1/3/20 Anthony Cheng PD7 (Late)

1/5/20 Anthony Cheng PD 7

Aim: After studying Ragnarok and Book of Revelation, how does humanity’s perspective on the apocalypse reflect its feelings about the present and the future? 

Do Now: What are the characteristics of the apocalypse in different mythologies?

Steven started off the discussion by talking about how the apocalypse, in essence, is very paradoxical. He juxtaposes the death and dread of the apocalypse with the rebirth and necessity of it. 

Ryan believed that its purpose was to cleanse the world of people who have sinned and through this cleansing, only the pure will survive and restart this purified Earth.

Fire was then brought up as a uniting factor across all apocalypses in mythologies. It was always used as a tool for purifying the evil, with the high death toll being proof of that. 

We then watched a video that detailed the events that would unfold during Ragnarok. First Baldr would be slain. Then, Fimbulwinter would occur, freezing the world with three successive Winters without any intervening Summers. Finally, there were would be three roosters that would warn the giants, the dead, and the gods that Ragnarok had begun. Several monsters such as Fenrir, Nidhogg, and Jörmungandr would break free from their chains and torment the world. Through battle, many of the major gods and monsters would slay each other. The most notable ones were Thor and Jörmungandr killing each other and Fenrir slaying Odin, who would be avenged by his son Vidar. Once the vast majority of the gods and giants had slain each other, the new world would resurface from the water green and new. A man and woman named Lif and Lifthrasir would survive Ragnarok by hiding in a tree and would later repopulate the world. 

After watching the video, we learned that Norse stories were not written down because the Norse did not have a written language. It was revealed that through music, these stories were able to survive through the ages. 

Reflection: I learned that across all mythologies, the apocalypse is depicted as a necessary event that will bring about a new age of prosperity for the world. In all cases, the apocalypse is seen as the purification of all that is evil in the world and the salvation of all that is good. The gods in Norse mythology are killed because they are willing to sacrifice themselves for the people that worship them. I related the abstract idea of the apocalypse with the very real problem of global warming today. Just like the apocalypse, global warming is brought about by humanity’s own doing and threatens to destroy us one day. By learning from a “fictional” event, we need to realize that it does not need to be the intervention of gods that destroys humanity, but humanity itself.

1/6/20 Justin Cohen PD 2

Norse Mythology

            Today in class, we listened to a presentation on Norse Mythology. Our target goal was to examine the morality of deception in Norse Mythology. The lesson started with an interesting dilemma; “You stealing a random man’s car results in the cops catching the murderer whose car you just stole. Does the fortuitous result of your wrongdoing justify your wrong doing?” On one hand, you didn’t know he was a murderer at the time you committed the crime, which shows you did in fact have malicious intent. On the other hand, you may have made society a better place as there is one less murderer on the streets.

    In the first story, we learn about “Sif’s Hair.” Loki cut off Sif’s hair and soon after realized that Thor would get very angry since Sif’s is married to Thor. In order to fix what he had done, he had the idea to go to the dwarves as they are the best craftsmen in the world. They were split into two groups, a gods’ team and Loki’s team. They were to compete against each other. Each group was ordered to make gifts for the gods. Loki’s group made Sif’s new hair out of gold, the other made Mjolliner (Thor’s Hammer). Loki turned himself into a flying insect and tried to bite one of the eyes of the dwarves making the hammer, causing him to mess up the creation, which is why it can only be wielded with one hand. This goes back to the original question in the introduction paragraph. Loki cut off Sif’s hair and seriously injured a dwarf. However, from these sins, came what was used to defend Asgard, the house of the Gods. Did the ends justify the means?

    The second story was called “The Master Builder.” Loki negotiates a bet in which he bets a man that he cannot build an extremely tall and wide wall in just one season. If the man can build it, he would receive Freya’s hand in marriage, the sun, and the moon. Loki made this bet without consulting any of the gods and without asking Freya permission to bet her. With the help of his horse, the betting man was on pace to finish the wall. In order to ensure the man loses the bet, Loki distracts the man’s horse while the gods killed him. Once they kill him, it is realized that the man is a “giant”. Without Loki’s reckless, and impulsive decision-making, this giant would still be alive and well, roaming the world. Does this make his behavior righteous?

    This moral question appears quite often throughout Norse mythology and other forms of mythology as well. In the Bible, before Eve ate the apple, there was no sickness or death, pain or betrayal, no sadness or depression. When she ate the apple, her and Adam gained knowledge of such things. Although these may be seen as “evil”, it is the fact that we go through these awful experiences, that we are able to appreciate their foils. This must be why people such as the Norse created an evil figure that is immortal. It is because they realized that good and evil balance each other out and sometimes good can come from evil and vise versa. 

1/6/20 Katherine Cheung PD 7

Group 1 myth presentation- Warren, Steve, Edmund, Anthony, Janny, kevin

\Aim: What is Loki’s role in Norse mythology and what is its significance? 

Iandra started off the conversation by saying that trickery isn't always bad as it’s based on your intention. Billy added on by saying how trickery can be seen as a good thing as well, by using the word cunning, showing how you can easily get out of hard situations. Shannon stated that it is necessary sometimes, using an example of war, by saying you might have to trick people in war to survive. The idea that Loki is an evil trickster is a very christianized point of view, as the Norse didn’t find Loki evil but just a trickster, he himself is not an inherently evil being 

Questions?

Why was Thor enraged w Loki? What did he want Loki to do?

Dejon said Loki cut Thor’s wife’s hair off, the first thing Thor thinks of is Loki and asks what he’s done while Loki responds by saying he had some fun after getting drunk.

What did Loki agree to give Brokk and Eitri if they won the competition?

Kelly stated that Loki agreed to give his head up as an insurance of sorts.

How did loki get out of his predicament?

Shannon said that Loki got out of his predicament by saying they can’t cut anything but his head which means they couldn’t cut his neck so they couldn’t really do anything to it. Along with that, he twisted it by saying they weren’t allowed to cut his skin either, therefore Loki tricked his way out of it again. 

Compare and Contrast: Greek vs Norse mythology in trickery.

Billy said in Greek myth is trickery is used more in a good aspect as the heros are cunning. 

Kelly added on by saying heros are using trickery to resolve an issue while Loki uses trickery to create problems 

Shan said Zeus didnt have good intentions however, as he uses trickery to rape women which like loki isnt for good

The group then presented a variety of prevalent items in Norse mythology.

• Skildbladnir- a silk scarf that turns into a majestic ship when unfolded.

• Golden wig- a flowing head of golden hair made of real gold. It attaches to a person's head and behaves as if it’s real hair.
• Gungnir- a spear carved with runes that can penetrate anything.
• Draupnir- aa ring gifted to Eitri by Odin. Every 9th night, the ring will drip 8 gold arm rings.
• Mjolnir- hammer given to Thor by Eitri and Brokk. It’s described as unbreakable and never misses its target. 
• Gullinbursti- A boar given to Frey by Brokk and Eitri. It races across the sky and sea faster than the fastest horse. 
• All the gods agreed that mjollnir is the best gift 

Loki tempted the dwarves and if Loki lost, he would give up his head. The point of the story was to create an origin story for those artifacts.

Loki is responsible for making these gifts as they would have never been created if Loki had not cut of Thors wifes hair. It shows how Loki is misunderstood bcs he seen as bringing misfortune but no one see the good things that he brings. All the blame is put on Loki.

What does the inclusion of Loki and trickery tell us about the culture of Norse society and their values?

Dejon said that the Norse valued wit and being quick on their feet. 

Taya said that the Norse valued heros that fought bravely so it goes both ways with brains and brawns. 

The group presenting explained that Loki represents what a man shouldn’t be. They posted an article explaining that Thor and Odin are the ones you should look up to as they represent the 3 pillars of manhood- protect, provide and procreate. 

1/6/20 Daniel Knutsen Period 8

1/6/20

Daniel Knutsen, Pd 8

Modern Mythology

Blogger #10

(I presented the project today, the lesson plan is as follows)

Aim: How did the Norse view the significance of trickery? (Skill Focus: 11-12SL1- Comprehension and Collaboration)

D.N.: Group Kahoot 

https://create.kahoot.it/share/loki/4ae38951-ec9d-46f5-a7ce-92055494f50a 

Background

(Class reads outloud)

Loki is often referred to as the trickster god but he is not actually a god. He is a Jotun, which is a giant. He is the son of the giants Farbauti and Laufey. The reason Loki lives in Asgard is because of the blood pact he made with Odin making Odin and Loki “blood-brothers”.

(We read)

• Loki is both an outsider and an insider. He is not technically a god but he dwells in Asgard like a god. 
• As we know, Loki tends to play tricks and start trouble. 

(Ask the class)

Do you think it is because it is in Loki’s nature to be mischievous or because of his situation? (Independent Brainstorming)

• Answer: Both nature and nurture can be argued. Loki may like to play tricks because it is in his personality. But he may also cause trouble because he feels out of place and wants attention. He can be compared to a child who purposely starts trouble to get attention. He may feel the need to create problems so he has a purpose. As seen in the reading, Loki had to find a way to get Sif’s hair back. He had to utilize his skills in trickery to get the dwarfs to forge Sif’s hair in addition to the treasures. So unlike gods like Thor who is needed to defend Asgard and Midgard, or Odin who acts as a leader, Loki cannot use his strengths unless he himself creates trouble. 

Role of the Trickster

(We read slide)

A rough translation of Loki is “knot” or “tangled”.

By definition, a trickster is someone who cheats or deceives people. All cultures have stories of a trickster.  

(Ask)

What are some examples of tricksters in other cultures? What might be the function of a trickster?

Answer: Examples of Tricksters

• Lucifer/Satan
• Hermes: god of thieves and inventor of lying 
• Prometheus tricked Zeus and stole fire
• Seth in egytian myth

A trickster can be used to explain the creation of something. But often, they are reflections of humans acting out their urges and desires. There is usually always a price to be paid for trickery. In Loki’s case, the dwarf asked for his head because he knew Loki was tricking them. Stories where the trickster has to fix his mistake may have been used to teach a moral lesson about the consequences of bad behavior. 

Satan is known as the adversary in the Old Testament. As we learned, he represents humans. In the Old Testament he is not yet known as the “devil”. Like Loki, he is not necessarily evil but an opposer. 

Loki shows us how people use other ways to get what they want. Being tricky is a type of intelligence and a way of survival. Norse are not all about brawn. Even Odin is cunning. In the story of Loki’s three children, they trick Fenrir into the chains to prolong Ragnarok. Think about battles. In war, there are strategies to winning. To survive, you have to be smart and quick-witted too. 

(... leads into next slide- does that mean the end justifies the means)

Deception/Enemy

Quote: “You resented him even when you were at your most grateful, and you were grateful to him even when you hated him the most.”

Questions (NOT pair/share): Is deception justified if it is means to an end

Is a threat (common enemy) necessary for growth?

Answer: 

• Ex. Mukden incident/ U.S.S. Maine
• If everyone was courageous then everyone is perfect and there won't be anyone to fight against
• It depends on the situation
• Trickery is necessary BALANCE
• It is a form of survival

• Loki is very important in norse myth (why would they associate him with trickery)
• Norse existence is based on battle

• Perhaps, In their minds, a common enemy is necessary because that’s how they live

Norse Times: Put Yourself Into Their Shoes 

Tribes warring with each other in a frigid cold environment. A constant battle against certain death. Famine, disease, and raids were commonplace and could occur at any time, and 30-40% of children barely made it to adulthood. So hard work and unity were necessary for survival. There was no place for trickery in the common day since everyone had to try their absolute hardest, whether it be plowing the fields, or taking care of the children, in order to just barely survive. This is why bravery and determination were traits for an ideal person. Now it isn’t so hard to understand why gods like Thor and Odin were looked up to while Loki, the trickster, was looked down upon. 

Connection to the Real World

In the real world, things aren’t straight black and white. Many times there are grey areas. Trickery is a “bad” thing but that depends on who is the one doing the tricking and who is the one being tricked. In the two stories, Loki tricks others to do work for him and get him out of trouble. While what he did was “wrong” he still ended up benefitting the Aesir at the cost of those he tricked. There’s a saying about how history is decided by the victor and in most cases, victory is won through trickery and deceitful means. 

Reflection:

This project was a fun and challenging approach to learning about and utilizing our knowledge of Norse mythology. Putting together a full lesson plan, with quizzes and a powerpoint, that needed to span the full period AND keep the class interested was a challenge. Surprisingly, teaching the lesson proved to not be as daunting as it seemed. By following our plan and following how Mrs. Fusaro would typically teach a lesson, it was not as tricky as we may have thought. Overall it was a good experience, not only for the course material but for expanding social skills and our ability to talk in front of our peers. 

Emma Cheung 1/3/20 Period 2 - Blog #2

•The period was shortened due us taking the vocab quiz.

Aim: After studying Ragnarok and Book of Revelation, how does humanity's perspective on the apocalypse reflect its feelings about the present and future?

• Do Now: What are the characteristics of the apocalypse in different mythologies?

We discussed that the apocalypse throughout different mythologies and cultures all involved violence, done at the hands of nature and the elements. Fire, water, earth, disease, natural catastrophe. What gave us life will be what takes it away. We also discussed the idea that it is a rebirth.  It is cleansing the world of sin and evil, where brother kills brother, fathers kill sons, and humanity has undoubtedly become corrupt. It is then that the world will end, and like a phoenix rising from the ashes, be started anew. It wouldn't be a complete rebirth - the universe isn't being created again - but the remnants will rebuild, free of the corruption that brought their end.

• Ragnarok video

• Voluspa, the Witch's Prophecy:

This is the first and most well known poem in the Poetic Edda. There's a brief overview of the beginning of the world and the several tales of different gods (Odin's quest for knowledge and Loki's killing of Baldr for example) but it puts most of its emphasis on Ragnarok. It details the chronology of Ragnarok and the main battles between the gods and the monsters.

Extra Notes:

-The Nordic monsters are there to combat and balance the gods. They are not meant to fight humanity.

-Humanity does not have the right to judge itself. (Eugenics is humans judging humans and genocide stems from the arrogant idea that humanity can do so).

-There is an emphasis on balance: the gods with the monsters, the pure and the sinful in humanity.

-The apocalypse is not the absolute end. There is hope where there is despair, and the survivors will bring about a new beginning.

-Song is a form of communication that has been used for centuries and effective in how easy it is for us to remember.

  • Reflection:

I understood the rebirth and cleansing aspects of ragnarok but didn't quite consider balancing to be a theme as well. The Nordic idea that even the gods and monsters are not exempt from the end is interesting in that it's somewhat different from other apocalypses but still ties into the whole rebirth theme. It was also interesting to see how this also ties into eugenics and genocide a bit; it's another perspective I didn't consider. Overall, this was very interesting how humanity in general had similar beliefs about the end and the hope that will arise after.

1/3/20 Michelle Kang Period 8

Modern Mythology 2020

Michelle Kang PD8

January 3, 2020

Aim: After studying Ragnarok and Book of Revelation, how does humanity’s perspective on the apocalypse reflect its feelings about the present and future?

Do now: What are the characteristics of the apocalypse in different mythologies?

We started off class with vocab quiz #5. Ryan said that there is usually conflict involved in the mythologies. To further draw insight, Ms. Fusaro asks the class why is there a conflict? Myunbo said in Norse mythology, they knew there was a conflict in the future so they would prepare for it. Winston added that in Norse, at the end of Ragnarok, there is a new beginning. Helen also commented on how the apocalypse usually deals with heavenly beings. Still, not quite there, the class was forgetting one big attribute. Ryan said there is a divine reckoning and divine judgment. There are bad times and bad things happen, all of this is caused by people. When humanity becomes corrupt/bad, apocalypse is a way for humanity to restart. Ms. Fusaro continued to add how it represented cleansing, rebirth and the “Phoenix effect” which happens when people are so bad they burn down and start again. There are symbolic elements such as water and fire. The few remaining are tasked with repopulating the Earth, essentially a new age of humanity. Ms. Fusaro points out that across many cultures, the apocalypse shares these attributes. 

Video: What is Ragnarok?

After watching the video Ms. Fusaro told the class that these Norse stories were not written down because the Norse did not have a written language. It was until the monks came that these stories were written down. She asks the class how did people remember these stories? Kenton brought up the possibility that people did not remember, they made the stories up. Ryan adding that it could have been passed down as bedtime stories. Ms. Fusaro then explains that it was through music that these stories were passed down. She made a point about how the class probably knows the lyrics to a thousand sounds and possibly in different languages.

Reading: “Voluspa” from Poetic Edda

Reflection: Today I learned that in Norse mythology, the apocalypse is in a way a punishment for humanity. When humankind becomes corrupt/bad, Earth takes things into their own hands by sending forth an apocalypse to cleanse and rid humans of evil. Apocalypses such as Ragnarok shows us that ultimately humans are the ones that doom themselves by making bad decisions. I also learned how in all cultures, music is a form of communication and how music makes it easy to remember/pass down messages. What I learned today helps me connect Ragnarok to the Book of Revelations by comparing the two’s differences and similarities. We can use what we learned from this lesson to further draw comparisons of Norse mythology and other mythologies as well. In addition, we can further use music to help pass down stories and messages to later generations.

1/3/20 Matthew Keeler PD1

Blog 1/3/20 

Aim: After studying Ragnarok and Book of Revelation, how does humanity’s perspective on the apocalypse reflect its feelings about the present and the future?

Do Now: What are the characteristics of the apocalypses in different mythologies?

Man reduces himself to a more violent state. Ragnorak sees it as brother killing brother and father killing son. With Christianity it’s viewed as humanity is so evil and doomed and brings us to this apocalypse. However, in mythology there is the Phoenix effect that we have the opportunity for rebirth and rise again with hope. They know Ragnarok is coming but they are trying to prevent it. Spawned by some type of natural disasters with a high death toll. Used to bring in the new age of humanity with few survivors that are responsible for repopulation. 

Balance is a theme that is apparent throughout all of mythology. When a God defeats a monster or loses to the monster each of them end up dying in somehow. Norse believed that there would be a clean slate not that the good win just win out over the evil. Balance is not just equaling out the scale but it’s their way of life with equaling out of debt. 

Today we learned more about Ragnarok and how it compares to other apocalypses in different mythologies. We learned now only would this offer the idea of rebirth of mankind, but it would be the destruction and death of the Gods as well. 

We need to understand this as we move on with the Norse unit to understand that the Gods are doing all the can to try and prevent Ragnarok from transpiring in the first place. We get a deeper of true idea of balance as well that it as not just equaling out in value for a scale but it’s the idea of debt in any sense being payed back, In Ragnarok’s concept death occurring to not only monsters, but Gods as well. Moving forward I will utilize this knowledge when looking at others projects to see how the Gods traverse through life with the idea of preventing an apocalyptic outbreak or destruction of the universe.