Museum, and the National Gallery. Edvard Munch is a renown Nordic painter known for his works in expressionism. Should you stop by the National Gallery, be sure to stop by the The Fairy Tale Room where you can see art depicting princesses, fairies, trolls and other fairy tale creatures.

Last but certainly not least……….make your way to see the Northern Lights. You can still find some great deals for Northern Lights packages through February and into March but now that you don’t have to travel to the furthest reaches of the world to see the beautiful lights. Check out this Northern Lights tour on a luxury yacht.

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Cambodia

Cambodia's culture has roots in the 1st to 6th centuries in a state known as Funan.  The capital city is Phnom Penh and population of Cambodia today is about 10 million. About 90-95 percent of the people are Khmer ethnic. The remaining 5-10 percent include Chinese-Khmers, Khmer Islam or Chams, ethnic hill-tribe people, known as the Khmer Loeu, and Vietnamese. About 10 percent of the population lives in Phnom Penh, the capital, making Cambodia largely a country of rural dwellers, farmers and artisans.

The dominant features of the Cambodian landscape are the large, almost generally located, Tonle Sap (Great Lake) and the Bassac River Systems and the Mekong River, which crosses the country from North to South. It is bordered by Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and the Gulf of Thailand.

Vegetables are the main part of the meal with favorites being beans, broccoli, cabbage, celery, lettuce, onions, peas, and sweet corn among others. Vegetables are commonly eaten during the main part of a meal, oftentimes added to a soup. Cambodia is well known in the region for its prahok, fermented fish paste that is used in many traditional dishes. Most Cambodian dishes are cooked in a wok, known locally as a chhnang khteak.

If you are interested in a native dish, samlor kako uses a variety of ingredients including the famous prahok  which just happens to be fermented fish cheese, which is unique to Khmer cuisine. Another dish that ma interest you is khmer sour soup. This stew is a is an common dish, particularly in the country due to availability of the ingredients.

There is a really interesting tour of a very tragic location: Tuol Sleng Genocide Musuem and the Killing Fields. The museum stands as a testament to the tragedy that occurred that resulted in the mass murder of over 1.5 million people. Go to the Killing Fields and you will be on the site in which executions were carried out. The energy is sure to be somber there but you will be standing on the site of a significant, historical world event. Check out the Historical Phnom Penh Small Group Tour including the Genocide Museum and Killing Fields.

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I hope this list helped you plan your next travel adventure. If you have been to any of these places, please comment with your recommendations and what you loved about the destinations. I want to hear from you! Most of all I want you have a life filled with adventure!

Make this beautiful day count!