The History of English Podcast Episode 24: Germanic Mythology
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May 5, 2013 Explore the influence of Germanic mythology on modern English. Learn about Germanic gods, religious traditions, and their impact on the English language. Discover the mythology of Thor and the debates surrounding the goddess of Friday. Discuss the connection between the Germanic goddess Eostra and Easter. Dive into the Germanic belief in the afterlife and its connection to the sea. Discover the influence of Germanic mythology on literature and its lasting impact on Western literature today.
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Yule Gave Us Christmas Customs
- The Germanic midwinter festival Yule lasted twelve days and merged with Christian Christmas practices when missionaries co-opted local celebrations.
- Traditions like the Yule log and the 12-day Christmas period survive as cultural remnants in English.
From Wild Hunt To Santa Imagery
- Woden's Wild Hunt and gift-bearing, bearded sky-traveler imagery likely influenced the evolution of Santa Claus and Sinterklaas.
- Elements like the beard, hood, sky-journey, and winter timing trace from Germanic myths to modern Christmas figures.
Thor’s Deep Linguistic Roots
- Thor, the thunder god, links linguistically to the English word 'thunder' and gave Thursday its name.
- Thor may have very ancient Indo-European roots as a thunder/fertility protector, explaining his prominence across cultures.