The Norse and the Hero Cycle
The Norse people would sacrifice their own in a similar manner to their dark and violent myths in order to honor their gods. Everything seems to be explained through violent acts, even with the creation myth of the Norse, Odin and his brothers making the universe out of the body of Ymir.
Joseph Campbell’s Hero Cycle is evident in many of Norse mythology. One example is the story of how Odin lost his eye. Odin was so thirsty for wisdom he literally did anything he could to get it. Odin practiced a form of magic called seidr and sought runes that he could use to gain a magical writing system. “On one occasion, he hung himself, wounded himself with his spear, and fasted from food and drink for nine days and nights in order to discover the runes.” (McCoy, 2012) He sought out a magical well to give him clairvoyance that was guarded by Mimir. Mimir required a sacrifice in order for Odin to drink from the well. Odin cut out his eye to sacrifice and was then allowed to drink from the well. In that tale you can see the transition from departure to initiation to return.
Odin is your classic hero that, in this tale, has active warrior, seeker, and ruler archetypes. The warrior is by far the strongest archetype that the Norse would want to personify. Odin has real courage and determination to achieve his goal, as all heroes do. Just like in the example, Odin sacrificed his own eye to take one more step towards achieving his goal. Vision is a metaphor for observing and comprehending. By Odin giving part of that away for an outstanding reward, it’s like Odin exchanging one type of perception for another type of perception.
Sources:
McCoy, D. (2012). Norse mythology, gods, goddesses, and religion. Retrieved from http://norse-mythology.org/
McCoy, D. (2012). Why odin is one-eyed. Retrieved from http://norse-mythology.org/tales/why-odin-is-one-eyed/
