Of Norwegian Ways

Many people overlook the value of preserving their cultural heritage, including myself. I am of Norwegian ancestry, but have lost touch with my cultural heritage. Being of Norwegian ancestry, I read with interest Bent Vanberg's book Of Norwegian Ways, which described many aspects of Norway. However, Norway's religious history and traditions specifically interested me. Bent Vanberg's main views throughout the few chapters I selected is Norway is a place full of distinguished history and centuries old religious traditions, which are used by the Norwegians to pass on their cultural heritage. Norwegian's, like any other cultural group, used the functions of religion to provide social control, explain and understand the unknown, reduce their fears and anxieties, and reinforce their identity with each other. From the first time Norway was inhabited, the Norwegians believed in polytheism and created lively gods and goddesses with supernatural powers to explain the things they could not. They depended upon these gods for things such as healthy crops, fertility, and calm seas. A few of the major deities that controlled the Norwegian universe were: Odin, chief god; Tor, his strong aide with a magic hammer; Balder, who was kind and saintly; Njord, the wind and fire god; Aege, god of the seas; Freya, goddess of love; and Vaar, goddess of fidelity (Vanberg 43). Each god and goddess had mannerisms the Norwegians were familiar with. This made them easier to believe in. Norwegians had rituals or rites of intensification to signify events of crisis such as lack of rain or death of a loved one. These rituals brought Norwegians together to diminish the fears and concerns associated with such tragic events and give people a little optimism. An example of this would be the myth of Valhall (the hall of the Fallen Warriors). Every Viking that died in battle was thought to journey to Valhall where he would fight all day with other brave Vikings and then Odin would host a celebration with his maidens, the Valkyries, for all Vikings alive or dead (Vanberg 43). This idea allowed the living to believe their loved ones were safe and happy, easing any fears they had. Norwegians everywhere celebrate the traditions of Norway regardless of whether they are in Norway or another country. A ritual that is charged with emotion and reinforces Norwegian's social bonds along with relieving tension is held during Midsummer. Jonsok or The Midsummer Night and Day is celebrated on the 23rd and 24th of June. This celebration is named after John the Baptist. Jonsok celebrates the shortest night and longest day of the year. This annual tradition dates back to pagan periods when many people worshiped the sun god's powers with bonfires, signifying the conquering of darkness. They believed that on this night magical creatures like the trolls, the holders, the nisser, the fossegrimer and the nøkker, would rise from the fjells (mountains) (Vanberg 216), forests, rivers and fjords to take part in