Between Two Ravens: A Norse Mythology Podcast

In this episode, Shawn discusses the historical/legendary figure of Rollo, a Viking who founded the Duchy of Normandy. A man who had a somewhat famous descendant named "William the Conqueror, the man who eventually would invade England in 1066 and end the reign of the Anglo-Saxon Kings of England. Rollo's childhood is somewhat obscure, as we are currently unsure if he was from Denmark or Norway, though the case could be made for both. Though the obscurity of his childhood could mean simply that he came from no noble birth, but through his travels and raiding in West-Frankia he was able to carve out his story in the annals of history, and as a result his descendants would be kings. Not Unlike Guthrum, a pagan who surrendered to Alfred the Great after the Battle of Edington, Rollo agreed to forsake his gods to in and agreement with Charles III (aka "Charles the Simple") for lands and riches which for an aging viking couldn't have been a horrible offer to live out his days lavishly in a castle. Ways to support us: If you have been enjoying our show, please write a 5 star review on itunes to help spread our podcast to a wider audience: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/between-two-ravens-a-norse-mythology-podcast/id1604263830 Follow us or leave a message on Twitter or Instagram: Twitter: (@TwoRavenPodcast): https://twitter.com/TwoRavenPodcast Instagram: (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/ Check out David’s writing:  Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com).  Walled Garden (https://thewalledgarden.com/davidalexander) Our podcast is part of The Walled Garden Podcast Network. The Walled Garden is committed to the pursuit of Truth, Wisdom, Virtue, and the Divine, wherever it might be found.  Visit thewalledgarden.com to learn more about weekly meet-ups and the other Walled Garden contributors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A solo episode by David, where I have re-translated the Skaldic poem Haustlong which was featured in Episode 10 - Thor's Journey Part 1. Shawn and I found the poem really difficult to understand when we read it during episode 10, and I got a bit obsessed with trying to understand what they were actually going for in the Old Norse poem. As I started translating Old Norse words, I realized that there were many obvious and wonderful cognates where an English word could nearly mirror the Old Norse word. I particularly made efforts to capture the frequent alliteration in the Old Norse of Haustlong, and I did my best to replicate how I perceive Old Norse to be spoken, with abrupt transitions and compound sentences within compound sentences. Haustlong (Autumn Long) is a Skaldic poem by Thiodolf of Hvinir (approx year 880 a.d.), preserved in Snori’s Prose Edda. You can read my translation and explanation of my translation process on our blog: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/2023/05/12/haustl%c7%abng-a-new-translation/ The website with Old Norse side by side Anthony Faulk's translation: https://web.archive.org/web/20140714215920/http://kurs.lt/norse/skaitiniai/haustlong_apie_tora_ir_hrungnira.htm Anthony Faulks "Everyman Press" Edition of Snora Edda available at Viking Society for Northern Research: http://vsnrweb-publications.org.uk/ Ways to support us: If you have been enjoying our show, please write a 5 star review on itunes to help spread our podcast to a wider audience: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/between-two-ravens-a-norse-mythology-podcast/id1604263830 Follow us or leave a message on Twitter or Instagram: Twitter: (@TwoRavenPodcast): https://twitter.com/TwoRavenPodcast Instagram: (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/ Check out David’s writing:  Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com).  Walled Garden (https://thewalledgarden.com/davidalexander) Our podcast is part of The Walled Garden Podcast Network. The Walled Garden is committed to the pursuit of Truth, Wisdom, Virtue, and the Divine, wherever it might be found.  Visit thewalledgarden.com to learn more about weekly meet-ups and the other Walled Garden con Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part 2 of our recap on the god, Thor. In this episode we discuss a few of the stories where Thor may have shown personal growth and reflection in his action. Where Thor, without his hammer Mjollnir, relies on the help of others and potentially his own previous experiences to succeed. We also discuss his death at Ragnarök where he initially stands side by side with his father, Odin. Did Odin simply want Thor there next to him as he was a great warrior, or has Thor proven himself worthy as a son based on his recent actions? Thor's development and growth in Shawn's made up timeline is pretty cool to reflect on... Ways to support us: If you have been enjoying our show, please write a 5 star review on itunes to help spread our podcast to a wider audience: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/between-two-ravens-a-norse-mythology-podcast/id1604263830 Follow us or leave a message on Twitter or Instagram: Twitter: (@TwoRavenPodcast): https://twitter.com/TwoRavenPodcast Instagram: (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/ Check out David’s writing:  Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com).  Walled Garden (https://thewalledgarden.com/davidalexander) Our podcast is part of The Walled Garden Podcast Network. The Walled Garden is committed to the pursuit of Truth, Wisdom, Virtue, and the Divine, wherever it might be found.  Visit thewalledgarden.com to learn more about weekly meet-ups and the other Walled Garden contributors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part 1 of 2 on Thor’s Hero’s Journey. Shawn recaps the myths where Thor learns painful lessons along his journey, either from his father Odin, Loki, or other powerful Giants. David reads the Skaldic poem Haustlong, which is a ‘chock-full-of-kennings’ rendition of Thor’s battle with Hrungnir.Thor’s early hero’s journey reinforces the importance of Havamal Virtues. David gives an example of divination using the I Ching which is particularly timely for this episode on Thor and raises the question “which of your demons are you unconsciously feeding?” A question from the episode, answered: Svolnir’s Widow is another name for Thor’s mother, the Earth (also known as Jorth). The name Svolnir is not well attested and could either be another name for Odin (as Odin isn’t dead, maybe the old Norse word translated ‘Widow’ is meaning she was divorced from him). Alternate sources indicate that Dallingr (the dawn) sired Dagr (the day) with Jord. Or maybe she was married to Annar, an island giant who may have been a personification of water itself. Announcements: David is starting a mindfulness group. Learn about why mindfulness is the first step for any philosophical journey or process of self-transformation.Come practice mindfulness every Friday morning in April and May 2023. It is free for anyone to attend. Fridays 8:30am PST: https://thewalledgarden.com/theprosocheprojectWays to support us: If you have been enjoying our show, please write a 5 star review on itunes to help spread our podcast to a wider audience: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/between-two-ravens-a-norse-mythology-podcast/id1604263830Follow us or leave a message on Instagram:Instagram: (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/Check out David’s writing: Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com).Walled Garden (https://thewalledgarden.com/davidalexander)Our podcast is part of The Walled Garden Podcast Network. The Walled Garden is committed to the pursuit of Truth, Wisdom, Virtue, and the Divine, wherever it might be found. Visit thewalledgarden.com to learn more about weekly meet-ups and the other Walled Garden contributors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shawn discusses the life of Penda: Last Pagan King of Mercia, as told in the "Anglo-Saxon Chronicle" and Bede's "Ecclesiastical History of the English People". 7th Century England saw many of the Petty Kingdoms converting to Christianity. However, King Penda of Mercia (626-655ce) remained a staunch pagan up until his death. During his reign he ravanged Northumbria (killing 2 of its kings), invaded East-Anglia (killing 3 of theirs), and routed King Kenwal from his kingdom of Wessex due to a slight against his sister. As the Anglo-Saxon gods are similar to the Norse gods, I would say Penda has earned a place in Valhalla. Announcements: David is starting a mindfulness group. Learn about why mindfulness is the first step for any philosophical journey or process of self-transformation. Come practice mindfulness every Friday morning in April and May 2023. It is free for anyone to attend. Fridays 8:30am PST: https://thewalledgarden.com/theprosocheproject Want to invest in our scheme to start a Between Two Ravens Merch Store? Send us $20 and we’ll send you some Between Two Ravens logo stickers. https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/donation/ Ways to support us: If you have been enjoying our show, please write a 5 star review on itunes to help spread our podcast to a wider audience: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/between-two-ravens-a-norse-mythology-podcast/id1604263830 Follow us or leave a message on Twitter or Instagram: Twitter: (@TwoRavenPodcast): https://twitter.com/TwoRavenPodcast Instagram: (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/ Check out David’s writing:  Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com).  Walled Garden (https://thewalledgarden.com/davidalexander) Our podcast is part of The Walled Garden Podcast Network. The Walled Garden is committed to the pursuit of Truth, Wisdom, Virtue, and the Divine, wherever it might be found.  Visit thewalledgarden.com to learn more about weekly meet-ups and the other Walled Garden contributors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shawn and David wrap up their series on the journey of Odin, from his birth to his death at Ragnarök. This week they focus primarily on what they consider to be an older Odin contemplating his life and mortality, and ask the question "Did Odin die a good death?" when swallowed by the wolf, Fenrir. The pair also discuss the idea of meditating on one's death and how we as humans can recognize the fact that we will die, but use that fact to enjoy life more as opposed to leading to an extreme existential dread in the years leading up to it. David also sings a lullaby in German? Announcements: David is starting a mindfulness group. Learn about why mindfulness is the first step for any philosophical journey or process of self-transformation. Come practice mindfulness every Friday morning in April and May 2023. It is free for anyone to attend. Fridays 8:30am PST: https://thewalledgarden.com/theprosocheproject Want to invest in our scheme to start a Between Two Ravens Merch Store? Send us $20 and we’ll send you some Between Two Ravens logo stickers. https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/donation/ Ways to support us: If you have been enjoying our show, please write a 5 star review on itunes to help spread our podcast to a wider audience: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/between-two-ravens-a-norse-mythology-podcast/id1604263830 Follow us or leave a message on Twitter or Instagram: Twitter: (@TwoRavenPodcast): https://twitter.com/TwoRavenPodcast Instagram: (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/ Check out David’s writing:  Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com).  Walled Garden (https://thewalledgarden.com/davidalexander) Our podcast is part of The Walled Garden Podcast Network. The Walled Garden is committed to the pursuit of Truth, Wisdom, Virtue, and the Divine, wherever it might be found.  Visit thewalledgarden.com to learn more about weekly meet-ups and the other Walled Garden contributors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shawn and David continue part 2 of 3: The Journey of Odin. We continue with Odin’s stories of meddling in the affairs of mortals and gods. Odin, the King of the Gods, struggles to understand the ‘Good Father’ Archetype. We get a bit deep talking about the structure of the human psyche, whether God(s) exist or not, and whether immortality is really boring.  Watch Shawn takeover TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@tobiandwaylan Videos Mentioned: Ragnar and Egbert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3cimQ6yIT8 Ragnar contemplates fate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIPiLp9NwyY Announcements: David is starting a mindfulness group. Learn about why mindfulness is the first step for any philosophical journey or process of self-transformation. Come practice mindfulness every Friday morning in April and May 2023. It is free for anyone to attend. Fridays 8:30am PST: https://thewalledgarden.com/theprosocheproject Want to invest in our scheme to start a Between Two Ravens Merch Store? Send us $20 and we’ll send you some Between Two Ravens logo stickers. https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/donation/ Ways to support us: If you have been enjoying our show, please write a 5 star review on itunes to help spread our podcast to a wider audience: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/between-two-ravens-a-norse-mythology-podcast/id1604263830 Follow us or leave a message on Twitter or Instagram: Twitter: (@TwoRavenPodcast): https://twitter.com/TwoRavenPodcast Instagram: (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/ Check out David’s writing:  Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com).  Walled Garden (https://thewalledgarden.com/davidalexander) Our podcast is part of The Walled Garden Podcast Network. The Walled Garden is committed to the pursuit of Truth, Wisdom, Virtue, and the Divine, wherever it might be found.  Visit thewalledgarden.com to learn more about weekly meet-ups and the other Walled Garden contributors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shawn and David recap the journey of Odin in a 3 part series. Part one is Odin’s younger years. Odin’s origin and the birth of the gods. Odin’s adventures to gain wisdom, poetry, and magic spells.David and Shawn muse on the idea of why Odin is seeking Wisdom from The Feminine, what Odin has to sacrifice, and why it all has to do with learning to face your death.Announcements: David is starting a mindfulness group. Learn about why mindfulness is the first step for any philosophical journey or process of self-transformation. Come practice mindfulness every Friday morning in April and May 2023. It is free for anyone to attend. March 24th 8:00 am PST: https://thewalledgarden.com/thewalledgardenliveevent2 Future Events Friday 8:30am PST: https://thewalledgarden.com/theprosocheproject Want to invest in our scheme to start a Between Two Ravens Merch Store? Send us $20 and we’ll send you some Between Two Ravens logo stickers. https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/donation/ Ways to support us: If you have been enjoying our show, please write a 5 star review on itunes to help spread our podcast to a wider audience: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/between-two-ravens-a-norse-mythology-podcast/id1604263830 Follow us or leave a message on Twitter or Instagram: Twitter: (@TwoRavenPodcast): https://twitter.com/TwoRavenPodcast Instagram: (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/ Check out David’s writing: Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com). Walled Garden (https://thewalledgarden.com/davidalexander) Our podcast is part of The Walled Garden Podcast Network. The Walled Garden is committed to the pursuit of Truth, Wisdom, Virtue, and the Divine, wherever it might be found. Visit thewalledgarden.com to learn more about weekly meet-ups and the other Walled Garden contributors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Shawn discusses the figure of Cerdic, the supposed first king of Wessex as told in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. Cerdic and his son Cynric formed the kingdom in the year 519 ce. 400 years later, his house and descendants would form the Kingdom of England, a kingdom which still stands today in 2023 with King Charles III. The chronicle also contains 2 interesting notes. One in the year 495 ce which gives a preview of the list of Kings of Wessex/England from Cerdic to Edward the Martyr, who died in 978 ce (Kings they would be discussing later anyway on their respective years). The other being in 854 ce (the year of King Aethelwulf of Wessex's death), where it then gives a direct line of ancestors of Aethelwulf all the way do Adam from the Bible. Shawn also uses 2 different pronunciations of Cerdic's son "Cynric" because he is an idiot. Ways to support us: If you have been enjoying our show, please write a 5 star review on itunes to help spread our podcast to a wider audience: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/between-two-ravens-a-norse-mythology-podcast/id1604263830 Follow us or leave a message on Twitter or Instagram: Twitter: (@TwoRavenPodcast): https://twitter.com/TwoRavenPodcast Instagram: (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/ Check out David’s writing:  Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com).  Walled Garden (https://thewalledgarden.com/davidalexander) Our podcast is part of The Walled Garden Podcast Network. The Walled Garden is committed to the pursuit of Truth, Wisdom, Virtue, and the Divine, wherever it might be found.  Visit thewalledgarden.com to learn more about weekly meet-ups and the other Walled Garden contributors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Shawn and David discuss chapters 52 and 53 of Gylfaginning from the Prose Edda, which details the aftermath and rebirth of Ragnarök. They also further discuss the similarities with this story and Revelations from the Holy Bible. Shawn also talks about how he was the original "Shawn the Valet" and hints that Marvel owes him some money. Ways to support us: If you have been enjoying our show, please write a 5 star review on itunes to help spread our podcast to a wider audience: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/between-two-ravens-a-norse-mythology-podcast/id1604263830 Follow us or leave a message on Twitter or Instagram: Twitter: (@TwoRavenPodcast): https://twitter.com/TwoRavenPodcast Instagram: (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/ Check out David’s writing:  Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com).  Walled Garden (https://thewalledgarden.com/davidalexander) Our podcast is part of The Walled Garden Podcast Network. The Walled Garden is committed to the pursuit of Truth, Wisdom, Virtue, and the Divine, wherever it might be found.  Visit thewalledgarden.com to learn more about weekly meet-ups and the other Walled Garden contributors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices