Norse and Australian Aborigine Mythology

Norse and Australian Aborigine Mythology

When most people think of mythology, they think of Roman or Greek.   There are many other types of myths, however, such as Norse myths.   Creation of Earth, humans, and natural phenomena are common in Greek and Roman mythology as they are in many others. This paper will examine Norse myths showing that it contains these common themes and ending with a comparison that myths from two completely different geographic areas, even from as far away as Australia, show these themes.
Norse is defined as Norwegian, Swedish, Icelandic, Danish, and a little bit Finnish.   These areas all had harsh climates, unpredictable weather, mysterious forests, and impassable mountains.   Snow and hailstorms along with disease were all considered forms of evil.   Time was strongly emphasized and everything was able to change and everything was perishable.   Honor and strength were the center of Norse spiritual beliefs.   “Fighting the good fight with honor and skill was the most important thing any Viking can do” (Lassieur 65).   It wasn’t of much importance if they won as long as the fight they put up was a great one.  
The Vikings had many gods and goddesses.   Not everyone worshipped every deity.   Certain gods and goddesses such as Odin, Thor, Freya, and Idun are good examples of “popular” deities.   Most of the deities were portrayed as friendly but highly respected.   “Many of the stories show the gods as having a mix of human and divine characteristics, making them seem both approachable and terrifying at the same time”   (Lassieur 63).   “The gods could not change or alter the course of the world; everything that happened was destined….   The gods were immortal, but they were also living, breathing entities whom the people could call on for help, just as they could call on their family and neighbors in times of trouble” (Lassieur 65).
Women played equal roles as the males in religion.   They were allowed to lead cults unlike...