In recent days I have run into a rather recurrent skein of assertions about Odin purportedly being a "Psychopomp". Now as for why this has kept coming up - the context has been fairly much what you'd expect. Namely, people looking to affirm an accuracy for that well-known 'Interpretatio' from Tacitus, whereby Odin is inferred … Continue reading Psychopompi Germanica – And Why It’s Not Odin
Hakornamal
The Inadequate ‘Interpretatio’ Of Odin – A Grimm Exemplar
Following one of those 'spirited' exchanges in relation to the theology of Odin some days ago (you know the type - an affronted (and affronting!) multi-paragraph "HE'S NOT MY REAL (SKY) FATHER!" column, which is then thrust … in my direction / into an ambush / into next week, by the time I've finished writing … Continue reading The Inadequate ‘Interpretatio’ Of Odin – A Grimm Exemplar
The Subtle Play Of Lord Shiva’s Wit
There is a saying, in English - "Man Plans, Fate Laughs"; and it has … somewhat 'darker' counterparts in Old Norse, with tales of the intent of this or that narrative agonist ("protagonist", he may also be - although agonist (the "agon" as "struggle") is probably much more apt, not least due to the less … Continue reading The Subtle Play Of Lord Shiva’s Wit