Authenticity vs. Cultural Conformity: The Interpretation of Norse Literature for a Japanese Audience

Abstract

The Norse gods and Norse literature has been adapted and interpreted numerous times, yet the study of Norse reception in Japan is seldom explored. In Japanese media featuring the Norse gods as characters, their personalities, behavior, and even genders are changed for the sake of the story and to better fit into Japanese culture. In addition, comparing Japanese portrayals of other gods to their interpretations of the Norse gods help show the unique beliefs influencing each character. Specifically, as seen in Kamigami no Asobi, Japanese character archetypes are imposed onto the Norse gods, changing their personalities significantly from the mythology, and in Danmachi, cultural beliefs about sexual promiscuity as well as gender expression can be seen through the characters of Loki and Freya. This thesis aims to explore the cultural factors at work shown in these portrayals.