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Quiz about The Root of all Myths
Quiz about The Root of all Myths

The Root of all Myths Trivia Quiz


A common theme in many Norse myths is gold. Gods, men and dwarves all covet this precious metal and it is ubiquitous in the literature of Norse mythology.

A multiple-choice quiz by doublemm. Estimated time: 5 mins.
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Author
doublemm
Time
5 mins
Type
Multiple Choice
Quiz #
339,499
Updated
Dec 03 21
# Qns
10
Difficulty
Average
Avg Score
6 / 10
Plays
484
Awards
Top 20% Quiz
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Question 1 of 10
1. The watchman of the gods was sharp as a tack, and would sound the alarm when the final battle began. Until then, however, he did what he could to prevent panic, including not smiling, as he believed his golden teeth would cause alarm. What is the name of this god of Norse mythology? Hint


Question 2 of 10
2. The golden apples of Idunn were the most precious of all the gods' treasures, ensuring their youth and immortality. It came as a surprise to Frey, therefore, when the object of his affection rejected the promise of golden apples in return for her hand in marriage. What was the name of this character of Norse mythology, whom Frey loved? Hint


Question 3 of 10
3. Offered as a gift by the sons of Ivaldi to the fertility god, Frey, this animal with golden bristles glowed in the dark and possessed the ability of flight. Which creature, an example of which dwelt on Mount Erymanthos in Greek mythology, is being referred to here? Hint


Question 4 of 10
4. What type of precious object was Andvarinaut, named for its original owner, and coldly stolen by the mischievous Loki for its ability to create gold? Hint


Question 5 of 10
5. Interestingly, gold was not only mentioned as a precious commodity in Norse myth, but it was also a sign of grief, as golden tears were cried excessively by the mother of Balder after his tragic death. Who was Balder's mother? Hint


Question 6 of 10
6. The gods of Norse mythology certainly lived the life of luxury in Asgard, with grand halls separated by fences of, you guessed it, gold. Which of these gods is incorrectly paired with their hall (which themselves were often made of gold)? Hint


Question 7 of 10
7. Another object of great value in Norse mythology was the golden necklace of Brisings. This necklace was once stolen by Loki before being won back by Heimdall, and later worn by Thor when he dressed as a bride. How did this valuable object come into being? Hint


Question 8 of 10
8. Known for having a short temper, Thor was seldom angrier than when his wife, Sif, lost something of value to her. What golden possession, much envied by the other goddesses, did Sif lose? Hint


Question 9 of 10
9. Son of the beloved Balder, Forseti was also favoured, living in a palace held up by golden pillars and with a roof of pure silver. What aspect of godliness did Forseti represent? Hint


Question 10 of 10
10. Ran, the thieving goddess of the sea and lover of gold, would regularly drown vikings who sailed on her shores in the hope of acquiring the precious metal. In light of this, why was it said that vikings always wore a piece of gold whilst at sea? Hint



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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. The watchman of the gods was sharp as a tack, and would sound the alarm when the final battle began. Until then, however, he did what he could to prevent panic, including not smiling, as he believed his golden teeth would cause alarm. What is the name of this god of Norse mythology?

Answer: Heimdall

The horn of Heimdall, called Gjallarhorn, was sounded by the watchman god to signal Ragnarok, the final battle. At this time, Fenrir would break free from his chains and Loki would escape from his cave-prison to wage war against the gods.
2. The golden apples of Idunn were the most precious of all the gods' treasures, ensuring their youth and immortality. It came as a surprise to Frey, therefore, when the object of his affection rejected the promise of golden apples in return for her hand in marriage. What was the name of this character of Norse mythology, whom Frey loved?

Answer: Gerd

Oddly, Gerd was a giantess, a race hated by the gods. Nevertheless, love between gods and giants was not unique to this pairing. Other examples include Njord and Skadi, who were wed after Skadi chose Njord as the god with the most beautiful feet, and the monstrous union between Angrboda and Loki, from which spawned Fenrir and his hideous siblings.
3. Offered as a gift by the sons of Ivaldi to the fertility god, Frey, this animal with golden bristles glowed in the dark and possessed the ability of flight. Which creature, an example of which dwelt on Mount Erymanthos in Greek mythology, is being referred to here?

Answer: A boar

Frey was presented with this boar, named Gullinbursti, by Brokk and Eitri, sons of Ivaldi. These brothers were skilled dwarves, but, like many of their kin, would work only for sex, gold or glory.
4. What type of precious object was Andvarinaut, named for its original owner, and coldly stolen by the mischievous Loki for its ability to create gold?

Answer: A ring

This myth, like so many before it, displays the cold, relentless side of Loki. The gold was forced from Andvari's dwarf hands in order to save Odin and Heimdall, who were being held captive by Hreidmar, a grieving father. Despite getting what he came for, Loki refused to let Andvari keep his namesake ring, which would allow him to renew his wealth.
5. Interestingly, gold was not only mentioned as a precious commodity in Norse myth, but it was also a sign of grief, as golden tears were cried excessively by the mother of Balder after his tragic death. Who was Balder's mother?

Answer: Frigg

Though all were distraught at Balder's death, his mother, Frigg, was totally inconsolable, crying tears of gold from the day of his death. This grief may have been coupled with guilt, as it was Frigg who told Loki that mistletoe was the only substance which could kill her son.

Freya, a goddess often equated to Frigg, was also said to cry tears of gold after the disappearance of her husband, Od, who many considered an alternate version of Odin.
6. The gods of Norse mythology certainly lived the life of luxury in Asgard, with grand halls separated by fences of, you guessed it, gold. Which of these gods is incorrectly paired with their hall (which themselves were often made of gold)?

Answer: Loki - Sessrumnir

Sessrumnir is actually the hall of Freya, located in Folkvangr, Freya's meadow.
Gladsheim was the hall of Odin, father of the gods, and was the meeting place of the gods in times of strife. Its name, meaning "shining place", can be seen to refer to the precious metals from which it was made.
7. Another object of great value in Norse mythology was the golden necklace of Brisings. This necklace was once stolen by Loki before being won back by Heimdall, and later worn by Thor when he dressed as a bride. How did this valuable object come into being?

Answer: It was crafted by four dwarves

Perhaps the best known myth concerning the necklace of Brisings is how it was acquired by Freya. Made by four dwarves (Dvalinn, Alfrik, Berling, and Grer), the necklace was immediately desired by Freya, who offered them many things. However, the dwarves were firm in their demands - Freya must spend a night with each of them.
8. Known for having a short temper, Thor was seldom angrier than when his wife, Sif, lost something of value to her. What golden possession, much envied by the other goddesses, did Sif lose?

Answer: Her hair

The golden hair of Sif was said to reach the floor. It was maliciously shaven off by Loki, causing anger amongst the gods, particularly Thor. Loki replaced the hair of Sif, as well as offering other gifts in order to make amends.
9. Son of the beloved Balder, Forseti was also favoured, living in a palace held up by golden pillars and with a roof of pure silver. What aspect of godliness did Forseti represent?

Answer: Justice

Little is known about Forseti (as is the case for many gods and, even more so, goddesses).

Forseti's mother, Nana, had few associations aside from being the wife of Balder and mother of Forseti. This dependence on her husband is well reflected in the myth of Balder's death - Nana threw herself onto the burning ship, Ringhorn, where her husband was cremated.
10. Ran, the thieving goddess of the sea and lover of gold, would regularly drown vikings who sailed on her shores in the hope of acquiring the precious metal. In light of this, why was it said that vikings always wore a piece of gold whilst at sea?

Answer: Gold would give them a good afterlife if they were claimed by Ran

Ran, with her husband Aegir, had a great hall beneath the sea, which often played host to the gods in times of celebration and merriment. Ran would use her vast net to capture and drown passing vikings and steal their gold, which lit the halls of her palace.
Source: Author doublemm

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor looney_tunes before going online.
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