Norse Mythology in TolkienWorld Mythology

Gandalf

•Name found in The Eddas (Norse myths)

•Means “wand-elf”

Middle-earth

•Direct translation of Midgard, the dwelling of humans

Dwarves• Norse: grew from the

maggots in Ymir’s flesh▫ Associated with death▫ Skilled craftsmen▫ Smaller than men

• LOTR: Short, stocky race▫ Fierce in battle▫ Live underground▫ Metalworkers, smiths, and

masons

Elves•Norse myth: semi-

divine beings with magical powers

•LOTR: noble race▫Artistic▫Beautiful▫Long life spans

Enchanted Rings• Odin's ring, Draupnir,

was magical in that every ninth night, eight new rings would appear, with Draupnir to be the ninth to rule them.

• In LOTR, there are nine rings of man with the "one ring" to rule them all.

Trees

•What role do trees play in Norse mythology?

•LOTR : Trees (Ents) are sentient, mobile, vulnerable to evil

Dragons

•Norse: Winged, serpentine creature▫Underground lair▫Guarding treasure

•Tolkien: ▫Intelligent, cunning▫Speaks any

language▫Guards gold

treasure