is norse mythology primeval or classical?

Answer 1

Actually those of us with inthe Norse religion do see Snorri as a credible source, you just have to cross reference it with other finds such as the Elder Edda's, archeological finds, and other texts such as Germania and other writings of the times. We actually have a good amount of info on mythology and how the Ancestors practiced. While Snorri was influence by Christianity, his stories match up well with older literature and even referes to lost works which gives us insight to what we have lost. He's not a bad source as long as you work with other texts along with his.

Answer 2

No.

Looking at Merriam-Webster Online I find two relevant definitions for classical:

2 a: of or relating to the ancient Greek and Roman world and especially to its literature, art, architecture, or ideals

4 a: authoritative, traditional b (1): of or relating to a form or system considered of first significance in earlier times

For primeval I find:

1 : of or relating to the earliest ages (as of the world or human history) : ancient, primitive <100 acres of primeval forest which has never felt an ax — Mary R. Zimmer> 2 : primordial 1b

Norse Myths were not related to the Graeco-Roman world, except through Proto-Indo-European Religion, and they came down to us through Snorri Sturluson, who of course is one of the councilors who voted to Christianize Iceland. Calling him authoritative doesn't seem credible.

Again, we roughly have an idea of Northern European beliefs from the last decades BCE through Christianization of the Nordic Countries. There was considerable history before then, and also related apparently are the Zend Avesta of the Indo-Iranians and the Vedas, which provide the earliest look we have at the religions of Europe's Ancestors. That's why it's tough to call Norse Mythology primeval.

If you really want to look into origins, I suggest thumbing through the Wikipedia. I've linked to one of many articles on Mythology which detail the research that has been done about the relationships between various gods and goddesses. I'm not trying to disrespect the Norse but the truth is that Norse Mythology as we have received it is in no sense Classical or Primeval.

Answer 3

It is neither.

The Classical period usually referres to Greek and Roman mythological and legendary cycles relating to the various tlales of gods and heroes found in their ancient religious histories.

Primevel relates to more primitive times, even pre-civilization (after all Hinduism and Judaism both repdate the Greek Classical age and yet are not considered either Classical or Primeval.)

The same applies to Norse religion/mythology. It existed in the same time periods as the Greek and Roman classical, yet was separate from them. (Some scholars place the origins of the Norse religion at about ca. 4000bce.)

Admittedly many of the sources we have are from the early middle ages (like Snorri) but for those of us who have delved deeply into the history we know that, Snorri collected the poems as a scholarly pursuit as a way of keeping a aprticular peotic form alive and for it to be used correctly, and in order to accurately understand the older poetic works, one had to have an understanding of the ancient tales and legends to do so. While Snorri did have a habit of qualifying his work with statements pointing out that, "our ancestors believed this but WE don't believe this anymore as we are Godly men..." he was, at least faithful in his translations and renditions of the ancient tales. And there are considerable OTHER sources that hold up to scrutiny and show that Snorri was faithful to the old legends.

Answer 4

I too would select the answer: 'none of the above.'

As for Snorri voting for Christianity, the elders who voted.. Yes VOTED democratically for Christianity they left it open for people to worship in any way they liked within their own homes. Thus preserving the right to worship the old Gods and Goddesses for the next 800n years. In fact the law is still on the statute books of Iceland.

You have to admire the man who was caught in a tight political spot and still managed to pass such a lot down to future generations.

Answer 5

i think primeval. but don't quote me