Norse mythology in the Harry Potter books – Flashcards

The World Tree (Yggdrasil) in Old Norse mythology is an ash

The god Odin was hanged on a tree for three days, sacrificed unto himself, to obtain the runes. Only two runes mentioned in the Harry Potter books: Hermione mixes up ehwas and eihwaz. Two Old Norse runes - did she also learn Old Norse?

in general often contains themes from Norse myths and Sagas: Cunning dwarves, ethereal elves, dragons guarding treasure, wise old wizards with long beards, hero's magical sword, etc. Pseudo-medieval setting

Hermione able to read book of fairy tales in Runes (what language?)? Eihwaz: Letter of the Runic alphabet. "eihwaz" also an ancient word for "yew" (cp. Voldemort's wand!) In Runic divination: Symbol of strength. When reversed: Destruction. Ehwaz: Letter of the Runic alphabet "ehwaz" means "horse". In Runic divination: Symbol of harmony/teamwork. Why is it significant that Hermione mixed up these two runes?

Ruler of the Norse gods. The "All-father". Wise, cunning. Often portrayed as an old man with long white hair and beard. Odin is the master of sei∂r, or magic. The prototype of later wizards in literature? (Merlin, Gandalf, Dumbledore). Norse god Odin drinks from Mimir's well of wisdom to learn about the future, Insight into hidden truths. Dumbledore's Pensieve provides glimpses of the past. Norse god Odin accompanied by two wolves, geri and Freki. Dumbledore has no wolves - but he is a friend to the werewolf Lupin, and one of his own middle names is "Wulfric" - Old English for "The one who rules with the wolf".

One-armed god. Often functions as a "double" of Odin in Norse texts. The god of single combat (cp. Dumbledore's victory of Grindelwald) and duel with Voldemort in HP 5. Tyr loses one hand to the evil wolf Fenrir. Cp. Dumbledore's hand in book 6

Odin a one-eyed god, sacrificed one of his eyes in exchange for wisdom. Cp. Mad-Eye Moody?

Old Norse poem "The Prophecy of the Seeress". Predicts the end times and the final battle between good and evil. Cp. Trelawney's predictions? Prophecies about the final battle made to Odin/Dumbledore. A blink-and-miss it reference to Voluspá in the HP series: One of Voldemort's death eaters is called Rookstool. Cp. The volva talking about Rokstólar, "seats of destiny"

God of thunder and war. Symbol a lightning-bolt. Slays the Midgard serpentCp. Harry's lightning-bolt scar and slaying of the basilisk. .HP 4: Harry "plays to his strengths" and summons his broomstick - his firebolt.

Fenrir evil wolf in Norse mythology. Fenrir Greyback evil werewolf in HP series.

Werewolf Lupin positive figure in HP books. Cast out from society because of his condition. Evokes the Norse association between outlaws and werewolves? Same word (Vargr) used for both.

Enigmatic figure in Norse myths. Unclear whether his loyalties lie with the gods or their enemies, the giants. Cp. the enigmatic Snape? Morally ambiguous half-blood (half god, half giant), cp. Half-blood Snape "The doer of good and the doer of evil" Loki a liminal figure: Both god and giant, good and evil, male and female, human and animal. Shape-shifter: Can become a woman, or an animal

Dangerous and unpredictable but not inherently evil Inhabit wild mountainous places Cp. Harry Potter? Giant leader in HP books called "Gurg", reminiscent of Norse Gygr - "giantess"(Norwegian translation Hagrid = Gygrid)

in Harry Potter quite similar to dwarves (Dvergar) in Norse myth Clever, master smiths, short, cranky

Lots of references to pigs, boars, and hogs in HP series. Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, Hog's head. Later: Students vow to fight Voldemort, meet at Hog's head pub. Norse poem Edda: oaths sworn on hog's heads "Hog's head" also a viking battle formation. "Pig snout" (first year Gryffindor password).

The final battle between good and evil forces. Cp. "The Battle of Hogwarts" in Book 7