Nordic magical symbols have a rich history and significance in the Nordic culture. These symbols were believed to hold mystical powers and were used for various purposes such as protection, healing, and divination. One of the most well-known Nordic magical symbols is the Vegvisir, also known as the Viking compass. The Vegvisir is depicted as eight arms radiating from a central point, with runic symbols inscribed on each arm. It was believed to guide the traveler through rough weather and difficult terrain, ensuring their safe return home. Another important symbol is the Aegishjalmur, also known as the Helm of Awe.
This violent, adult take on the storybook siblings is brought to us by the relatively new director Tommy Wirkola (DEAD SNOW aka the nazi zombies in snow movie) and features Jeremy Renner (THE AVENGERS) as Hansel and Gemma Arterton(QUANTUM OF SOLACE) as his sister Gretel.
But, for you few uncultured swines out there not familiar with this overly rambunctious fairy tale, allow me to fill the empty stomach of your imagination with a fable unlike any other. Callahan prompts viewers to ask themselves what separates them from distant ancestors of the type who let panic reign in Salem back in the bonnets-and-breeches days.
Another important symbol is the Aegishjalmur, also known as the Helm of Awe. It consists of eight tridents radiating from a central point, creating a powerful and protective symbol. Warriors would often draw this symbol on their foreheads before going into battle, believing it would grant them strength and protection.
HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS Movie Review
Now, If you’re anything like me (and I suspect that you are) you probably have read the original untranslated German version of Hansel and Gretel over one thousand times. So, I don’t really need to catch you up on the basic concept of this wildly inappropriate children’s story. But, for you few uncultured swines out there not familiar with this overly rambunctious fairy tale, allow me to fill the empty stomach of your imagination with a fable unlike any other.
It’s basically a story about two kids getting abandoned in the woods by their parents and almost being eaten by a witch who lives in a candy house. The children end up tricking the witch and pushing her into her own oven. THE END.
I’m sure a lot of people are going to shit all over this movie. Call it ‘over the top’ or utter nonsense. Yet, they will never really stop to think about how completely bat shit crazy the origin story was. A candy house. Cannibalistic witches. Child abandonment. Ovens. I understand (all to well) the pain of watching a movie that tries to take itself way too seriously. Luckily, HANSEL & GRETEL knows exactly what it is and never tries to be more than that. Hell, Hansel and Gretel repeatedly remark ‘you gotta be fucking kidding me’ throughout the entire film! It’s this level of self awareness, witch I believe, makes this movie so damn entertaining.
This violent, adult take on the storybook siblings is brought to us by the relatively new director Tommy Wirkola (DEAD SNOW aka the nazi zombies in snow movie) and features Jeremy Renner (THE AVENGERS) as Hansel and Gemma Arterton(QUANTUM OF SOLACE) as his sister Gretel.
After the tragic events that transpired in that now infamous ‘candy house,’ Gretel and Hansel find themselves becoming quite a notorious duo of witch hunters. This latest adventure finds them at the mercy of a Grand Witch played by Famke Jannsen (Jean Grey in the X-MEN Series) who is gathering witches for a super spell that will make all witches immune to fire. Despite their being many ways to kill a witch, fire appears to be both the most effective and simultaneously the most difficult to actually orchestrate. (So, yeah, lets waste our one blood moon wish on that.) On their mission to discover the mystery of the missing children, Hansel and Gretel pick up a young go-getter who is all too anxious to join in on their adventures as well as a good natured troll named ‘Edward.’ .. Oh, I mean.. ‘EdddwaaRRddd.’ What ensues definitely has it’s fun moments.
I definitely enjoyed the filmed. There is way more gore in it than I expected. I think you see about 5 different peoples heads explode and over 10 witches ripped apart. A bunch of modern day tough guy talk, sprinkled with a wide assortment of steam punk grappling guns and contraptions. You get a little bit of nudity. A lot a bit of some pretty brutal fight scenes. Although, all the witches are women and watching Hansel smacking lady witches in the face with shovels is a little odd at times. The witch designs at the end are pretty fun and a few character designs aren’t as bad as I feared they would be. There’s not a lot of that unnecessary love story cockamamie that studios force down our throats. Hansel is a diabetic, so, that’s something different. And, you only think Hansel and Gretel are going to kiss once.
Do I recommend seeing this in the theaters? Only if you couldn’t find anything better to do and don’t mind a little bit of A KNIGHT’S TALE mashed with VAN HELSING. Do I recommend you see this movie at least once in your life? Absolutely.
Final Score: 6 out of 10
Hansel wakes up to the sight of Mina, who reveals herself to be a white witch. After Mina uses Adrianna's spellbook to bless the siblings' arsenal, Hansel, Mina, and Ben head to disrupt the Blood Moon Sabbath. Whilst Mina mows down many dark witches with a Gatling gun, Hansel squares off against Muriel's minions and frees the children, while Edward defies Muriel's orders and releases Gretel before Muriel throws him off the cliff. Muriel attempts to flee, but Ben shoots her off her broomstick. On her way to meet up with Hansel, Gretel finds Edward and uses her stun gun to defibrillate him back to life. Hansel, Ben, and Mina follow Muriel's trail to the old gingerbread house.
The Valknut is another significant symbol in Norse mythology. It is comprised of three interlocking triangles, symbolizing the interconnectedness of the realms of gods, giants, and humans. The Valknut was associated with Odin, the Allfather, and was believed to grant him the power to bind and unbind individuals' fates. The Mjolnir, or Thor's hammer, is perhaps the most recognizable symbol in Norse mythology. It represents the god of thunder's strength and power and is associated with protection and fertility. The Mjolnir was often worn as a pendant by worshippers of Thor and was believed to bring good fortune and ward off evil. These symbols are still revered and used today in modern Nordic pagan and heathen practices. They hold a deep connection to the ancient Norse gods and their mythical stories. The use of these symbols serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage and spirituality of the Nordic people. In conclusion, Nordic magical symbols have played a significant role in Nordic culture throughout history. They symbolize different aspects of the Norse mythology and hold a sacred place in modern Nordic pagan practices. The Vegvisir, Aegishjalmur, Valknut, and Mjolnir are just a few examples of these powerful symbols that continue to inspire and fascinate people worldwide..
Reviews for "Enhancing Your Spiritual Practice with Nordic Magical Symbols: Tips and Techniques"
1. Sara - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Nordic magical symbols". The book promised to provide a deeper understanding of the subject, but it fell short. The information provided was too basic and lacking in depth. I was hoping for more in-depth explanations and interpretations of the symbols, but it felt like I was reading an introductory guide for beginners. Overall, this book did not meet my expectations.
2. John - 3/5 stars - Although "Nordic magical symbols" had its merits, I was not entirely impressed with it. The book seemed disorganized and lacked a clear structure. It often jumped from one symbol to another without much rhyme or reason. Additionally, I found the explanations to be quite superficial, lacking the historical context and cultural significance I was hoping for. Despite some interesting information, I would recommend looking for a more comprehensive guide on the subject.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - I found "Nordic magical symbols" to be a frustrating read. The author seemed more interested in showcasing their own interpretation of the symbols rather than providing factual and objective information. This made it difficult for me to trust the accuracy of the information presented. I was also disappointed by the lack of visual examples and illustrations. Overall, I would not recommend this book to those looking for a reliable and comprehensive resource on Nordic magical symbols.
4. Alex - 2/5 stars - "Nordic magical symbols" failed to captivate my interest. The writing style was dry and dull, making it challenging to stay engaged in the material. The information presented was also repetitive, with the same details and explanations appearing repeatedly throughout the book. I was hoping for a more engaging and informative exploration of the subject, but unfortunately, this book did not deliver. I would advise looking for alternative resources for a more fulfilling reading experience.
5. Benjamin - 1/5 stars - I regret purchasing "Nordic magical symbols". This book was poorly written and filled with grammatical errors and typos. It appeared to be hastily put together without proper editing or proofreading. The lack of attention to detail undermined the credibility of the information presented. Additionally, the author's insights were limited and unconvincing, adding to my disappointment. I would advise avoiding this book altogether and finding a more well-crafted resource on the subject.