Comparison Between Norse And Greek Mythology

Everyone is eventually going to die, it is inevitable, and the Greek and Norse people knew this. Talk of some form of afterlife is really common in both of these cultures. After looking at both mythologies, the topic of where the average American would go when they die according to Norse and Greek mythology appeared to be a relevant topic. While researching, it became evident that Norse and Greek mythologies both have very elaborate views on the afterlife. To understand Norse and Greek mythology, you must first know a little about mythology. Mythology is the study of how past civilizations believed in a higher power, normally represented as gods and goddess, and the stories they tell to give explanations and purpose to natural phenomenon.

One of the most famous depictions of Norse mythology, in pop culture, is the movie Thor. Norse and Greek mythologies have both made their way into modern society. Yet, Greek mythology has a definite depiction of the afterlife while Norse mythology has no consistent idea of the afterlife. (McCoy, Daniel). Even though Norse mythology is not consistent, there still are parts of the afterlife that are discussed. The most common depiction of Norse afterlife is that it is divided into three main parts, Hel, Valhalla, and Folkvang. The most common of the three parts of the afterlife is Hel, which is ruled by the goddess of death and the afterlife, Hel. In Hel, most people continue to do what they did in their mortal life, and remain under the location where they lived their mortal lives. (McCoy, Daniel). Most average people go there when they die, which is why most Americans would end up in

In the underworld, there are 5 rivers for human troubles: Archeron-woe, Cocytus-lamentation, Phlegethon-fire, Styx-unbreakable oath-, and Lethe-forgetfulness. The entrance is guarded by Cerberus, a three-headed dog who is famously known for being Hercules’s twelfth trial. In order to enter into Hades, you would first need to ride on a ferry with Charon. Most Americans would never make it into Hades in the first place, because you are required to be buried with a coin in your mouth, which is not traditionally done in the United States. (Karas, Michael & Megas,