Norse Mythology

The stories in Norse Mythology demonstrate that no one, including the gods, can escape fate. How does the universe’s very structure forecast the gods’ eventual downfall? In what ways do the gods unwittingly contribute to their demise during Ragnarok? In what ways do the gods attempt to circumvent their fate? What are the outcomes of these attempts? How do these elements of the stories support the theme of The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy and the Inevitability of Fate?

Teaching Suggestion: This question, which can be answered individually or in groups, in oral or written form, asks students to consider how “fate” is an idea baked into the formation of the Norse universe. Then, it asks them to search the text for examples of gods trying unsuccessfully to avoid—or even accidentally contributing to—their eventual downfall during Ragnarok. You might also challenge students to explain whether the idea of “fate” in the Norse worldview seems to include or preclude the idea that the gods might have made other choices that would have saved them from dying during Ragnarok. You can also extend this conversation by asking what is implied about human life if even the gods have little control over their destinies.

Differentiation Suggestion: Students with dyslexia or attentional or executive function issues and English language learners may struggle to comb the text for examples of the gods accidentally contributing to their own downfalls or trying but failing to head off their fates.