#*viskumal

[viskumal]

To live life is to learn. To fear death is to burn.

Viskumál

[viskumal]

The Origin and Existence of God(s): Speculation

Does God exist? Which religion is ‘true’? Do other gods exist? How did they come into being and where did they come from?

Though a similar theory might already exist, in this post I will put forth my speculation on this age-old debate.

Historically, almost every people on the planet has had their own creation story and every group believes theirs to be true. In effect, religion seems to be (and has been) almost as universal to humans as music. It seems to be part of the human psyche to create a creator.

So who is to say or decide which one is actually definitively correct? You cannot, and here’s why: 

Gods come from the human mind, which is the very thing that makes them real; believing in them. The imagination of people is very broad and when they manifest into generation after generation they turn from imagination into legends, from legends to myths, and ultimately into divinity that they adhere to.

It’s the exact same reason why gods and religion cannot be proven ‘true’, because only believing it makes it ‘true’.

It’s all it is; belief.

If you are born in Israel you will most likely be raised with Judaism, if you are born in the Middle-East you will most likely be raised with Islam, and if you are born in the Bible Belt of the USA then you will most likely be raised with Christianity. If you were born in Scandinavia in the Viking Age you would adhere to the Norse gods and say “Thor is my man!” . Yet if you would be born in the olden days of Greece then surely Zeus would be the one you sacrifice to?None of it makes sense if you are damned to hell merely because you were born on the wrong side of the planet.

But don’t be discouraged; I’m not suggesting that all of it is useless just because it does not factually exist. In fact, we can derive and gain many positive things from many different religions. Morals, advice, rolemodels, idols, bedtime stories for your kids, guidance. You name it.

Pick the good from the bad and apply it to your life, just remember; “All things in moderation”.

[viskumal]

Nothing is truly wasted if it's a lesson learned.

Viskumál

[viskumal]

Haar goud als graan. Huid zacht als zijde. Een lach verlicht met vreugde. En ogen om nooit te vergeten.

Viskumál

[viskumal]

Hair gold as grain. Skin soft as silk. A smile sparkling with joy. And eyes to never forget.

Viskumál

[viskumal]

The Afterlife: Interpretation and Speculation

What happens after life? What if the ‘Afterlife’ is the life that your name leads after you die?

Stanza 76 and 77 from the Hávamál (Words of Odin) are my inspiration for this interpretation. Stanzas used are from Dr. Jackson Crawford’s translation.

— 76 Cows die, family die you will die the same way. But a good reputation never dies for the one who earns it well.

— 77 Cows die, family die, you will die the same way. I know only one thing that never dies: the reputation of the one who’s died.

I.e. if you’ve been a good person worthy of praise, if you’ve attained glory through adventure and achievements, if you’ve made your mark on the world, if you’ve been substantial enough in any way your name ‘after-your-life’ lives on.

I feel this is an interesting concept to think of. I think this makes the ‘afterlife’ more tangible, since most arguments and discussions on the subject are mostly always about whether or not there is actual ‘life’ after death, i.e. that you continue living on in another plain of existence after you die.

So ask the question: How do you want people to remember you ‘after-your-life’? How do you want your name to live after death?

Model yourself to be a good soul, share wisdom with ones who want it, contribute to the world in a positive way and leave your mark, for one thing is certain:

This world is alive and true, even after you.

[viskumal]

The common blackbird call; a melody matchless and marvelous— no song is the same. Each its own echo that tells a tale. Loud and proud it travels its tongue. Orange of beak and black of breast; hear my call and join my nest.

Viskumál

[viskumal]

This world is alive and true, even after you.

Viskumál