In this episode we cover Rígsþula, or the Lay of Rig, from the Poetic Edda of Norse Mythology. We hear how Heimdall, going by Rig, visits 3 couples representing the classes of slaves, free men, and lords, and helps them to reproduce. Their divine children illustrate how the classes of men in the viking age would have lived, and we see how society would have developed from agricultural tribes to thriving kingdoms.

This is the Northern Myths Podcast, an archetypal exploration of the myths and legends of Northern Europe, including Norse mythology, the Finnish Kalevala, and more. If you'd like to support the show you can support us on Patreon here: Northern Myths Podcast Patreon

The Poetic Edda is the primary original source for the myths and legends of Norse Mythology. The Poetic Edda includes everything from the creation of the world to its destruction in Ragnarok, from the adventures of Thor to the wisdom of Odin. We are exploring these timeless stories to learn how the Norse people understood the world, and how we can apply their worldview to life today.

Check out our YouTube channel for videos of all episodes and interesting clips of the show: Northern Myths Podcast YouTube Channel

If you'd like to follow along with our reading of the Poetic Edda you can pick up the great translation of the Poetic Edda we're reading by Jackson Crawford, you can purchase it here: The Poetic Edda by Jackson Crawford

It is also available as an audiobook which we highly recommend. Dr. Crawford has a great voice for it, and actually pronounces everything properly. It's a must have if you like our show! Available here: The Poetic Edda Audiobook

The Northern Myths Podcast is sponsored by Grimfrost, our favorite source of Norse and Viking merchandise. Based in Sweden, they have a vast selection of historical Viking reproductions as well as contemporary products inspired by Viking Age culture. Just like our show, they aim to build a bridge between the past and the present, bringing relevant parts of the old Norse culture into today's world. Some of our favorite products of theirs include their great shirts which we wear all the time, their beard care products, and their excellent drinking horns. Check out their website, grimfrost.com, to see everything they have available. 

Our intro and outtro music is Takk from the album Sagnamadr by Folket Bortafor Nordavinden. Check the album out on Spotify, and you can purchase from Grimfrost.com or Amazon. 

If you'd like to follow along with us or learn more about the ideas we talk about on the show, we have a list of recommended books on our website. Included are our recommended copies of the Poetic Edda and the Kalevala, as well as books about archetypal narrative, comparative religion, and more: Recommended Books

We also have Northern Myths Podcast merchandise available at our official shop.

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