The Norns, 'Wyrd,' and Fate

A look at the Norse goddesses of fate (the Norns: Urðr, Verðandi, and Skuld), the relationship of Old Norse 'Urðr' to Old English 'wyrd,' and the attitude toward fate in the Norse sagas.

[Tina]

"After Sigurdur has given [the dragon] his mortal wound, he starts asking him [the dragon] trivia questions, as one does after one has murdered someone..."
(another good laugh)

[rolfskytte]

The last thing you said about not locking knowledge in an ivory tower really is something I love.
That is how it's supposed to be. All experts, professors and doctors should have a youtube channel, just about ;)

[BeingJenniRae]

I love that you had the words on the screen while reading them out loud. It's definitely helpful to read along while hearing it.

Interesting anecdote about the potential of a piano falling through the ceiling. Might not be too far-fetched. I live in Boulder, and a dog fell through the ceiling of my office this week. XD. He was fine, by the way.

Thanks for another great video.

[emtgibe]

I miss these videos. Straightforward but simple.

[DaneJarl]

I like your agenda. I appreciate your videos a lot. At the Natural History Museum of Utah we currently have a 'Vikings' exhibit from the Swedish National Museum (perhaps you've seen its sister exhibit in Denver!). Our museum decided to hire some reenactors to portray norse people from 1000 years ago for the general public and I've leaned heavily upon your videos to ensure that they are as historically accurate as possible. So a hearty thanks for that.

[boganery]

You yourself are drengr dr jackson. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. A cheerful norn for you to sir.

[the_bread_wolf]

I have to say, I really appreciate this channel. It's always a good day when I see you pop up in my subscriptions.. Thank you so much for providing all the information you do, and for all your work making these videos. <3

[GentleFritz]

I always enjoy and appreciate your videos. Thank you for your summary at the end of your beliefs on passing on knowledge. Thank you for being a bridge for some of us who walk a different path to meet your mind and touch historical depths that would be difficult with out you.

[VikingTokyo]

I love that you included an image of the actual text. Very cool.

[turnerjensen]

Just bought both books, thank you for your work

[lokiiago_xx]

This was excellent--thank you so much!

[darlebalfoort]

I'm impressed by your quotation of an important American poet.

[GoFbassist]

I could watch and listen to you talk all day

[marklapolla]

I am glad you have the Patreon logo up. I will support your efforts. Thanks again for these great videos.

[andromeda]

your videos are truly a gift to the world :) though i just finished reading a different translation of the poetic edda, i got both of your books, and am looking forward to see how different the translation comes across!

[coreyschmidt]

Thank you Dr. Crawford for these excellent informative videos. I have your translation of the Poetic Edda, and will be purchasing your newest book soon, as well as supporting you on Patron. You seem to truly have a genuine heart of a teacher.

[billybilodeau]

Thanks for your effects to educate us about Old Norse mythology, language and related topics. I've downloaded your translation of the "Poetic Edda", on my Kindle app, and love reading it. It's nice to not have to translate a translation. I will be buying your newest translation at my earliest convenience. I hope you keep up the good work.

[ifitrocks]

Great video! One of my favorite Norse subjects.

[rebeccaketner]

Fantastic explanation of the intrinsic cultural values of 'reckless courage', appreciate this very much!

[MissKellyBean]

Yet another great lecture! I have been on the lookout for sources that help distinguish the Norns from the Moirai, and this helped greatly. I have seen several (modern) artists depicting the Norns as holding a rope (tying the knots of ones life, and cutting the cord of ones life, etc), and a few that indicate weaving, but I don't ever think I have seen one that used the imagery of carving. I think that would be wonderful, and can imagine several ways that it could be depicted. As always...the myths ignite the imagination...thank you for another informative (and as always, funny! ) video.