An unofficial adventure to the Arizona Renaissance Festival
A continued exchange of Norse Mythology and Legends.
The giant wolf Fenrir breaks free from his chains. And Jörmungandr, the Midgard Serpent rises from the sea. The universe is plunged into calamity and darkness. As the Yggdrasill shakes and trembles; Heimdal blows his horn, announcing Ragnarök has arrived. Also known as 'fate of the gods", Ragnarök is the battle at the end of the world. The Gods and slain of Valhalla prepare for the final war.
An intriguing fact is, through prophecy; the outcome of the war and casualties are already known by the combatants. Like humanity, even the Æsir and Jötnar will not escape death.
Through the years, many interpretations of Ragnarök have occurred. They range from apocalyptic, fatalistic, a martial dedication to duty and state, and even eternal martyrdom.
At the conclusion of hostilities, the universe is resurrected and begins anew. Some historians suggest this signifies the end of the "old ways" and the coming of Christianity.
The influence of Ragnarök:
From the Hávamál "Sayings of the High One"; Only a fool lies awake all night and broods over his problems. When morning comes, he is worn out and his troubles remain.
The movie, Thirteenth Warrior; Herger the Joyous: The Father wove the skein of your life a long time ago. Go and hide in a hole if you wish, but you won't live one instant longer. Your fate is fixed. Fear profits a man nothing.