Introduction

The topic that I will be discussing is the semiotics and ways of meaning within mythology, as well as the influence that pop culture and video games have on mythology. Specifically, Norse Mythology due to its recent rise in popularity due to the appearance of Thor within both the marvel comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As well as, the portrayal and depictions of Norse Mythology within the most recent and upcoming God of War games. 

Background/Review of the Literature

The mythologies that we know of today evolved naturally and instinctively by unconscious processes in oral traditions. At its core mythologies are stories that have been changed each time it is told. It began with a real or imagined incident or event that was worth repeating, something so intriguing that we were compelled to repeat it. It was passed along by word of mouth, from person to person and from generation to generation until it had been told and retold millions of times and existed in a hundred different versions around the world. French essayist, Roland Barthes, theorized that myth carries an order of cultural signification where semiotic code is perceived as fact. Also according to Barthes, myth is based on humans’ history, and myth cannot naturally occur. There are always some communicative intentions in myth.

Rationale

  • What is a myth?
    • What is Norse mythology?
  • How did mythology become what it is today?
    • How did Norse mythology become what it is today?
  • How does mythology and semiotics relate to one another?
    • How do myths operate?
  • Why did Marvel choose to use Norse mythology?
    • What are the differences between the two?
  • Why did the God of War series change mythologies from Greek to Norse?
  • How has the influence of pop culture and video games affected the popularity of Norse Mythology?

Method and Design

I will be looking through online articles and resources that pertain to mythologies and semiotics. As well as educating myself on Norse Mythology itself so that I can see the differences that have occurred in pop culture and video games. After collecting the research, I plan to show it by using slides that go through the beginnings of Norse mythology to how it is seen today through pop culture and video games. 

References

Adler, Matt. “MARVEL MYTHOLOGY VS. NORSE MYTHOLOGY.” iFanboy, 29 Apr. 2011, https://ifanboy.com/articles/marvel-mythology-vs-norse-mythology/. Accessed 16 Oct. 2021.

Cavna, Michael. “THE “THOR’ STORY: Stan Lee talks Norse gods as film debuts.” The Washington Post, 6 May 2011, https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/the-thor-story-stan-lee-talks-norse-gods-as-film-debuts/2011/05/06/AFEutI6F_blog.html. Accessed 16 Oct. 2021.

Davis, Ben. “What is myth according to Barthes?” MVOrganizing, 30 May 2021, https://www.mvorganizing.org/what-is-myth-according-to-barthes/. Accessed 16 Oct. 2021.

Hammouri, Shahd. “Roland Barthes: Myth.” Critical Legal Thinking, 12 Jun. 2020, https://criticallegalthinking.com/2020/06/12/roland-barthes-myth/. Accessed 16 Oct. 2021.

Linder, Natalie. “God of War: How Kratos Got From Greek To Norse Mythology In Canon.” Screen Rant, 2 Jun. 2021, https://screenrant.com/god-war-kratos-greek-norse-mythology-canon-change/. Accessed 16 Oct. 2021.

Yow, Matt. “The Mythology of Design.” Medium, 30 Apr. 2018, https://medium.com/s/story/design-and-myth-829aabae1da. Accessed 16 Oct. 2021.