Vikings

Seattle's next Ring Cycle is in August of 2009. But we've got a running start on studying up for it via Kenneth Harl's Vikings audio lectures.

Wagner drew heavily from Norse mythology for the characters and story of the Ring. So Odin (Woton), Frigg (Fricka) and Freyja (Freia) are like old friends. What I really need to do one of these days is read the Prose Edda. 

And I hadn't realized how strongly the promise of Valhalla compelled Viking raiders into battle.

We come from the land of the ice and snow,
from the midnight sun where the hot springs blow.
The hammer of the gods
Will drive our ships to new lands,
To fight the horde, singing and crying:
Valhalla, I am coming!

And for pure Viking silliness: