I love mythology. There’s just something about it, which captivates me, mesmerises me, enthralls and enchants me. My favourite though, is definitely Norse. And with the next instalment of the Thor movies coming out soon, I’m excited, and its time to talk about my love for these spellbinding myths.
Norse mythology was there for me, when I needed it most. When the visual impairment first came around, I struggled with it all. Then, while researching for my dissertation, I discovered a book of Norse myths, in large print, and found Odin, someone like me. A god with one eye, who still lived life to the full. A god with one eye, who used ravens to see. A god with one eye, who still went on adventures. A god with one eye, who still ruled as King. A god with one eye, who still achieved his dreams. And I suddenly saw that if a mythological god could live life with a visual impairment, then so could I.
That changed my entire mindset to life, and inspired me to continue finishing my degree. I quickly fell in love with Norse myths after that, with these wonderful stories, where disability didn’t matter, where you got second chances. I adored the magical tales, where magic and wonder still lived, with a joy and delight that I couldn’t find. In my darkest days, Norse myths were there to comfort me, keep me going when I struggled with motivation. Their humour, and sense of fun cheered me up, and the vivid vibrancy of Thor’s adventures in the comics lit up my world again. I found some audible editions, and listened to as many Norse stories as I could, reaching across Iceland, Denmark, Scandinavia and more, and felt my soul being restored with every word. I dedicated my dissertation to Norse myths, and couldn’t have got through that year without Norse myths by my side.
And they still enthral me. The stories are timeless, still reaching me and touching my heart, sparking wonder within me and setting my heart afire. Their characters are my friends, and I am always welcome to their hall. My failing sight doesn’t matter. In fact, it is a badge of honour, naming me a warrior, earning their respect and admiration. A daughter of Odin, they call me. Perhaps I am. For there is a slice of Norse in my soul, and it still sings. And when I hear those tales, I am called home.
I’ve even used Norse myths as basis for a science fiction novella in flash, to repay my thanks to those ancient warriors that saved me. I love the Thor movies, especially Thor Ragnarok, and am really excited for the next one this year. have a Yggradsil necklace, and bracelet, and they calm me when I’m anxious, and inspire me when I’m writing stories. I have a Yggdrasil tshirt, which I love wearing, myths close to my skin.
With Norse myths, I can face anything. I recently found an artist on Spotify who creates Viking focus music, and listening to it while completing tasks makes me feel on top the world, as if I can do anything. It makes me feel more confident, that nothing can bother me, soothing my restless mind and helping it believe that anything is possible.
There is something about Norse myths that captivates me, that I adore. And I always will. I am a daughter of Odin, at heart, always.
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