How to the Norse search for meaning through their religion?
In terms of religion being a natural response to the human search for meaning and our existential place in the world, the Norse found meaning through having a good name and protecting it, even if this resulted in violent and immoral actions. The Norse used their religion to provide a sacred framework of beliefs within which brutal and warlike actions were justified.
They used their religion as a part of their search for balance between war, life, death, tradition, agriculture and regeneration. They followed the guidelines of their religion strictly in a quest for victory and wisdom as an aspect of their search for meaning in life. (Hartney, C, 2011)In the eyes of the Norse; cattle die, kin die, and one must also die. But one's reputation can live on forever. (Wikipedia 2011) To the Norse people, to die leaving a good and noble name was more valuable than life because if you died for glory you were granted immanent access to the heavens, as well as an everlasting presence on earth. (BBC 2014). This reinforces the relevance of religion in the human search for meaning as all of their motives root back to their faith.
They used their religion as a part of their search for balance between war, life, death, tradition, agriculture and regeneration. They followed the guidelines of their religion strictly in a quest for victory and wisdom as an aspect of their search for meaning in life. (Hartney, C, 2011)In the eyes of the Norse; cattle die, kin die, and one must also die. But one's reputation can live on forever. (Wikipedia 2011) To the Norse people, to die leaving a good and noble name was more valuable than life because if you died for glory you were granted immanent access to the heavens, as well as an everlasting presence on earth. (BBC 2014). This reinforces the relevance of religion in the human search for meaning as all of their motives root back to their faith.