Message: "Because, in Norse mythology,..."

This is a reply within a larger thread: view the whole thread

Because, in Norse mythology,...

by Dragon_Clarinet (guest)

8/7/2009, 2:32 PM

in reply to a message by Swiff

... He was the chief god, unlike the other names. Just like Zeus names. Think about it.

Replies

- Lady Seashell +3

8/7/2009, 6:48 PM

I might be wrong, but I thought Odin was the chief god, not Thor. And besides, in Greece, there were plenty of Apollo-names and Hera-names.
My guess is that it's because among some ancient Norse people, Thor was the most popular god, being the honsest, hardworking blacksmith he was.
Or maybe it was simpler than that; maybe it was just that "Thor" was only one syllable and was easier to combind phrases to. Just my two cents. :-)

- Lethe (reniannen17) +2

8/8/2009, 4:34 AM

I think you're right, if you look at this book http://tinyurl.com/l5zkr2 (shortened link to a Book on mythology on Google books) It says that although Odin was the chief God, he was worshipped as such mainly by Kings and the warrior aristocracy as he was the god of war, whereas Thor was the most popular god amongst the peasant classes 'who needed his strength and dependability' and because he controlled the weather, which farmers needed to be in their favour. If this is right, it could explain why Thor was the most popular in terms of naming.

This message was edited 8/8/2009, 4:37 AM

- Jorunn +1

8/10/2009, 4:29 AM

They also combined Thor (also often written Tor) with other names to create names like Torbjørn, Torstein, Tormod, Torvald, Torgrim etc. The same goes for female names, where Tora would be prolonged to make Torbjørg, Tordis etc.

For some reason I have never heard of a name that combines Odin and something else. Maybe the explanation of one syllable is correct.

All these names are in use in Norway today, although maybe not for babies at the moment (typical grandparents' names).

- cedesm

8/30/2009, 2:02 PM

I recently met a baby Odin here in the U.S. =) although it was at an anime convention so... hmm.

View Message

Replies