Tolkien was actually an old English and old Norse scholar part of why he made Lord of the rings was because he wanted more stories that were based on both English and Nordic myths.
A very good and concise view of a varied and nuanced subject. As a craftsman who regularly incorporates such spirits in his craft and faith I appreciate the attention to this subject. If I ever make it out to a gathering we'll have to discuss it over a pint!
I’m loving these videos on lesser talked about beings & spirits ☺️ I’m looking forward to what you come up with next 😊 I definitely appreciate how much research you do and how thorough you are. ☺️
I believe that Dwarves, the Elves, and the Giants existed as tribes in they past, they were peoples that existed in the North of Europe for a long time and were incorporated into our folk over time. I have met many of our people that would fit into the idea of Dwarves, Elves, and Giants that even exist today.
My father has a copy print of an old Kupferstich (a picture stencilled onto a copper plate) depicting miners of the Ruhr valley from a few centuries back. They look 1:1 identical to how we imagine dwarves today, including the pointy, droopy hats that the Disney dwarves are so recognisable by. As to giants and dwarves having been actual beings and not mythological, it is quite possible. The nordic ethnicities were pretty much always described as considerably taller than the mediterranian or eastern people (they might even the the source of the Nephilim from the Bible), just as there are still today entire folk groups that are on average shorter than the global average (by official definition, any folk group, country or ethnicity in which the average height of an adult male is bellow 1.5meters (4ft11") is classified as Pygmy).
My bet is they all existed before the Great Flood. Note there are many Great Flood stories in many cultures. Probably the gods was mad on them for specific reasons, and only allowed humans to survive in the new world (the world we live right now).
Here in Norway we are very daily life oriented. It is part of the reason behind the "jantelov" as far as I can tell. If we do all the correct actions, the end result is good. Which causes our collectivism to come down on any kind of individuality. But over all it's fine. Hygge for me is the normal every day cheer. Sitting around a fire, or just lighting a scented candle, dimming the lights and listening to the radio. There's a lot of comfort in that tradition. I really am captivated by the culture we have here. And I think it's common for Norwegians to think that way, especially in regards to the vikings. We are vikings. I think you have a lot of capacity to expand and include other elements into your practice. Something like learning the tradition of ceremonial magick, and putting some intention behind your offerings and rituals, or even just looking at pop or rock music through the eyes of the pagan tradition. That's something I'm very into. For me in general the most important thing is to live a cool and authentic lifestyle. What a cool and authentic pagan lifestyle means is up to you and your viewers to decide. I would imagine it would include a lot of hygge and maybe a bit of solitude on your walk. For me I am a musician so I try to go deep into the music world, learning about jazz and different rock bands like Oasis or Cage the Elephant to get closer to the musical zeitgeist. There's a massive amount of untapped potential every person has, which is what I'll leave you with. Deliquents are actually more able to tap into that potential, which is the appeal of that life. But it doesn't have to be that way. SKÅL!
Hail to the Dwarves! Hail to the Aesir, Vanir, Elves, and Landvettir! As always, such quality of information and production is only provided by you Jacob! Can't wait to finally shake your hand at the upcoming Texas Yule!
One thing I've learned since I have begun my pagan journey is it's the fun you can have what the faith through the simple fact of gratitude of the all.
Quite curious, as a history meets mythology buff this really made me think as I enjoy my studies and how they relate to modernish activities, like elder scrolls based on Nordic mythology. Quite fantastic info.
Loved the video. Your ability to continuously create intriguing content is amazing. Would love another video on The wild hunt and and practices around it
so useful and helpful. just writing a tale of dwarves & realized I know so little I was confusing them with gnomes 😅. this was my first stop in research, so thank you for sharing
Wonderful information I'll add to my Dwarf Lore 🤩 I have worked with Dwarves my entire magickal path. They're an integral part of my path. Thanks for putting this together 👏👏👏
Very good and interesting video. I'd like to see a follow-up video on ways that you work with the dwarves or use or could use that aspect of our mythology in your practice.
I was meaning to get an interview with someone I know that works with them. If I do it I want to make sure I can do it right and have a back drop of a blacksmithing forge or something fitting like that. I do have a podcast episode about dwarves that does contain an interview!
Yes Tolkien was a bing fan of Norse mythology and integrated many of the folkloric creatures and concepts into his fantasy world and thus into all of fantasy.
When you leave an offering, whether it's to a dwarf or any other sort of entity, in what way do you think that offering is used? If the offering is placed somewhere that animals can't get to it, it's still there days later, so in what ways do you think the entities use them?
Damn, I knew Tolkien was heavily inspired by norse mythology. I did not expect to recognize so many of the names (even Gandalf!) to be direct copies of names of myth.
Zwarte Piet being based on Black elves (dwarfs) makes sense cause Santa (who sinterklaas becomes in later folklore) actually DOES have elf helpers, that makes sense.
A thing that I find interesting regarding the svartalves (or black elves) is that Alberich (a Dwarf from Wagners "The Ring of the Nibelung") is referred to as Schwarz Alberich (or black Alberich) by Wotan (or Odin), who referes to himself as Licht Alberich (or light Alberich). It's funny to see how norse mythology has such a big impact on literature. : )
Not really sure anymore, but I think Zwarte Piet was based on some demon that would take all the naughty children and whip them with a bundle of sticks we called the "roe" (pronounced: roo). It was only later that he became the friendly helper to Sinterklaas (Dutch Santa, looks more like a combination between Santa Claus and the pope). People in the Netherlands generally don't know this, and I'm not really sure anymore as well. It's been a long time since I've celebrated Sinterklaas, it's kinda meant for children to be fair. I've also seen theories that Sinterklaas is actually Wodan (Dutch Odin) and that Zwarte Piet is based on his ravens, but the evidence for that is pretty much non-existent. The only things I can come up with is that, Zwarte Piet is pitch-black (kinda like a raven), during Sinterklaas people give each other chocolate letters (just the first letter of your name in chocolate form) as Odin gave the runes to humans, people (read: children) write poems for each other while giving gifts as Odin was associated with writing and poetry (Mead of Poetry story).
Eeesh. Got a terrible bible thumper ad with Jewish people "renouncing" their previous views of Jesus. I'm neither Christian or Jewish or any religious affiliation, having come to my age of reason and atheism in my teens over 30 years ago
I had no idea Tolkien leaned so heavily on Norse mythology. Thanks!
Oh man.... you have no idea 😂
Tolkien was actually an old English and old Norse scholar part of why he made Lord of the rings was because he wanted more stories that were based on both English and Nordic myths.
Yeah, it’s a surprisingly little known fact. Unfortunately.
Right? I thought he was quoting Tolkien.
Tolkien is basically European history.
Jacob: "...and they may have very big penises".
Me: Now we know why Tauriel chose Kili over Legolas.
10+ inches 👌🏻
A very good and concise view of a varied and nuanced subject. As a craftsman who regularly incorporates such spirits in his craft and faith I appreciate the attention to this subject. If I ever make it out to a gathering we'll have to discuss it over a pint!
One of our leaders, Keenan, in the south works with the dwarves often. And it helps he looks like one 😂
This video was a very good intro into the actual mythology behind dwarves. Well done
Glad you enjoyed it!
I’m loving these videos on lesser talked about beings & spirits ☺️ I’m looking forward to what you come up with next 😊 I definitely appreciate how much research you do and how thorough you are. ☺️
I believe that Dwarves, the Elves, and the Giants existed as tribes in they past, they were peoples that existed in the North of Europe for a long time and were incorporated into our folk over time. I have met many of our people that would fit into the idea of Dwarves, Elves, and Giants that even exist today.
That makes so much sense!
My father has a copy print of an old Kupferstich (a picture stencilled onto a copper plate) depicting miners of the Ruhr valley from a few centuries back. They look 1:1 identical to how we imagine dwarves today, including the pointy, droopy hats that the Disney dwarves are so recognisable by.
As to giants and dwarves having been actual beings and not mythological, it is quite possible. The nordic ethnicities were pretty much always described as considerably taller than the mediterranian or eastern people (they might even the the source of the Nephilim from the Bible), just as there are still today entire folk groups that are on average shorter than the global average (by official definition, any folk group, country or ethnicity in which the average height of an adult male is bellow 1.5meters (4ft11") is classified as Pygmy).
Neanderthals = Dwarves
Neanderthals = Dwarves
My bet is they all existed before the Great Flood. Note there are many Great Flood stories in many cultures. Probably the gods was mad on them for specific reasons, and only allowed humans to survive in the new world (the world we live right now).
"I much prefer history, true or feigned, with its varied applicability to the thought and experience of readers." - Tolkien
FOR ROCK AND STONE
ROCK AND STONE!!
Here in Norway we are very daily life oriented. It is part of the reason behind the "jantelov" as far as I can tell. If we do all the correct actions, the end result is good. Which causes our collectivism to come down on any kind of individuality. But over all it's fine.
Hygge for me is the normal every day cheer. Sitting around a fire, or just lighting a scented candle, dimming the lights and listening to the radio. There's a lot of comfort in that tradition.
I really am captivated by the culture we have here. And I think it's common for Norwegians to think that way, especially in regards to the vikings. We are vikings.
I think you have a lot of capacity to expand and include other elements into your practice. Something like learning the tradition of ceremonial magick, and putting some intention behind your offerings and rituals, or even just looking at pop or rock music through the eyes of the pagan tradition. That's something I'm very into.
For me in general the most important thing is to live a cool and authentic lifestyle. What a cool and authentic pagan lifestyle means is up to you and your viewers to decide. I would imagine it would include a lot of hygge and maybe a bit of solitude on your walk. For me I am a musician so I try to go deep into the music world, learning about jazz and different rock bands like Oasis or Cage the Elephant to get closer to the musical zeitgeist.
There's a massive amount of untapped potential every person has, which is what I'll leave you with. Deliquents are actually more able to tap into that potential, which is the appeal of that life. But it doesn't have to be that way. SKÅL!
I love your videos so much. Much better than other lore videos that try too hard to seem like documentaries with monotone voices lol
Hail to the Dwarves! Hail to the Aesir, Vanir, Elves, and Landvettir! As always, such quality of information and production is only provided by you Jacob! Can't wait to finally shake your hand at the upcoming Texas Yule!
Mótsognir- he who drinks in might/ with courage. 👍
Great discussion! There's so many elements and creature nuances within varying types of Paganism that aren't talked about nearly enough. Skal!
One thing I've learned since I have begun my pagan journey is it's the fun you can have what the faith through the simple fact of gratitude of the all.
Quite curious, as a history meets mythology buff this really made me think as I enjoy my studies and how they relate to modernish activities, like elder scrolls based on Nordic mythology. Quite fantastic info.
Did i hear the megalithomania music in the backround??
Loved the video. Your ability to continuously create intriguing content is amazing. Would love another video on The wild hunt and and practices around it
I second this!
so useful and helpful. just writing a tale of dwarves & realized I know so little I was confusing them with gnomes 😅.
this was my first stop in research, so thank you for sharing
Thank you! I subbed
Wonderful information I'll add to my Dwarf Lore 🤩 I have worked with Dwarves my entire magickal path. They're an integral part of my path. Thanks for putting this together 👏👏👏
Very good and interesting video. I'd like to see a follow-up video on ways that you work with the dwarves or use or could use that aspect of our mythology in your practice.
I was meaning to get an interview with someone I know that works with them. If I do it I want to make sure I can do it right and have a back drop of a blacksmithing forge or something fitting like that.
I do have a podcast episode about dwarves that does contain an interview!
You have excellent videos to do bookbinding to.
I noticed a lot of the names match tolkens dwarves?
Yes Tolkien was a bing fan of Norse mythology and integrated many of the folkloric creatures and concepts into his fantasy world and thus into all of fantasy.
Because Tolkien was a professor of Norse Folklore and Mythology, long before he even began the Lore of the Rings .
When you leave an offering, whether it's to a dwarf or any other sort of entity, in what way do you think that offering is used? If the offering is placed somewhere that animals can't get to it, it's still there days later, so in what ways do you think the entities use them?
5:22 Bilbo didn't distract the trolls, staff elf did.
Damn, I knew Tolkien was heavily inspired by norse mythology. I did not expect to recognize so many of the names (even Gandalf!) to be direct copies of names of myth.
Zwarte Piet being based on Black elves (dwarfs) makes sense cause Santa (who sinterklaas becomes in later folklore) actually DOES have elf helpers, that makes sense.
A thing that I find interesting regarding the svartalves (or black elves) is that Alberich (a Dwarf from Wagners "The Ring of the Nibelung") is referred to as Schwarz Alberich (or black Alberich) by Wotan (or Odin), who referes to himself as Licht Alberich (or light Alberich). It's funny to see how norse mythology has such a big impact on literature. : )
Would it make sense to make offerings to dwarfs at times?
Was in Lexington not long ago would have loved to have been able to meet you
Well said!
What stories are the dwarves in did you say? Are there any good books to read the old Norse mythology?
So cool, loved this
FOR ROCK AND STONE!
Mr. Toodson, isn't Norse's Dwarves giant in size with stubby features?
Great video
Not really sure anymore, but I think Zwarte Piet was based on some demon that would take all the naughty children and whip them with a bundle of sticks we called the "roe" (pronounced: roo). It was only later that he became the friendly helper to Sinterklaas (Dutch Santa, looks more like a combination between Santa Claus and the pope). People in the Netherlands generally don't know this, and I'm not really sure anymore as well. It's been a long time since I've celebrated Sinterklaas, it's kinda meant for children to be fair.
I've also seen theories that Sinterklaas is actually Wodan (Dutch Odin) and that Zwarte Piet is based on his ravens, but the evidence for that is pretty much non-existent. The only things I can come up with is that, Zwarte Piet is pitch-black (kinda like a raven), during Sinterklaas people give each other chocolate letters (just the first letter of your name in chocolate form) as Odin gave the runes to humans, people (read: children) write poems for each other while giving gifts as Odin was associated with writing and poetry (Mead of Poetry story).
What hat is that? I feel like I have that one
What I learned from this video is Tolkien is a plagiarist.
All art is plagiarism
where the original dwarfs from an early tribe. maybe neanderthal. so many similarities. ?
Eeesh. Got a terrible bible thumper ad with Jewish people "renouncing" their previous views of Jesus. I'm neither Christian or Jewish or any religious affiliation, having come to my age of reason and atheism in my teens over 30 years ago