Less than a month old, the new cartoon series Twilight of the Gods is proving a popular yet controversial hit amongst fans the world over.
The man behind epic movies like 300 and Superman vs. Batman: Dawn of Justice, Zak Snyder, has turned his attention to the rich tapestry of Norse sagas, creating a series that blends high drama, fantasy, and action.
Whilst the cartoon format is novel for Snyder, this is certainly not for children, let alone anyone under 18, due to its dark tones, violence, and mature themes.
The series, loosely based on a blend of Norse mythology, stories, sagas, and legends, revolves around a couple – Leif (Stuart Martin) and Sigrid (Sylvia Hoeks).
Leif, King of the Volsungs, met Sigrid – as you do – in the heat of battle, when she saved him from certain death. The two plan to wed, but rumors abound that the gods do not approve of this match.
The appearance of Thor during their nuptials does not bode well for the happy couple or their family and community, with spoiler alert, much blood spilled.
Snyder then spins a yarn as old and ancient as the sagas themselves as Sigrid and Leif go on a heroes' journey to get revenge on the Norse God of Thunder.
Twilight of the Gods takes Norse myths to a dark place with a story that’s definitely not for the faint-hearted or the underage. Photo: Netflix, screenshot (Copyright, fair use)
Complex, dark and moody
Whilst Snyder gives an almost anime-like treatment to the rich tapestry of Norse mythology, this is no kids' tale.
Take, for example, the antagonist, Thor. Let's be clear – he is portrayed in this series vastly differently from the brawny beach charm of his Marvel counterpart.
Snyder brings a level of darkness, complexity, and ambiguity to all the Norse gods portrayed in this series.
The gods who are supposed to oversee and protect us, mere mortals, are selfish and deeply flawed characters who come across as little more than mere spoiled brats.
This portrayal is perhaps truer to the original spirit of how these gods were worshipped – not as friendly and loving deities but as powerful beings to be feared and placated and who could, and often did, impact human life negatively.
This bleaker tone of the Norse gods strikes well with the dark, atmospheric visuals that help complement the mythological themes, creating an immersive experience.
The design of the heroes, their friends and foes, the Norse gods, creatures, and a myriad of magical and mythical landscapes is imaginative, and we especially liked the intriguing blend of old Norse imagery with some very modern interpretations.
No surprise that Snyder aims to please aesthetically.
Snyder's Norse gods come across as flawed, petty, and dangerous, more like spoiled brats than humanity's protectors. Photo: Netflix, screenshot (Copyright, fair use)
An A to Z of Norse mythology
Like the aesthetic, the storyline is a fascinating mixture of classic Norse mythology.
Much of the mythological and cosmological worldview of people in Viking societies is explained throughout the show – with reimagined and reinterpreted legend and lore allowing a fresh take on an old classic.
From the Æsir-Vanir war to Ragnarök and everything in between, almost every single Norse mythological character (special mention to Baldr, Freyja, Loki, and Odin), event, or tall tale is explained with attention to detail, action, and hell of a lot of blood and gore.
Despite the best efforts of Snyder and his team to give both the broadest of strokes and include seemingly every minute detail of Norse mythology, even the most diehard fans of the sagas (as we are here at The Viking Herald) will need to brush up on their mythical knowledge.
Should this be your first entry to the Norse myths and sagas, it is not a bad starting point, but much of the backstory and context will be lost.
If you want your introduction to Norse mythology to be action-packed, fast-paced, and full of pubescent blood, sweat, sex, and gore, then Twilight of the Gods is for you.
For those slightly older and more mature, the series is a great example of how ancient tales can be reimagined for contemporary audiences. Either way, you're in for a hell of a ride, so buckle up!
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