Hello Death: Death and the Northern Hero1997-02-11
The myth of the Northern Hero, engraved as it is upon the western consciousness, provides the paradoxial view of Death as both friend and foe. The Hero emerges from the bleakness of the North, bound to a standard as demanding as the daily conditions of northern life. This standard shapes the Hero, defining his actions and behaviour, in life and death.
The Hero of the North has a task to fulfill, a task which is impossible to fulfill, yet what truly matters is how he attempts to fulfill it. Odin is a classic example He is doomed to fall at Ragnarok, yet spends eternity gathering warriors to his side in order to prevent the triumph of evil and the destruction of the earth. Everyone falls at Ragnarok. The earth is still destroyed, but it is not all for naught Baldur and several others begin life again on a new earth.
The Hero myth defines a standard of behaviour a goal to strive for daily and throughout one's life. It doesn't matter that the Hero is doomed to ultimate failure. What matters is how the Hero purports himself in the meantime and what honours he achieves. In achieving honour, the Hero achieves immortality, whether he feast in Valhalla, or is remembered by the bards. Each achievement leads to further achievementthere is no time to rest on laurels. Each goal, each task is harder than the one before. Life is a constant stuggle. All in preparation for Ragnarok.
Death is the Hero's enemy. Death is failure. Death is the inability of the Hero to achieve his goal. Death is the doom that awaits every Hero, and they strive dilligently to avoid it. Death is the sign that a hero has fallen out of the favour of the Gods. The tales of those who attracted the attention and favour of Odin are filled with many examples of the Hero. Yes, they lead glorious lives. Yes, they had fame and fortune. However, Odin soon tires of his toys, or wishes to bring them home to him, resulting in a bloody death.
Death is the Hero's friend. Death is the long awaited rest. Death is the time to achieve lasting glory. Death also reveals the blessings of the Gods upon the true Hero the Valkyries gather him from the midst of battle, bringing him to Hero's hearth, Valhalla.
The Hero does not fear Death, nor does he seek it. However, when it is his time, the hero states, "Today is a good day to die." |
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