Níðhöggr and the Miðgarðsormr : facets of Old Norse mythic consciousness and mentality revealed through the theme of order and chaos

Abstract

The purpose of this inquiry is to investigate whether an exploration of Níðhöggr and Miðgarðsormr through the theme of order and chaos is a viable mechanism for revealing facets of Old Norse mythic consciousness and mentality. Predominantly relying upon Völuspá and Gylfaginning, the author stresses the need to reassess the rigid boundaries previously established between order and chaos and examines death as an ordering mechanism for Old Norse society. Through an exploration of Níðhöggr and his eating action as integral to the understanding of Old Norse death conceptions, the author attempts to emphasize the connection between Níðhöggr, eating, and memory as fundamental to the theme of order and chaos and thereby to the shaping of mythic consciousness and mentality. Similarly, with the Miðgarðsormr, the author endeavors to uncover elements of Old Norse mythic consciousness and mentality through an exploration of the Miðgarðsormr s interaction with Þórr. The author sees this interplay between god and monster as a vehicle providing man a gateway into his own consciousness while simultaneously reinforcing the notion that death is a means for ordering life. The thesis concludes with the suggestion that chaos and order, as expressed through Níðhöggr and Miðgarðsormr, is indeed a viable method for revealing certain aspects of Old Norse mythic consciousness and mentality.