Ragnarök: Identity crisis and gender discourses through Norse mythology in modern society

Abstract

Ragnarök, a show on Netflix, is a representation of "a predetermined state or end." Everyone is trying to seek out who they are, yet nobody really knows. Due to problems with identity, perhaps all of the events of the Ragnarök will occur in this new, modern era. For this paper, we have selected Laurits and Isolde from this series. Their identity issues and conforming upbringing make them a unique character. My paper’s aim is to explore how Norse mythology can interpret LGBTQ people in modern society; it is embroiling traditional histories and culminating in components that resonate with LGBTQ identities and experiences. Furthermore, this paper is exerting Norse mythology by Neil Gaiman, The Gospel of Loki by Joanne Harris, Vouspos, Thrym by poetic Edda and Extraordinary Bodies by Rosemarie Garland Thomson books as secondary books. The paper employs Norse mythology, gender discourses, comparative literature, queer theory, and interdisciplinary approaches. This paper focuses on the sub-heroes Isolde and Laurits Seier and their connection with Norwegian modern society.