The contents of the section are myths, legs and saga, epic and epics, canons and apocrypha religions from around the world.
Scandinavian mythology
Northern mythology (more precisely - Scandinavian) - represents an independent and richly developed branch of German mythology, which, in turn, dates back to the oldest pyranceo-European history. Even recently, there was a look in science that almost the entire Scandinavian mythological system, which, for example, in the songs of the elders and the stories of the younger Edenda, can and should be considered to be Osmerman. Such a look was held by the founder of German mythology as science of Jacob Grimm; Wolf, winters and others who were looking for in German folk fairy tales, superstitions, etc. confirmation by their conclusions. Currently, however, this point of view may be considered refuted. The confidence in the conclusions of the so-called comparative mythology (A. Kun, Max Muller), which, using the method developed on the soil of comparative linguistics, has seen in almost all German mythic myths, in the most clearly preserved Vedic in the myths. The conclusions of this school, without leaving almost no expanse of the mythological creativity of separate peoples, suggest such a high degree for Indo-European Pranoda cultural Developmentwhich he did not have and could not. Per recent decades Therefore, the need for strictly historical study of the German mythology, emanating from criticism of sources and trying to find out the gradual growth and complication of mythological representations within the German only of the world. The work in this direction did not slow down to give a few very valuable, which are now generally accepted in the science of the results determining, by the way, the relationship of S. mythology to the Osmerman. When evaluating this relationship, it should be borne in mind that the Scandinavian sources, very rich in content and representing a widely developed, in a detailed system developed, all comparatively late origin: None of the songs of the so-called older EDDA goes back to the time more ancient than the IX century. The Viking Epoch (Iχ-χ centuries), denoting a fracture in the cultural life of the North in general, made a deep coup in the religious life of the Scandinavian nationalities, widely open access to them from outside.
The effects of the other and the Christian, the smoshima, on the one hand, from Northern Germany, on the other, and, moreover, is mainly from England and Ireland. Under the strong influence of these effects, pagan Scandinavia was presented to the very introduction of Christianity (χι in.); A number of mythological images and stories - for example, the myths about Ragnarök, that is, the death of the gods - it was at this time that the court singers-Scalds were transferred to the supervisory role in the poetry of the North, they were freely disposed of inherited mythical material as the material of the literary ; They contributed new coverage and understanding of the myth into it, under the influence of the changed cultural conditions, creating new images of the gods, modifying their relationship, arbitrarily combining them between themselves. Such a free attitude towards mythical legend was all the more possibly that faith in the ancient gods at this time was already undermined. The literary processing of mythological material continued after the adoption of Christianity, at least in Iceland, where the peculiar cultural conditions were protected by the ancient traditions from the persecution by the Christian Church; But the legends of these were still more distortion here until finally bend to the Snorry Sturlson Christian scientist (1178 - 1241), the author of the so-called youngest EDDDA, the first part of which is nothing more than a textbook of mythology for scalds. How much much here was the influence of alien principles, it appears, for example, from the fact that 12 higher deities are installed in the parallel to the 12 Olympic gods. Preserving almost only in such late retreats and processing, the Scandinavian mythological material is subject to careful critical development; Only on cleaning it from late layers, it can be attracted to clarifying issues of the Osmerman mythology. In criticism of northern mythology, some scientists (Bang, Bugge, Meyer) went too far, inspecting in many Scandinavian myths only peculiar processing of medieval Christian legends motives, in part of the Greek and Roman myths, penetrated into Scandinavia to the late pagan and early Christian, mainly from England and Ireland, partly from France and Italy. According to these scientists, the story of Baldra reflects the history of Christ in connection with the tradition of the death of Achilla; God Loki is nothing more than a medieval Lucifer, who took over the winged sandals from Mercury; At Tope reflected some of the legends about Hercules; Cosmogonic myths, expressed in broadcasting Völv (Vylospo, the first song of the senior EDDD), were in late course of the elements that preserve the features of Babylonian cosmology, etc. In extremes in such views and on the unreliability of scientific techniques, with which they arose, pointed out, by the way, A. N. Veselovsky, F. Ionsson, Vaskov, etc. The more reliable points of the support gives the material German and Anglo-Saxon. Poor in volume and content, he is partly much an ancient Scandinavian and in most cases the German folk beliefs directly, that is, in the form that does not darken later literary treatment. The main sources of it: the writings of Roman and Greek historians (since Yuliya Caesar); living saints; orders of governments and churches against the residues of pagan customs and superstitions; Folk legends, fairy tales and rites, in part preserved so far. On the study of this material focuses scientific work currently. It turned out that there could be no speech about a slim, detailed developed mythological system. Only four deities undoubtedly belong to Pragerman's pore, that is, almost all of the Germans are known, namely: the god of the sky and the light Tiwaz (Skand. TRA, it. Zîo), God thonaraz thonaraz (Skand. Thrr, it. Donar) Wôdanaz (Skand. Odhinn, it. Wuotan), the goddess of the earth and fertility FRîja (SCAND. FRIGG, it. FRîja). But their relative importance in different regions of the German world is different; Their cults are developing independently from each other within the regional amphiki-like Greek, which put forward on the fore, then another deity. Developing in one area, the cult of the Divine could then go to others. A vivid example of such a transition can be the history of the spread of the cult of Vodana (Wotan, Odin), which produced in the religious life of ancient Germanic - at least Scandinavian - a whole revolution. The most ancient deity of the German Olympus - Tîwaz (TR, Zîo), whose name is phonetically coincides with Ind. Dyâus, Greg. Ζεύς, lat. Jupiter, from the root of Div - shine, sparkle. Even in the first centuries, almost all of the Germans are considered to be the Supreme Divine, although he probably had already managed to turn into God from the God of the sky, which remains until the end. Tuesday name, borrowed by Germans at Romans (Dies Martis, Mardi), is translated through the "TIVA Day" (SCAUD. Týsdagr; Wed. English. Tuesday, it. Dialen. Zîstig, Literature. Dienstag). The genericants of German tribes of Ingveonov, Investiaons and Ermonon (Tacit) received their names, probably from the nicknames of the same deity. The further development of it in different directions should be seen in the Gods of Baldre, Freary (Freyr), Heimdall (Heimdallr), Forseti, etc., which were in Scandinavia next to "Ohm after the latter was moved to the background. In ancient times, the cult Tiva especially flourished on the mainland in Side Side (Tacit, Germany Chap 39), later in Scandinavia, under the guise of Freya - in Uppsale, in Sweden. The oldest National Deity of Scandinavia is the God of Thorr (Donar), which in its functions The closest came to Greek. Zeus, Lat. Jupiter (Thursday - Dies Jovis, Jeudi - Skand. Thorsdagr, English He moved to Iceland. He was only partly subsequently displaced by the Water, the cult of which in the oldest course was focused on the Lower Rhine; in francs. Vodan had an initially limited meaning of the god of the winds and is identified with Roman Mercury (Wednesday - Dies Mercuru, Mercredi - Skandi. "Odhinsdagr, English. Wednesday). As the Priesna francs have been put forward, on which for the first time and the effect of the Higher Roman Culture , developing and expanding the ideas about their national god, Waterna, which is now becoming a carrier and expressive of higher spiritual development, which has sends from the south. In this new light, he moves to Langobard on the Elbe, to Saksam, Danes, finally, in Sweden and Scandinavia, where He immediately occupies the first position of the Supreme Divine - but only in the eyes of the Higher Layers of the Company, and not the people. The lower classes continue to worship the mainly of Torah and Frey; the highest estate of the mouth of their scald singers is famous for the lord of the Universe, the Father of the Gods, Tips of the Fate, the God of the sky and the Sun, wisdom and poetry, carrier and representative of higher spiritual and moral He began. When, already in the Christian time, the mythological representations of the ancients are listed in the system, one naturally becomes the center of the latter; Around it are grouped, obeying him, all the other deities, like his brothers, sons and daughters. This later development led in the north to split the gods into two kinds: Asov (one and its descendants) and Vanov (Njord, Freir, Freya); Talks about their struggle, about the death of gods, etc.
Lately, obliged to their appearance and Loki, God of fire, unknown to other German peoples; Braga, God of poetry scaldov, and others. For marked more or less clear mythological images, there is a vast ocean so called. "Lower mythology", which is hidden in folk fairy tales, rites and superstitions and focuses, mainly on the cult of shower and demons. These are the most ancient layers. religious beliefs All European peoples: the cult of ancestors, the cult of houses, elves, fierce giants and others, partly the shapeless and unclear, personification of the natural forces of nature. They are also given in scandinavian mythology In a well-known system. The basis of the Mythology of Northern Europe served the traditions of peoples belonging to the German-Scandinavian ethnic group - Dutch, Danes, Germans, Icelanders, Norwegians and Swedes; Moreover, the Mythology of Scandinavians is presented quite fully due to the literary monuments created in the pre-Christian period and carefully preserved in Iceland. A considerable and very peculiar contribution to the mythology of the region was made by Finns relating to the Finno-Ugric Ethnic Group, but long-stayed living on the Scandinavian Peninsula. Currently, all these traditions are usually united by the overall name of northern mythology.
It should be recognized that the mythology of Western Europe happily avoided the sad fate of the Mythology of the Baltic Slavs only by what was recorded in the manuscripts. It is known that after capturing the Germans of the Western provinces of the Roman Empire, the classic mythological legacy of the Greeks and Romans was kept in monastic libraries together with Celtic literary monuments. And the invaluable heritage of northern mythology was not lost in centuries only due to selfless enthusiasts like Icelandic Scald, scientist and statesman Snorry Sturlson.
Sturlson assembled the saga of the Viking period, from about 750 to 1050, when a powerful tradition was formed, the proper of the main gods - the god of war and the patron of friends of Odin and God Torah, who mercilessly crushed the enemies with her magic hammer-boomerang Mjelnir. Still free from the influence of Christianity, enterprising and brave scandinavians - the ancestors of modern Danes, Icelanders, Norwegians and Swedes - went to the sea in search of mining and new lands. It is not surprising that the militant Vikings loved to listen to alignment of one-eyed exploits. The Supreme God attracted Scandinavians the reputation of the "Father of the Valusfully fallen in battle" and the fact that he managed to bring to the ecstasy of frantic berserkers, who in the uncontrolled rage gnawed the shields and rushed to the enemy naked. According to one of the myths, when the old Danish king of Harald is a blue-referee (x in.) Posted on Odin, then the giving, then the god of luck in battle, the God of War said mysteriously: "The gray wolf is watching the abdomen of the gods." To understand the meaning of his words, one of the main topics should be remembered scandinavian myths - Having hung over the gods and the whole world, the threat of death - Ragnarök. One thing that would seek to collect a squad of Einkers who fell in battle of brave warriors for the decisive battle of gods with giants and monsters in Vigrid Valley, where almost all of them were destined to die. The very same was waiting for an inevitable death in the mouth of a giant Wolf Fenrira, the disgusting siblos of the god of the fire of Loki and Veliki Angrbody. Whether Harald Snezube's response was satisfied, it's hard to say, since the myth ends with the fact that one who ruled the royal chariot, dropped the old man to the ground and pierced the unfortunate to the sword.
"The age of the ax, the eyelid of the sword," which was completed by the catastrophe of Ragnaret, may seemed to seemed by the harsh marine wolves the ideal life of real men. But those of them who preferred to settle in colonies and become a peasant or trader, still revealed the son of Odin, the God of Thunder and the fertility of Torah. Belief in Torah helped people in solving earthly problems, whether the attacks of local cones on the peasants or not to the measure of zealous Christian missionaries into pagan temples. Mainly popular Tor used from Icelandic colonists, which to escape from Southern Norway forced such a cruel rulers like Eric bloody secreir (x century). The commitment of settlers to the cult of Torah was so great that the surnames Torsten and Torolf are still considered the most common in Iceland. Therefore, it is quite clear why by the end of the Vikings Tor's era in the pantheon gods took a higher position than one, and remained the Supreme God for about a century, after which Scandinavia was addressed to Christianity.
Pantheon Germanians and Scandinavians. According to the ancient generman ideas, at the beginning of the universe lay the interaction of two opposites began: the first of them - Musalemim, absolute top, source of fire, light, male start; Second - niflheim, absolute bottom, source of cold, feminine. From their interaction, the Giant Imymy and the world cow of the Audum appeared. The cow licked salt stones and thus created the first God - storm; Heavenly gods went from him - Asov, the main of which was wound alone, the God of the Sun. In addition to him, the Tor, the God of Thunder and Lightning, Heavenly Blacksmith, Armed with Millelnir Magic Hammer, Tyur, God of War, Vidar, God of Handicrafts-Bashmachnikov, Head, Blind God of Fate, Loki, God of Fire. Aces led by one attacked Giant Imir, killed him and from his body created the land: the bones became the mountains, the veins - rivers, the belly - the sea, the hair - the forest, the skull - the heavenly arch, the brain - clouds. Then the gods created the first people: from Ash, a man named Ask, and from Willow - a woman, calling her Ebla. They built the city of Midgard for people to protect them from the Spirits of Wildlife, from Giant - Etunov and from Dwarikov - Mergov, Dwarves, etc. Loki taught people a bill, runes, make weapons, weapons. In heaven, the gods decided to build a city for themselves - Asgard, for which they entered into a contract with one giant; It was decided to reward a giant if he builds Asgard for 1 year; He was promised to the sun, the moon and wife Odin - Freia. Giant built a city with extraordinary speed, carrying huge stones on a magic horse. The gods were frightened, convened the meeting and they were accused of Loki in an unsuccessful contract. Loki forced to do everything to do not let the contract. Loki turned into a mare and led the Giant Kony. The giant did not fulfill the terms of the contract, did not finish the construction by the end of the year. The Loki, meanwhile, pregnant three times and gave birth to three chtonic creatures: the world wolf of Fenrir, the world snake Ermunganda and the octopus horse Slapnira. A quick-legged horse was taken by one, who began to make daily rides on the sky on it; Once a year, December 25, on the day of the winter solstice, one together with Frey came on the magic horse to the ground, giving people with gifts, and people, for their part, thanked God with victims, hanging on evergreens. From this ancient Germanic tradition takes the beginning of the New Year celebration. Ermungand lowered all the land and bite his own tail. In this image, the Germans metaphorically anticipated the idea of \u200b\u200bthe sphericity of the Earth.
Thus, after the end of the world, the death of the gods came Resurrection. Then the last court followed, and all the righteous followed in Surviem, and all the sinners in Niflheim. The ideas of eschatology, the resurrection and the afterlife of the ancient Germans anticipated Christian ideas, and this circumstance explains the predisposition of Germans to Christianity.
Hel - the goddess of the underworld
Hella, Hella (Hella, Hella, Hell, Hölle, Halja, * Haljon) - The goddess was known to all German peoples, including ready: the Gothic word for the "Witch" was Haljoruna - Rune Hella (approx. The name is mentioned in "about origin and acts Hetov "Jordan, in Russian translation of E.C.Chrinzhinsky sorcerer, named Galiurunnam, in the original Haliurunnae). She, apparently, was the goddess of the underground world from the most ancient times, since her name was given to this kingdom in all German languages. The name itself comes from the root meaning to "hide": it is the one that hides. Simes (SIMEK) compares the path to Hel as "down and north" with the funeral mounds of the European megalithic culture that "always have an entrance to the south and funeral Camera in the north ... Also, the north-south orientation is predominant in the placement of the ships of the Bronze Age, the Bezing Epoch and Ship burials. He strengthens the Identification of Hel with this family of Cairnov (approx. Cairn, Engl.CAIRN - Breast stones marked Understanding or serve as a Mezhdia or memorable sign), noting that there is an ancient Irish word related to her name - Cuile, "basement, cellar", which is a reasonable derivative from hidden under the mounded mound of the rock chamber.
Hella is a rather ambiguous figure in the North Pantheon: as the government of the underworld, it has the status of the goddess and the queen; Like the daughter of Loki, the sister of Wolf Fenrir and Snake Midgard, she appears as a shape of demonic. The idea of \u200b\u200bHelle as a government of the underworld, probable, very archaic; The presentation that she is part of the Lockey Monstrous Family - goes back to at least 9th century, appearing in the scalidic poem "List of Ingling" (Ynglingatal), where it is said: "I do not inform the secrets, Gna Gotnira (Goddess Horses, Glitney (Glitnir Shine ) It is indicated as Hati Horses, the name of one goddess often replaces the name of the other in the kennings) owns the body of Duggvi to his joy, Idis Horse Wolf and Narzy chose the king, and the daughter of Loki owns the ruler of the people of Ingvi as his toy. " (approx. "List of Ingling" Poem of the Norwegian Scalde of the second half of the 9th century That graceer (glitnir) is primarily the case of the foresie in Asgard, he has not been recorded among the main sources. Although the assumptions are suggested that Hella as a person belongs to the late and, perhaps, even postpone. (Sims, "Dictionary", p.138), its appearance in this poem clearly indicates that it was confidently recognized as an independent person in the Epoch of Vikings. It can be emphasized that in the "List of Ingling" hints that the deceased man will receive a personal location of Hella, the topic that also appears in the Baldra story version according to Saxon grammar, where Ballar learns in a dream about the embraces "Persefons" (Hella). Grimm (Grimm) leading a lot of toponyms of continental Germany, based on the name Hella, as well as speaking about her appearance as "Mother Hall (Hölle)" in German folklore, adheres to the opinion that it may well precede many other deities, and maybe even that the name and idea of \u200b\u200bher kingdom switched from the goddess itself. In fact, more ancient versions of the German goddess of death are less "hellish" (approx. Game words, "hell / hell" in English Hell) and more godlike.
The one who was desperately brave during his lifetime will see Valchalla - the abode of heroes. And he will be there to appeal and fight together with the spirits of noble ancestors. And despicable panties after the death of Norna carry in Hel, where they are destined to frown in the hellish cold.
Many viking legends are based on the manifestation of such qualities as valoring, courage. Northern peoples constantly conducted war, which, of course, affected them.
In the legends of Vikings always wins the strongest. However, it should not be assumed that the northern peoples in their own did not try to introduce the idea of \u200b\u200binevitable retaliation for the caused evil. A good illustration of this example is the legend of the ancient Vikings on the punishment, incurred Loki.
How the gods punished Loki
Loki tried to hide from the wrath of the gods, on the mountain of the waterfall, he built a special home for himself. The hut was four doors, which allowed Loki at the same time to look at all sides of the world. Seeing his pursuers, Loki was to turn into salmon and dive into the water. The wise crows municipality and Khugin opened his asylum and reported this one.
Meanwhile, Loki melted the network to make fishing with it. Having freezing the approaching man, he, not thinking, threw a network into the fire, and he dived into the water. The gods immediately understood why Loki burned the network, they splrew exactly the same. The first attempt to throw the network turned into a failure, the gods caught a little small fish for the second time. Throwing the network for the third time, they managed to catch a fatty salmon in which Loki turned.
Loki led to the cave and tied it to three stones. A snake hung above him in such a way that her poison of Loki's poison on her face. Having done his revenge, the gods retired. In the meantime, the faithful wife of the Loki, which was called Sigun, sneaked into the cave and substituted the bowl under the dripping poison. Since then, she is patiently and waits for a bowl will not be filled with home. Then for a few minutes Sigun leaves to empty the bowl. At this time, the drops of poison shed on the face of Loki, causing him a terrible pain, he was torn with strength, shaking the earth. Loki is destined to be in the shakes to the death of the gods ...
Twilight of the gods - the hour of battle struck
For many days, the sacred abode of the gods enveloped the Terrible and dark clouds. Fenrier's wolf's sons pursued the sun and the moon everywhere to generate dusk and cold. Hurricanes raged throughout the land, drove huge waves and turned with the roots of century-old trees. And even to Asgard himself, the eroad of the storm came.
As a whole, the giants were hatched plans for the attacks on the gods. God alone prefigreled that he struck the hour of battle, he armed with a spear of Gunger and changed his big hat on his helmet. And urged one of his personal guardian - the best warriors, which were nicknamed fierce madmen. In his Palace Valhalla, he collected all the gods. One announced that the Spirit of Fire Loki and Wolf Fenriro managed to free themselves that they were led by the troops of the giants and the battle hour is nearing. They are sent to the rescue from the ship driving the undead.
All Asgard was waiting for an unprecedented battle. The earth's crust was covered with fissures, raging snow tumans. And once pierced the rooster lingering on the fortress wall Valhall. The gods, headed by Odin, came to meet their enemies. And only one knew what the outcome of the battle would be ...
At first glance, it may seem that the legends of the Vikings. However, having studied the myth-resistance of the peoples of the North in more detail, the researcher understands that most of the ancient legends are not deprived of a kind of charm. Vikings believed that some items were able to bring misfortune.
Cursed Ring Andvarinaut
Among the northern peoples, the ring was considered a symbol of glory, wealth and power. In some cases, the rings replaced the money, these decorations also gave on the occasion of a significant celebration. Many Viking Legends also mention magic rings. So one myth tells about the anniversary ring, which brought many misfortunes to the gods.
Forged the ill-fated ring one dwarf named Andvari. It was lucky to know this wicked, where river maids keep their gold. Having spoiled this gold, Andbani manufactured a kind of magic ring, distinguished by a great power. Meanwhile, the river maidens so mourn the loss of their treasures that even the water washed.
Andvari's cunning dwarf hid in the underground lake after he hidden the stolen gold. The magic ring, manufactured by Andvari, wished to get both gods and their enemies. In search of the magic treasure, the Gods of Freigg, one, Loki, Hönir, Freir went: For these purposes, they visited the world of people - Midgard.
The ancient legends of the Vikings are narrating oh, capable of serving talismans or a prediction system, depending on the need of the one who uses them. Runic letters on the legend passed to people God alone, who nailed himself to the tree of Igdrasil and was in this position for nine days. As the legends of Norwegian Vikings tell, the sacral meaning of the runes was opened on the ninth day.
Runes were used not only as a written system. They were also used to predict the future. But the greatest distribution was obtained, which were manufactured to protect against enemies or to attract good luck.
Universe Viking
The following worlds appear in the legends of the Vikings:
Mitgard - Creation of asces and peace of people. But this is not just the usual earth, but a kind of center of the universe, the point of reference in the universe. It was in Midgard that the last battle of the gods with the army of giants, formed Loki takes place.
Jotunheim - The kingdom of giants. The ancient legends of the Vikings are filled with such characters like yotany (corporate giants) and trolls. Giant are an embodiment - they are strong, but they are devoid of mind. Jotany are raised to the world of people, bad weather, snow avalanches and storms.
Sullheim and Niflheim (literally translated as the house of fire and the house of the cold). The inhabitants of these worlds are fiery and snowy giants. As the legends of the Viking, the inhabitants of the "Ice" and "Fiery" never bent each other. On the contrary, they were allies and more than once provided services to each other.
Wanana is the abode of good spirits. A certain mythical country, located west of Asgard and Mitgard. Good spirits are not leaving the limits of Wanana, and therefore are not found with any asams or people. Vanya helps to make the soil fertile.
Mentioned in the legends of the Vikings and the worlds of dwarfs - Waltphaheim (abode of black dwarfs) and Lesvalphaheim (elves kingdom). Gnomes are engaged in gold and jewelry, the development of underground mines. Among them you can find a lot of wise men.
Asgard - The abode of the gods. The main task of the gods is to protect the world of people from the invasion of giants. It should be noted that the legends of the Vikings do not attribute the asam of infallibility. The gods are responsible for their actions, they fight and kill, violate the data of the oath. Nevertheless, they need humanity as the only protection against giants.
Scandinavia, the Land of Vikings, never indulged their inhabitants a velvet climate, but inspired by the harsh northern beauty and wonderful legends. The sharp lines of the fjords, the cold sea and white birds over it, ice vertices, mountain rivers and trees accustomed to the winds. And of course, long dark winters, when so good in a warm house listen to the vessels scandinavian legends. About the gods and heroes with bizarre names, their exploits and valor, about love and death. Indeed, in the legends born in these harsh lands, the gods are very similar to people.
Ancient Scandinavians believed that around the world tree - ash, Igdrasil in a special order is nine of different worlds. In each - its orders and the inhabitants, and just so overcome the border between them. That is, it is possible, but with great difficulty, which is not all under power. And at the same time there is a chance to please at all where it was going to get. Stern North does not forgive negligence! According to the Scandinavian epic, at the beginning of the times, only two worlds were in the edges of the original abyss: from the north - Ice Niflheim, and from the south, Fiery Sumylheim. It is due to the impossible approach of these two opposites the first life and the rest of the seven worlds appeared.
Cold Log's Cradle
Niflheim - cold lands of fogs and glaciers, born from the waters of the poisonous river Evyagar; According to the legend, she turned everything into ice, what her waves touched. So there was a fruitless icy desert, where they rule the firing cold and deep snow, dense damp fogs and frantic blizzards. The only source of heat here is a magic well with hot water, the name of which is translated as a "boiling boiler". All the rivers of nine worlds originate from it. It is noteworthy that these rivers flow up the trunk of the world tree.
Another miracle of this earth: it was in Niflheim, among his memorable ice, life was first born. It happened because two primordial worlds - ice and fiery - too raped with each other (with the Scandinavian worlds, which move to the cool ash, Igdrasil, it happens), and from the breath of the flame, the eternal Merzlot began to melt, turning into water and steam. It seemed that one element would absorb another, but instead, the first living creature in nine worlds appeared from the mixing of fogs, ice, fire and light - the giant named Imir. This he became the progenitor of all the boring devils, who were happy to settle in Niflheim. They came out like this cold land: mighty giggles with very pale skin, beaten in the skins of wild animals mined on the hunt. Houses in Niflheim did not build, the dwellings of giants became deep ice caves. The grief of that traveler, which attracted their attention - here, in a cold and fruitless edge, the giants were glad any mining and almost any creation was revered edible. Ineisted giants were afraid all but asces - scandinavian gods. However, they tried once again not to join the conflict with the giants.
Husband for choosing
So, at the Asov and Ineuylastic giants, the relationship was very difficult and most of all resembled a protracted war. It happened so that the gods killed one of the giants, and his daughter Skay's excellent patroness of the hunt - came to demand a virgin for the death of the father. They asked what fee she wants.
And then, the insistent beauty wished one of the gods into her husbands, and even one who herself would choose. Aces answered by friendly laughter, but ... agreed.
Since the world of the Scandinavian gods rarely managed without tricks, the Great was assigned a condition that her narrowed it would choose their feet! Meanwhile, Speaking, the young and noble baaldr really liked, and she was sure that he would not be mistaken, he would know his beautiful feet. And then the Assa tied the Grand eye so that she saw only their legs, and she began to choose. But it turned out that Skadi was still sinking, and the legs who visited her belong to a completely different God - Nitradu. At first, the powerful hunter was upset, but, loyering in the face of an unexpected chosen, saw him well. So got married the goddess of winter, the patroness of the hunt Skadi and Nitard, the wonderful God of summer and fertility.
Newlyweds settled in the house of her husband on the sea coast, and at first they all went well. But then the young wife began to complain that she did not like the sea, shouts of gulls and seals anxiously her sleep, she very misses the cold earth giants and wants to return to the house that she got from his father. Nitard agreed to leave the seashore and go to the homeland of his wife. But soon he himself began to wander on the rustling of waves, his beloved swans, storms and seagulls. I had to live alternately to live by the sea - and then Skadi sadly, then in the snow-covered mountains - to the Great Sorrow Nitard. And in the end, they all ended like people: recognizing that their addictions and characters never coincide, they broke up. And everyone returned to her home, to the usual and beloved. It is difficult for winter and to be together, even the gods it turned out to be unable.
Ghost cold of the lower world
The goddess of death in the Scandinavian epic is the name of Hel. It rules in the lower world - Helheim, the world of the dead, which is located near the roots of the world tree. Many confuse him with a foggy and icy niflheim and believe that in the kingdom of Hel, the cold and eternal permafrost must also rule it. Yes, the goddess of death is cold, cold, and, according to the descriptions, it is half a beautiful, and half an ugly corpse. But anyone, in addition to the elected warriors, designed to the title of the gods - Valchalla, could not avoid the kingdom of Hel. Even the bright God Baldr, tragically deceased from the crazy boom, was doomed to wander in her gloomy panels until the end of times.
Two-mile laddy of the dead jealously protects the rest of the borders and the shower locked in its paratroopers. In Helheim, you can enter, passing the Dark River Geell and the sleepless guard on the gate, but almost no one managed to leave the lower world. Only God-Bulletin Hermode managed to return back from the gloomy world of Hel. So, every in the measure of his imagination told about what he happened to the souls of ordinary mortals and unworthy of fighting heroes in the lower world. However, unlikely to all the "civilian population" of Viking lands were pregnant in the dark underworld. The ego looks like unjustly. After all, in Scandinavia, people and in life get a lot of cold, frost, snow and harsh legends.