3 Questions
What are some of the different terms used to refer to the events surrounding Ragnarok?
Some of the different terms used to refer to the events surrounding Ragnarok include aldar rök, tíva rök, and þá er regin deyja.
Which poems in the Poetic Edda contain references to Ragnarok?
Various references to Ragnarok can be found in the poem Völuspá and in the poem Vafþrúðnismál.
Which gods and heroes die in the battles of Ragnarok?
Many gods and heroes die in the battles of Ragnarok, including Odin, Thor, and Freyr.
Study Notes
- Ragnarok is a series of events in Norse mythology that foretells the death of numerous great figures, natural disasters, and the submersion of the world in water
- It is attested primarily in the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda
- The event is referred to as Ragnarøkkr, meaning 'Twilight of the Gods'
- Other terms used to refer to the events surrounding Ragnarok include aldar rök, tíva rök, and þá er regin deyja
- The world will rise again after Ragnarok, cleansed and fertile
- Ragnarok has been the subject of scholarly discourse and theory in the history of Germanic studies
- The Poetic Edda contains various references to Ragnarok, including in the poem Völuspá
- In Völuspá, a völva recites information to Odin about the events of Ragnarok
- The surviving Æsir meet together at the field of Iðavöllr after Ragnarok
- The poem Vafþrúðnismál also references Njörðr's status as a hostage during the earlier Æsir–Vanir War and the survivors of Fimbulwinter.
- Ragnarök is a major event in Norse mythology that signifies the end of the world.
- It is briefly referenced in Helgakviða Hundingsbana II and elaborated on in Snorri Sturluson's Prose Edda.
- Gylfaginning chapters 26 and 34 provide basic information about Ragnarök, including the role of the goddess Iðunn and the binding of the wolf Fenrir.
- Chapter 51 provides a detailed account of Ragnarök, including the first sign of Fimbulwinter, the release of Fenrir and Jörmungandr, and the arrival of the "sons of Muspell."
- The gods and the Einherjar dress for war and head to the field of Vígríðr, where many battles take place.
- Many gods and heroes die in the battles, including Odin, Thor, and Freyr.
- The world is engulfed in flames and destroyed, but some survivors remain, including two humans who will repopulate the world.
- The earth will appear once more from the sea, and the surviving gods and heroes will recount memories and find the gold game pieces the Æsir once owned.
- The personified sun, Sól, will have a daughter who follows the same path as her mother.
- The text includes quotes from the poem Völuspá and other sources to provide a detailed account of the events of Ragnarök.
Test your knowledge of Norse mythology with our Ragnarok quiz! From the "Twilight of the Gods" to the battles at Vígríðr, this quiz will challenge you on all things related to the end of the world in Norse mythology. Discover the different terms used to describe Ragnarok and its aftermath, and learn about the surviving gods and heroes. This quiz includes quotes from various sources, including the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda, to provide a detailed account of
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
