The humorous talent contest in the land of giants.
Norse religion and mythology
has some intriguing differences from Rome and Greece. The Norse gods (or Æsir)
are arguably the most human of the old gods. They were described as not
inherently immortal—they had to eat magical apples to live their long lives.
Many of them were not born with their powers, but rather gained their abilities
through the weapons they wielded and attire they wore. Also, while most
religions claim their gods reign supreme, and will continue to do so forever,
many of the most powerful Norse gods were prophesied to die in Ragnorak.
Stories of Norse mythology
often emphasize the mortality of the Æsir, or at least recount ways the divine
can be thwarted, fooled or embarrassed. This is one such story where three of
the Norse gods find themselves in an embarrassing situation in the land of
giants.
Thor Meets His Match
("I am the giant Skrymir" by Elmer Boyd Smith. Thor, with his
hammer Mjolnir, confronts the jötunn Skrymir, c. 1902, [Public Domain] via
Creative Commons)
