The Popularity of Norse Mythology in Modern Times

Oiden "The Traveler"

There is a trend in the entertainment industry. A mythology has returned that is embedded in almost every fantasy story on the big screen, flat screen, and mobile screen. The mythology I speak of is Norse. Norse Mythology derives from the Nordic People and it is the legends or tales of their gods. Key deities in theses stories are Oiden, Thor, and Loki. Let me survey if I will the entire collection of Norse entertainment that is currently available:

The first is a Marvel superhero film that retells the story of Thor, son Oiden.



A sequel to this film has just recently been released in theaters:



Prior to Thor: The Dark World was The Avengers film which featured a rival god of Thor known as Loki, who is a "trickster" and very Satan like in character: (see top of poster)


In Norse Mythology Loki is a god that is from different family of deities. He bares no relation to Thor.

Beyond these obvious tributes to the Norse Mythologies are more subtle, but not less substantial homages. The most notable in the video game industry is Halo.



Master Chief or John 117 is clad in Thor's armor which is called MJOLINER Armor. The MJOLINER Armor is featured in all the installment of the Halo Saga; Halo Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, Halo Wars, Halo Reach, Halo 4, Halo: Spartan Assault, and will be featured in the upcoming Halo 5 & Halo 6.

Next is from Tolkien's Legenderium. Tolkien disclosed that the character of Gandalf is based on Oiden, when he was "the wanderer" or "traveler" (see title pic for Oiden traveler).

Oiden, "Traveller"

Gandalf is maiar or wizard in The Silmarillion, The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. He acts like deity of sorts and uses his sorcery to aid those in his company. Gandalf is even derivative of Oiden in Tolkien's language. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._R._R._Tolkien's_influences)

Within the same legendarium is Thorin Oakenshield. Who is the son of Thrain, son of Thror. All variations of the name Thor.






















Thorin captures the more Vikingesque look of Thor and what the Norse gods would have looked like in Norse lore.

In addition Tolkien created his Elven and Dwarven languages from the Old Norse language. Below you can see the famous Map of the Lonely Mountain and below it examples of Old Norse Runes. Compare how similar and you seen exactly when Tolkien got his ideas for his Middle Earth languages.

Then there is the Vikings Series on the History Channel:

This series depicts the Vikings as savages who pillage villages in the name of their gods Oiden and Thor. At one point a Christian monk lives amongst the Norse Vikings and is converted to their paganism.

The latest installment in the Call of Duty franchise is Call of Duty Ghosts.



In Call of Duty Ghosts there are two orbital satellite weapons of mass destruction named OIDEN and LOKI. Again two powerful weapons are named after Norse gods.



Oiden Space Station, COD Ghosts

Norse mythology is making a come back. It is in full force via Marvel and subtly making debuts in the most popular franchises. The question is why? Why has such a obscure mythology (when compared to Greek and Roman Mythology) suddenly become so popular? The answer I would say has to do with Principalities. A Principality is fallen angel and one of many who fell with Satan after the war in heaven. Paul says, "We are not at war with flesh in blood, but principalities, powers, thrones, and those of this present darkness." (Ephesians 6:12). Principalties like the devil want worship. In fact, that was one of the great desires of the devil recorded in his Five I Wills. Here is the Five I Wills of Satan broken down by Buddy Dano, Anderson Bible Church:
 

"SATAN'S FIVE "I WILLS" (ISAIAH 14:12-15)

1. Satan's five I wills:

A. "I will ascend into Heaven." This is the third Heaven, the Throne Room. I'll take God's place.

B. "I will exalt my throne above the stars of God." "I will rule angels." Job 38:7, Jude 13, Rev. 12:3, 4.

C. "I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation in the sides of the north." This is Earth as a place. Psalm 48:2 "I will rule mankind."

D. "I will ascend above the heights of the clouds." "I'll be supreme." He wills to displace God as the Sovereign of the universe.

E. "I will be like the Most High." I'll be like God. This is power lust."

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An element that has transported norse mythology into our century is the extra terresital component. In Thor, the film, Thor is an alien and so is Loki in the Avengers and Thor: The Shadow World. The truth is that anything that is not of this earth is alien, which is the defitintion of the word. It says in Genesis 3, "that the sons of God went into the daughters of men and begot giants." These giants were called Nephillim. Oiden and the fallen ones impregnated people and likely passed down their egregious and false account of their divinity. In fact, the Vikings and the norse races could perhaps have D.N.A. connected to these fallen angels.

The purpose of any mythology outside the Bible is to get people focused, fixated, enamored, enthralled, and engaged in it rather than God. The stories are always well crafted and compelling. The armor, opulence, and lore so tempting that few will not be caught up in it. Norse mythology is a anti-Christ teaching and it has infected story telling on every level; from the literature of Tolkien to the latest Call of Duty blockbuster video game. One cannot easily find any film, book, or video game that is free from Norse influence these days.

My warning is to be aware. The impact of this mythology is not to build up your spiritual self in Christ, but to draw you away from Him! If you can filter and keep the stories from infecting you, then bravo! But even to the most resolute and vigilant in the Faith, I say beware! The devil and his cohorts are cunning! They will try to turn you from loving Christ to chasing after fallen angels masquerading as gods. I even had a friend who was a Christian and abandoned the faith to worship Oiden, Thor, and the plethora of norse gods (one being a cow)! It greatly grieved my soul, because he has exchanged eternal life and the One True God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for fallen angels who have no power.

So do not think that because it seems benign or that it is some legend that it will not harm you. Norse mythology like any mythology is meant to make you worship It's gods. I recommend believers stay clear of Nordic Sagas and films, video games, and other media that glorify Norse mythos. You might not be able to escape everything, but at least stay clear of Thor, The Avengers, and Thor: The Shadow World.

Addendum: It turns out there is one more tie to Norse Mythology I did not know about. That is the most famous and beloved character of all:


Yep, Santa Claus is Oiden. It turns out all the folklore surrounding Santa and his crew is Norse. The Elves serve Oiden in the mythology, and the elves serve Santa. Oiden has an eight legged horse, Santa has eight reindeer. Oiden puts presents in boots, and Santa in stockings which are shaped like boots. So Norse Mythology is officially infected almost everything.

Jesus come quickly..