Between Two Ravens: A Norse Mythology Podcast

Shawn presents a short solo episode during our brief mid-season break. Shawn talks about the history of Snori Sturluson’s Prose Edda and the book Gylfaggining. Outlining the chapters where King Gylfi visits Asgard to question the gods, creating a literary device for Snorri to share mythological lore. Shawn gives a summary of the sections of Gylfaggining which roughly parallel our journey on the podcast exploring the creation of the cosmos, the gods and other beings of the 9 realms, adventures of Thor and Loki, and the events of Ragnarok. Shawn is sharing a document of his summary of the chapter of Gylfaggining for those interested. https://sites.google.com/view/prosoche-project/shawns-notes-gylfaginningWays 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: (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/Check out David’s writing:  Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com). Walled Garden (https://thewalledgarden.com/davidalexander)Donate to help buy Shawn & David matching drinking horns! https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/donation/Additional Info: Prose Edda (Byock; Penguin Classics): https://amzn.to/3inCvznProse Edda “Snora Edda” (See Anthony Faulks version from the Viking Society for Northern Research): http://vsnrweb-publications.org.uk/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 writing and podcasts of our other contributors.

The third and final installment in our series on the Ominous Dreams of the Beautiful Balder. Continuing Chapter 49 of Gylfaginning in the Prose Edda. A funeral pyre boat is prepared for Balder. Many of the gifts of the gods are sent along with Balder for his trip down the river Gjoll (again, not a river in Switzerland).Odin’s lad, Hermod, is tasked with traveling to the underworld in order to ask Hel for a chance to allow Baldur’s return to his family. Hel has a feast prepared for Baldur and is not ready to part with him so easily. All beings of the known universe must week for Baldur or he will not be allowed to return to the living.Once again, there is a chance to defy fate… but not if Loki has anything to say about it. David introduces the Greek myth of Persephone as a potential, but unexpected parallel to Baldur’s journey. Maybe Hella will not part with Baldur so easily because she expected him to be her bridegroom.David and Shawn discuss the potential for the myth of Baldur to be a hero’s journey and a myth of death, resurrection, and rebirth. The need to accept fate, allow the death of the ego (Odin letting go of Draupnir, his ring representing desire and lust for power), and find hope in there being something more beyond the death of the gods.Register for David’s meet up (September 22nd 8pm Eastern), talking about Prosoche, Stoic Mindfulness, as the starting point for the student of philosophy and seeker of wisdom. https://thewalledgarden.com/post/prosoche-stoic-mindfulnessWays 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: (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/Check out David’s writing: Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com). Walled Garden (https://thewalledgarden.com/davidalexander)Donate to help buy Shawn & David matching drinking horns! https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/donation/Additional Info: The story of Heremod, the king who would not be generous with giving rings: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/sll/disciplines/english/beowulf/kingship.htmPercival, the grail, the fisher king, and his mother’s shirt (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Percival) is best summarized in Robert Johnson’s book ‘He’. https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Masculine-Psychology-Robert-Johnson/dp/0060963964Gylfaganning 49: http://www.voluspa.org/gylfaginning41-50.htmProse Edda (Byock; Penguin Classics): https://amzn.to/3inCvznProse Edda “Snora Edda” (See Anthony Faulks version from the Viking Society for Northern Research): http://vsnrweb-publications.org.uk/John Lindow: Norse Mythology – A guide to Gods, Heroes, Rituals and Belief: https://amzn.to/3uHTiF4Neil Gaiman - Norse Mythology: https://amzn.to/3if50zkOur 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 writing and podcasts of our other contributors.

Continuing our series on the Ominous Dreams of the Beautiful Balder.  Chapter 49 of Gylfaganing in the Prose Edda.  Odin fears that his son’s premonitions of death will come true and Balder’s mother, Frigg, obtains the oaths of all the dangers of the natural world so that they will not harm her son.  Loki returns and wants to play a little game.The gods attempt to injure Balder to prove that the oaths of protection are working. Loki deceives Frigg and is able to learn that one small plant was too young to swear an oath to the queen of the gods and can still harm Balder. The blind god Hod is easily deceived by Loki and it’s all downhill from there. Shawn and David discuss Loki and Odin’s ongoing battle for and against Fate.David introduces the Greek God Dionysus as a potential parallel for Balder. The archetype of the resurrected son. Dionysus is another son of a king god. He dies and is brought back from the underworld with the aid of a guide. Dionysus is a bit more exciting than Balder and will help David connect to parallels with the Fertility God Freyr in future episodes. Stay tuned!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/id1604263830Follow us or leave a message on Instagram: (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/Check out David’s writing:  Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com). Walled Garden (https://thewalledgarden.com/davidalexander)Donate to help buy Shawn & David matching drinking horns! https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/donation/Additional Info: Gylfaganning 49: http://www.voluspa.org/gylfaginning41-50.htm Prose Edda (Byock; Penguin Classics): https://amzn.to/3inCvznProse Edda “Snora Edda” (See Anthony Faulks version from the Viking Society for Northern Research): http://vsnrweb-publications.org.uk/Our podcast is part of The Walled Garden Podcast Network. The Walled Garden is committed to the pursuit of Truth, Wisdom, Virtue, Beauty, and the Divine, wherever it might be found. Visit thewalledgarden.com to learn more about weekly meet-ups and the writing and podcasts of our other contributors. Learn more about your ad choices.

In this episode, Shawn and David discuss Balder's Draumar, a poem that is typically found in copies of the Poetic Edda, though not found in the Codex Regius Manuscript. In this short poem, Odin travels to Hel (Niflheim) to find out why his son Balder is having ominous dreams foretelling his own death.Of course the only way to do this (It is Odin, after all), is to wake a witch from the dead and ask her questions which contain answers he himself isn’t ready to hear. David discusses the Greek gods Zeus and Hermes, their similarities to aspects of Odin in this story, and introduces the idea of Baldur being a Dionysian figure.The pair also discuss the idea of fate and the significance of Odin trying to change what he knows he cannot. Is Odin's lust for knowledge and power at the expense of everything else proof the gods do not have free will? Is Odin fated by his nature to act as it has been foretold?Ways to support us: Share Our Podcast Website with a friend: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/David’s Writing - Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com).Follow us on Instagram (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/Donate to buy Shawn a beer or help cover our hosting costs: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/donation/Additional Info/Books Discussed: The Poetic Edda (Crawford, Hackett Classics): https://amzn.to/3JqmsfFPoetic Edda by Carolyne Larrington (Oxford World Classics; David’s preferred translation): https://amzn.to/3sxITc7

Continuing with the “Monstrous Children of Loki”, This week we discuss Fenrir the Wolf and his particular connection with the god Tyr. Shawn discusses once again the idea of fate in this myth, as the gods take action on Fenrir to prevent his role in Ragnarök, are they actually helping to expedite it? David includes some interpretations on Tyr the King, the Warrior, and the Judge and how some Greek Stoic metaphors about Justice relate to Tyr “holding a thing with both hands”.We also return to discussing the Tyr rune and how you can actually apply magic to your life. Several errors we need to correct:  Fenrir is bound by the magical fetter Gleipnir ("the open one"), which is "made from things which cannot be put to the test". Gleipnir is attached to a chain named Gelgja (related to the word swallow, or gulp), passed through a rock called Gjöll (Old Norse for "noise" or "scream" or the Celtic 'Geall' for "pledge, stake, wager"), and then set under a larger stone called Thviti ("hitter", "batterer"). I don't know where David got his earlier notes from.Interested in discussions on psychology, philosophy, and wisdom? Check out The Walled Garden meet-ups (Thursdays 3pm PST, 6pm EST): (https://thewalledgarden.com/the-walled-garden-philosophical-society-meetup) Ways to support us: Share Our Podcast Website with a friend: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/David’s Writing - Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com). Follow us on Instagram (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/ Donate to buy Shawn a beer or help cover our hosting costs: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/donation/Additional Info: Gylfaganning 33 & 34: http://www.voluspa.org/gylfaginning31-40.htmDiana Paxson - Taking Up the Runes: https://amzn.to/34rqkywA Guide to Gods, Heroes, Rituals and Belief by John Lindow: https://amzn.to/3uHTiF4Prose Edda (Byock; Penguin Classics): https://amzn.to/3inCvznProse Edda “Snora Edda” (See Anthony Faulks version from the Viking Society for Northern Research): http://vsnrweb-publications.org.uk/

We return to the stories of Loki, “The cause of and solution to all of life’s problems.” This week Loki settles down and becomes a family man. Raising one or two children with the goddess Sigyn and he has three legendary children with the Giant Angrboda of Jotunheim: Fenrir the Wolf, Jormungandr the World Serpent, and Hel the goddess of the underworld.The Aesir are not amused and fear the harm these children will cause, sending them off to distant lands. David gives one last interpretation on Loki, Svadilfari, and the importance of Love (Eros) for the Trickster Archetype.We look at some of the parallels between Loki and Odin, review the story of Thor and the Midgard Serpent (Season 1 Episode 13), and discuss a bit about the significance of the goddess Hel (Hella). Next week we will go in depth on Fenrir the Wolf and the myths about Loki’s less famous children.  David’s latest blog posts on mythology: Loki, Svadilfari, and the Walls of Asgard (Between Two Ravens S2 Episode 6) https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/2022/08/06/loki-svadilfari-and-the-walls-of-asgard/A Mythological Perspective on Trauma (Walled Garden) https://thewalledgarden.com/post/mythological-perspective-on-trauma Interested is more discussions on psychology, philosophy, and wisdom?Check out The Walled Garden meet-ups (Thursdays 3pm PST, 6pm EST): (https://thewalledgarden.com/the-walled-garden-philosophical-society-meetup) Ways to support us: Share Our Podcast Website: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/ David’s Writing - Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com). Follow us on Instagram (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/ Donate to buy Shawn a beer or help cover our hosting costs: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/donation/Additional Info: Gylfagganing 33 & 34: http://www.voluspa.org/gylfaginning31-40.htm Hyndluljod (Including Voulspa et Skamma): http://www.voluspa.org/hyndluljod.htmA Guide to Gods, Heros, Rituals and Belief by John Lindow: https://amzn.to/3uHTiF4Prose Edda (Byock; Penguin Classics): https://amzn.to/3inCvzn Prose Edda “Snora Edda” (See Anthony Faulks version from the Viking Society for Northern Research): http://vsnrweb-publications.org.uk/

We are taking a bit of a break this week and releasing a short episode. David had some interpretations on S2 Episode 4 that came to him a few days after the episode was released and clarifying his explanation of how to make sense of Loki's "sacrifice".We will be back next week continuing the series on Loki. Shawn is also working on another solo short episode coming soon.David's blog post associated with this podcast episode: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/2022/08/06/loki-svadilfari-and-the-walls-of-asgard/David's related post at the Walled Garden: "Mythological Perspective on Trauma" expanding on my associations between Loki, Slepnir, and healing trauma ("Soul Wounds"): https://thewalledgarden.com/post/mythological-perspective-on-traumaWays to support us: Share Our Podcast Website: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/ David’s Writing - Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com). Follow us on Instagram (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/Donate to buy Shawn a beer or help cover our hosting costs: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/donation/

Our third guest interview. Kyle Kuypers is a friend/co-worker of Shawn and a generally eclectic individual who is passionate about Mythology, Story Telling, Dungeons & Dragons, and he co-hosts a fan podcast about the TV series Vanderpump Rules.We talk about Hero’s Journey, the flawed, “very human” Norse Gods. Kyle explains the history of Dungeons & Dragons, the table top role playing game which combines board gaming, war gaming, and story telling, along with its creator, Gary Gygax.How does Role Playing a character or leading a group of players compare to composing and performing Norse Skaldic Poetry? How would a character like Loki play out in a game of D&D? Kyle/Shawn at the end accomplish the impossible and make a very loose connection on the subject matter of both podcasts, Vanderpump Rules and Norse Mythology, in what can be considered the win of the century so far for both of them. It’s a fun conversation and a topic we might have to come back to again.Ways to tell modern stories and how Norse Mythology can inspire creativity.Kyle’s podcast Pump Talk: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pump-talk-a-consideration-of-vanderpump-rules/id1330715401 Twitter: @TalkPump -Let Kyle know if you are listening to Between Two Ravens and also watch Vanderpump Rules.David’s Walled Garden article on Albert Ellis, Stoicism, and CBT. (https://thewalledgarden.com/post/albert-ellis-cbt-stoicism) David’s Recommendations for how to get into D&D: Watch Terry Crews play. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IrM0zoDuSoLearn from Questing Beast about Old School Revival of D&D and easier to play rule sets. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRVJNkOObIU KNAVE rule set: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mtf3vDycfmE    3. Watch some other expert dungeon masters show how to take what’s fun from D&D and throw out the rest: Professor Dungeon Master: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uqyYZAh1K0 Rune Hammer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDMmGv-NPbA&list=PLlSmiQ728Xr2Pf3pGa3s6-zhhqpiw7hj_&index=12Ways to support us: Like, Subscribe, Give us a 5 star review! Share Our Podcast Website: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/David’s Writing - Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com)Twitter: @ProsocheProjectFollow us on Instagram (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/Donate to buy Shawn a beer or help cover our hosting costs: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/donation/

In this episode, Shawn and David discuss the myth about how Loki offers a set of ungivable gifts to a giant who was tasked to build (or repair?) the walls of Asgard. The catch being that the giant would need to finish the wall within a certain thought to be impossible timeframe.However, due to the giants trusty horse, Svadilfari, the giant seems on pace to finish in time. The gods, once again pissed off, threaten Loki to fix the situation, which he does. The good news is that Loki's actions pave the way for the birth of Odin's trusty eight-legged steed, Sleipnir; however, the unfortunate news being a rather disturbing result for the mischief god himself... Interested is more discussions on psychology, philosophy, and wisdom?Check out The Walled Garden meet-ups: (https://thewalledgarden.com/the-walled-garden-philosophical-society-meetup)  August 4th David of Between Two Ravens presents Albert Ellis: Stoicism as the root of cognitive behavior therapy.Ways to support us: Share Our Podcast Website: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/David’s Writing - Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com). Follow us on Instagram (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/Donate to buy Shawn a beer or help cover our hosting costs: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/donation/Additional Info: A comparison of versions of Prose Edda: https://www.mimisbrunnr.info/edda-to-english Prose Edda (Byock; Penguin Classics): https://amzn.to/3inCvznProse Edda “Snora Edda” (See Anthony Faulks version from the Viking Society for Northern Research): http://vsnrweb-publications.org.uk/The Poetic Edda: A Study Guide (Tezner) https://www.amazon.com/Poetic-Edda-Study-Guide/dp/1795087757

Continuing our series on “Loki - The cause of, and solution to, all of life’s problems.” Loki has pissed off Skadi, the giant goddess of hunting and skiing, by getting her father Thjazi killed. Loki solves problems the only way he knows how. By tricking her into marrying Njord rather than her preferred groom, the beautiful Baldur, and then Loki tries to make Skadi laugh by tying one half of a cord to his testicles, and the other half to a goat.It gets real weird this week. Shawn and David present their theories that Loki is the god of kink, Njord is a polygamist, Idunn is Thjazi’s sister, and that Loki’s “sacrifice” to appease the goddess is actually a meaningful lesson and not just a bit.We answer a fan question on “How are angels represented in Norse Mythology?” (4:30) and start the myth of the week at 11:15 mark.Interested is more discussions on psychology, philosophy, and wisdom? Check out The Walled Garden meet-ups: (https://thewalledgarden.com/the-walled-garden-philosophical-society-meetup)  July 28th Author Sharron LeBell discusses the life and work of the inspiring Edith Edger.August 4th David of Between Two Ravens presents Albert Ellis: Stoicism as the root of cognitive behavior therapy. This week, David was inspired by: We discussed part of Rocco Jarmin’s episode in regards to cognitive biases and instinct in relation to self-deception: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1a230lovJP20d29zwnEW0jShout out to @RenaissanceWisdom on Instagram for the inspirational quote from Zeno, the founder of Stoicism, on the relationship between Wisdom and Self-deception.Ways to support us: Share Our Podcast Website: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/David’s Writing - Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com). Follow us on Instagram (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/ Donate to buy Shawn a beer or help cover our hosting costs: https://tworavenpodcast.wordpress.com/donation/ Additional Info: A comparison of versions of Prose Edda: https://www.mimisbrunnr.info/edda-to-englishProse Edda (Byock; Penguin Classics): https://amzn.to/3inCvznProse Edda “Snora Edda” (See Anthony Faulks version from the Viking Society for Northern Research): http://vsnrweb-publications.org.uk/