You may ask yourself, “How can I know who to believe?”, or “What is really true?” That’s because there are numerous groups saying they can work miracles. They have a service or product that can cure us, or make us rich and happy, overnight. In actuality, most of them want us to spend our hard-earned money to make them healthy, wealthy, and content.
Rick Riordan
I just finished reading the latest wonderful novel by this author of the Percy Jackson series. It’s called Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Sword of Summer. The author’s other Young Adult series concentrate on Greek/Roman and Egyptian mythology. This new series deals with Norse/Viking mythology.
Now, I am a huge fan of ancient history and beliefs. The subject is all the more fascinating when we discover that many attitudes were common throughout the world. The names, places, and rites may have differed, but the underlying precepts often remained the same.
I know little of the Norse gods beyond the Thor and Loki of the Marvel universe movies. Since I had no doubt that Disney’s vision of the gods was limited, I was excited to learn more. I wanted to see how my favorite author of pure escapism brought this new group of fallible deities to life.
Everything Isn’t What it Seems
I find that, like their counterparts, the Norse gods are full of selfishness and deception. (It’s interesting how many of the ancient deities are more “human” than some humans.) Many of them can’t be trusted, especially the villains. They are out to promote their own self-centered agendas however they can. Favorite tools are attacking one’s self-worth, lying about their purpose, and telling half-truths.
These deities may seem harmless, beautiful, or friendly. However, their true selves are quite different. Let’s look at reality from the main characters’ viewpoints:
- That deep, seductive voice is trying to entice you to your death.
- Those clownish friends are planning to rob and kill you at the first opportunity.
- The “trusted”, stylish adult is really manipulating you to bring about the doom of millions.
- That gorgeous, friendly woman is going to send you on a suicidal quest.
My Conclusion
There are many voices out there claiming to give out the truth, but few of them really have our best interests at heart. That’s why it’s so important to make decisions based on what we know to be true deep inside ourselves.
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”—I Peter 5:8 (NIV)
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The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”—John 10:10 (NIV)
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What truths do you believe?
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