Overview

"The pagan mythology of the Vikings offers a rich metaphor of consciousness. For the first time, the cosmography contained in Norse mythology is presented as a map of human consciousness, a landscape of the soul. Each of the nine worlds of this cosmography is explored as a symbol of a particular type of consciousness, each world emblematic of a particular perspective and way of relating to others. In addition, the individual gods and goddesses of the warrior and the fertility races are considered as nuanced personifications of their worlds. The parameters of Norse mythology, space, time, and awareness, are revealed through Yggdrasil (the World Tree connecting the nine worlds), the Norns (maidens representing past, present, and future), and the runes (""""magical"""" symbols communicating the mysteries), respectively. The centrality of the struggle between the giants, as agents of chaos, and the warrior gods is explored within this matrix of extension, duration, and mindfulness. The philosophical core of this pagan mythology is furthered clarified by comparing and contrasting the Sayings of Odin from the Norse Edda with the Christian Ten Commandments that confronted the Vikings. Anyone interested in the psychology of consciousness or Norse mythology will find a wealth of material herein."

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9781476675091

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contains many helpful mythic summaries and substantial explanations of important psychological and cultural theories relevant to the study of cognition and myth... --Studies in Medieval and Renaissance Teaching I recommend this book for the college level reader interested in theories of mind, psychology, and heathen mythology. It is a groundbreaking view of the heathen material, and as such it opens a new field for further thought and study. --Eternal Haunted Summer. This entire book was written as a cover-to-cover read, though it may well serve as a reference book and guide to the complexities and inconsistencies of Norse mythology. Definitely a must read for any and all students of mythology and mythopoeic literature. --Mythlore

contains many helpful mythic summaries and substantial explanations of important psychological and cultural theories relevant to the study of cognition and myth... --Studies in Medieval and Renaissance Teaching . This entire book was written as a cover-to-cover read, though it may well serve as a reference book and guide to the complexities and inconsistencies of Norse mythology. Definitely a must read for any and all students of mythology and mythopoeic literature. --Mythlore

This entire book was written as a cover-to-cover read, though it may well serve as a reference book and guide to the complexities and inconsistencies of Norse mythology. Definitely a must read for any and all students of mythology and mythopoeic literature. --Mythlore.

Author Information

Edward W.L. Smith has previously published nine non-fiction books, more than fifty essays, memoir, magazine articles, short stories, and a good bit of poetry. He is an emeritus professor of psychology, Georgia Southern University, and lives part-time on a small barrier island off the coast of Georgia.

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