Heroes in a Box

Today, a hero is characterized by some buff guy in spandex with his underwear on the outside. Heroes today obtain ludicrous powers and fight crime and evil in their fictional cities. In Norse mythology, 2 things made a hero, power, and wisdom. Many Norse herroes were reveared for thier success in battle. Some for their ability to shoot the elements from their weapons and some for their ability to lead with courage and bravery. The Norse never forgot that Power wasn't the only driving force behind making someone great. They also recognize and celebrate the wise old ones or the animal farmiliars behind the hero, giving him or her important facts and tips.




Power

Thor, God of thunder and Son of Odin, has been imortalized as a hero in the Marvel comic books. He is famous for weilding a hammer and having comtrol over lightning.

The coward believes he will live forever, if he holds back in the battle, but in old age he shall have no peace --Norse Proverb

A club drenched in blood easily finds its mark. --Norse Proverb

Put to the sword those that disagree. --Norse Proverb

A modern Odin depicted on his horse, weilding a sword. (as seen in Final fantasy 4)

Wisdom

Brawl with a pig and you go away with his stink. --Norse Proverb

Happy is he who hath in himself praise and wisdom in life --Norse Proverb

He hath need of his wits who wanders wide. --Norse Proverb

The foolish man lies awake all night Thinking of his many problems; When the morning comes he is worn out And his trouble is just as it was.--Norse Proverb

Odin and his animal farmiliars who seek knowledge for him. Odin is god of both wisdom and war.

Odin, Being God of both wisdom and war demonstrates how the Norse saw how power and wisdom go hand in had to make a great hero. They recognized that you need a demanding fist and a good brain to plan ahead and think on your feet.