Even the stories which do survive, we cannot view in their original context. We can study history, anthropology, archaeology and a dozen other subjects to learn to approximate what our ancestors might have thought about the stories as they heard them centuries ago, but by virtue of residing in a different time - and in all likelihood a different place - we can never completely bridge that gulf.

In addition, we suffer from a linguistic gulf as well. Language is a - some would say "the" - foundation of culture, and ideas of a particular culture in some senses can only be expressed in the language of which it is a part. Even those who can effectively translate Old Norse do not think in Old Norse - and thus a gap at the most basic of levels of meaning occur. The more complex the object of communication, the more difficulties arise. Think of how many translations of the Eddas we possess - and no two exactly the same!

Rather than cause for discouragement, I view this as an opportunity. It forces us to examine what it is the myths and sagas say to us right here, right now - today - what meaning they have in our lives, and their potential for greater meaning. Are new logs added to a fire which has burnt down to embers part of a new fire, or the old kindled to new life? That which has ceased to have any relevance would be a spark allowed to go out, and still, the stories remain.

Ask yourself: could you pick up half a dozen books or so which could explain everything there is to know about contemporary paganism for the information of someone at the dawn of the next millennium? If you're honest, you'll probably admit that not only is it impossible, but that any picture presented by such a limited selection of sources would be misleading to a greater or lesser extent and biased according to the particular beliefs of the person doing the choosing. What we have been bequeathed are outlines, rough sketches at best. It's up to each one of us to complete the picture with all the skill and artistry we possess.

We have a foundation on which to build, damaged from ill-use and neglect in many places, but still workable. The structure we build on that foundation might conform to the foundation or spread beyond its edges, but it will be a structure which is reflective of our needs and our desires in the present day.

Return to Loki: A Paean in Progress
This page is (almost) continually changing.

The above advert is further proof of the essentially chaotic nature of the universe.
And a way to keep from putting up with pop-ups.