Imperfect Gods

When one hears the word "god" the usual image conjured to mind is of the Christian God. This God is omnipotent, all-mighty and everlasting. He rules alone, does not resort to trickery or deceit and allows men to choose to believe in him. The gods and goddesses of the Norse pantheon are not like the Christian God.

When Idun and her golden apples disappear from Asgard, the gods are terribly upset. The golden apples provide the gods with their youth. The Norse gods and goddesses are not everlasting. They have the ability to wither and weaken. Similarly, when Ragnarok comes many of the gods will perish at the hands of their foes. These gods have a definite end to their lives. Only a select few will survive the horrific battle to live in and rebuild the new world.

The powers of the gods and goddesses are individualized...