RubyLight
I just finished the Prose Edda and a statement came to my attention. There was a mention of 12 Gods and 24 Goddesses. After going through, several lists of Nordic gods. There are alot more than 36! So, I beg the question, which 12 gods and 24 Goddesses was the story reffering to?
Heilsan RubyLight ok Allir,
The Prose Edda, composed by Snorri has many elements to it which are found no-where else in our ancestral traditions. The emphasis on numerical importance seems far more a product of classical thought, especially as it is expressed in the Prose Edda. This influence can be very clearly be seen in some of the later magical tomes penned by Icelanders. I very much doubt that Snorri actually had a specific 12 and 24 in mind, but if he did, it may have come from some source which is lost to us. At the end of the day, it is an exercise in futility to attempt such an analysis, albeit it might be an interesting exercise in and of itself, even if it is of no practical use, after all, one would have to do a great deal of research into all the gods and goddesses to attempt to work out if a specific 12/24 were being referred to, and if so, whom.
Ver thu heil