OS ELEMENTOS (TRANS)CULTURAIS DO VAFÞRÚÐNISMÁL: DO GALÐR AO TIETÄJÄ FINO-CARELIANO

Abstract

Choosing the eddic poem Vafþrúðnismál as a starting point, our aim is to analyze the possible cultural contexts and elements to which the poem may allude to. In order to achieve such a thing, we are going to investigate specifically the mythological motif of the wisdom contest between Óðinn and the giant Vafþrúðnir, pointing to a possible parallel in Finnic mythology, played by Väinämöinen and Joukahainen respectively. We are also going to demonstrate how there is a connection in both cases with magical practices; the galðr in Medieval Scandinavia and the tietäjä institution from Finno-Karelian traditions. Our perspective approaches mythology as a discursive and cultural practice that manifests itself through a symbolic matrix.