Norse Culture: The Norse Creation Myth

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In order to create a more perfect society, one is expected to throw aside any selfish desires and aid others in accomplishing goals befitting the human race. This notion goes back to the beginning of human civilization, and can even be recognized in many myths. The principles of law and order are dominant themes in the Norse creation myth and are found in the Norse culture. The pivotal point of Norse creation begins with the murder of Ymir. The giant had become too evil and too powerful to reside and rule in the universe for any longer, so the Aesir gods decided to kill their grandfather. Using Ymir's body, the gods created the nine worlds. A colossal ash tree called Yggdrasill supported the universe and connected the nine worlds. One …show more content…
The Aesir gods recognized the need to kill Ymir in order to accomplish order. The murder of Ymir signifies the restraining force of early inclination that must happen before society can exist. As highlighted in the last paragraph, the mythological beings of the nine worlds are placed in each realm according to species, which also reinforces the idea of order being a major theme. Also, the gods resided in either Asgard or Vanaheim in accordance with their qualities–warlike gods and goddesses dwelled in Asgard and. the nature gods and goddesses lived in Vanaheim. To shift focus on law, the gods created rules for the universe, such as the cycle of night and day and where each race would reside. The gods also appointed Odin as their king, showing their need for an authority figure to rule over the …show more content…
Norsemen were expected to be honest, brave, and fair towards their neighbors. These expectations did not apply to the Norse's enemies, however. The Norse had no laws against pillaging, as long as it was against the enemy. Raids are what brought wealth and how the Vikings became famous (Viking). As for government, the Norse had chieftains who ruled over areas of the Norse world and acted as judges. Free men could gather in their communities and hold a meeting called a þing, also known as a Thing. There, they could make laws and rule cases (History). Another common way to settle disputes was to hold a holmgang, or a duel. Swords and shields were often used, and depending on the set rules, the duel was over as soon as one man's blood touched the ground or died. Winning a holmgang meant that the victor was right because the Norse believed the gods helped those who were correct
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