Introduction
In this work, Snorri identifies three values that were highly esteemed by the Norse people: bravery, hospitality, and wisdom. These qualities could be seen in such epic stories as Beowulf, The Journey to the Land of the Giants, and The Völsunga Saga. Bravery was seen as a necessary attribute for those who wished to achieve great things and was often tied to other essential qualities, such as wisdom, cunning, and a willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good.
The Norse Values Portrayed in Epic Stories
Bravery in The Journey to the Land of the Giants
It was believed that this quality is essential for facing the challenges of life and the world’s dangers and uncertainties. The gods and heroes who displayed bravery in the myths were often held up as models for the people to emulate, and their courage served as inspiration for future generations.
One such example could be The Journey to the Land of the Giants. Throughout the epic, Thor’s determination and fearlessness are on full display. He refuses to be intimidated by the giants and their threats and remains confident in his ability to overcome any obstacle. He boasts about his courageous actions as they are valued in this culture.
Thor said, “I killed Þjazi, the powerful giant, up I threw the eyes of the son of Allvaldi into that bright heaven; those are the greatest tokens of my deeds” (Neckel and Kuhn 81). His unwavering courage serves as an inspiration to those around him, and his story continues to be celebrated and revered as an example of the importance of bravery in the face of danger.
Hospitality in Beowulf
In the epic poem Beowulf, hospitality is portrayed as an essential and valued quality in the society of the Geats and the Danes. The poem emphasizes the importance of offering guests food, drink, and protection and portrays hospitality as a way of demonstrating generosity, kindness, and honor. In one famous episode in the poem, Beowulf visits the hall of King Hrothgar, where he is greeted warmly and offered a feast. This act of hospitality establishes a bond of trust and friendship between the two leaders and helps ensure peace and stability in the region.
Beowulf responds to hospitality with the words, “You have treated us well. If there is any favor on earth, I can perform beyond deeds of arms I have done already, anything that would merit your affections more. I shall act, my lord, with alacrity” (Heaney line 1820). This reinforces the idea that hospitality is a key part of the social fabric of the society described in the poem and establishes Beowulf as a respected and noble leader.
Wisdom in Völsunga Saga
In the Völsunga Saga, the quality of wisdom is seen in various epic scenes. Even the narration sometimes points to the fact that the heroes must constantly be aware of their surroundings and act wisely because, depending on their decisions, the future may change. This can be seen from the lines: “How man shall bear and forbear and be master of all that is; And how man shall measure it all, the wrath, and the grief, and the bliss” (Morris 128).
Conclusion
Consequently, pointing out that a person worthy of respect is capable of turning each situation into bliss. Through the portrayal of bravery, hospitality, and wisdom in epic stories like Beowulf, Thor’s Journey to the Land of the Giants, and Völsunga Saga, the reader gains insight into the cultural and social norms of the time. These values were seen as essential qualities for those who wished to achieve greatness and be respected in the community. Simultaneously, these epic tales serve as a reminder of the importance of these values and their timeless relevance to the human experience.
Works Cited
Heanev, Seamus. Beowulf: A New Verse Translation. Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2000. Print.
Morris, William. The Story of Sigurd the Volsung and the Fall of the Niblungs. Thoemmes Press, 1994.
Neckel Gustav and Hans Kuhn. Edda. Die Lieder Des Codex Regius Nebst Verwandten Denkmälern. C. 1983.