Grade School News

The Vikings were known and feared as skilled warriors who fearlessly entered any battle. Their power was based on physical training, superior metalsmithing, and their religious beliefs. If a man died courageously, he would be guided by the Valkyries to Valhalla, where feasting and fighting filled each day - quite a manly vision of heaven! Viking ships traveled far and wide, spreading awe and obedience and gathering loot and slaves. Up to the year 1000A.D., Thor and Odin were worshiped as much as Jesus Christ was.

The developmental stage of 4th grade, where the enjoyment of fart jokes and tricks and pranks mingles with the budding appreciation for profound ideas, is dramatically mirrored in the Norse myths. The strong but bumbling giants, the clever cunning of Loki the charming trickster, the fearsome rage of Thor, and the mysterious power of Odin are all vivid pictures which mirror the children's inner state. The strength and courage of the Aesir gods can be admired and emulated, since this pantheon is filled with all-too-human traits as well. Thor is impulsive, Freya is greedy, Sif is vain, Loki is malicious, but 4th graders can see these weaknesses for what they are, and gain much insight into human nature. The sadness of Baldur's death and the tragic events of the final battle Ragnarok are understandable to children who have left the protection of young childhood. The gods who risk their life in order to overcome evil and protect the world are powerful role models for the 21st century - which is one possible reason for their resurgence in comics, online games, and movies recently. This year's 4th grade very much enjoyed battling 6th graders, and looks forward to more tales of strength and sacrifice.