Did 2 Humans Survive Ragnarok?
In Norse mythology, Ragnarok is the apocalyptic event that marks the end of the world. The mythological event is described in the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda, two medieval Icelandic manuscripts. According to these sources, Ragnarok is a catastrophic event that results in the destruction of the world and the gods. But did any humans survive this devastating event? In this article, we will explore the answer to this question.
The Survivors of Ragnarok
According to Norse mythology, two humans survived Ragnarok: Lif and Lifthrasir. They are described as a man and a woman who lived in an unknown place called Hoddmimir’s Forest. This forest is said to be indestructible, and it is where the two survivors hid during the apocalypse.
How Did They Survive?
The myth does not provide a detailed explanation of how Lif and Lifthrasir survived Ragnarok. However, it is believed that they consumed the morning dew to sustain themselves during the 3-year winter that followed the event. This prolonged period of darkness and cold was a result of the sun being extinguished during Ragnarok.
Other Survivors
While Lif and Lifthrasir are the only humans to have survived Ragnarok, there were other beings that survived the event. The gods, including Vidar, Vali, Balder, Hodr, Modi, and Magni, also survived. Additionally, the fire giant Surtur and the wolf Fenrir, who is said to be the father of the Midgard Serpent, also survived.
The Aftermath of Ragnarok
After Ragnarok, the world was reborn from the ashes of the old world. The surviving gods and giants began to rebuild society, and the world was renewed. The myth suggests that the surviving humans, including Lif and Lifthrasir, played a role in repopulating the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, yes, two humans survived Ragnarok: Lif and Lifthrasir. They lived in an indestructible forest and consumed the morning dew to sustain themselves during the 3-year winter that followed the event. While the myth does not provide a detailed explanation of how they survived, it is clear that they played a significant role in the rebirth of the world after Ragnarok.
Timeline of Ragnarok
Event | Description |
---|---|
The end of the world | Ragnarok marks the end of the world and the destruction of the gods |
The destruction of the gods | The gods, including Odin, Thor, and Frey, are killed during Ragnarok |
The destruction of the giants | The giants, including Surtur and Fenrir, are also killed during Ragnarok |
The rebirth of the world | The world is reborn from the ashes of the old world, and the surviving gods and giants begin to rebuild society |
The survival of Lif and Lifthrasir | The two humans, Lif and Lifthrasir, survive Ragnarok and play a role in repopulating the world |
Additional Resources
- The Poetic Edda: A medieval Icelandic manuscript that contains the mythological stories of Ragnarok.
- The Prose Edda: A medieval Icelandic manuscript that contains the mythological stories of Ragnarok.
- Norse Mythology: A book by Neil Gaiman that retells the myths of Ragnarok.
Note: The article is written in a neutral tone and is based on the available information from the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda. The article does not aim to provide a detailed analysis of the mythological event but rather to provide an overview of the survivors of Ragnarok.