Aspectos da Cosmogonia e da Cosmografia Escandinavas

This text discusses some recent trends concerning the interpretation of Scandinavian religion and mythology as originated in pre-Christian times. Our analysis is based on Eddic poems rather than on Snorra Edda. After general discussions of method and conflicting theoretical standpoints, two subjects are treated in some detail: the notion that elements of a more primitive world still existed in far-away parts of the earth that could nevertheless be reached by travelers, even if this were a rare event; and the strong Scandinavian view of the universe as doomed due to the imperfection of its own first nature, and above all to corruption brought about by deeds contrary to pre-Christian ethics as perpetrated by supernatural beings who were supposed, on the contrary, to preserve universal order.