Týr : The God Of War
Chapter 8
" Murder Is Not War ! "
" Murder is not war ! " he explained to his son.
Obviously rattled by the stern comment Týr nervously shrugged his shoulders at the old man.
" Why would you say this to me ? " he asked.
Odin brought his face almost up against the Rock Jotun's nose as he explained.
" War is respectable, honorable, and glorified by the skalds ! Murder is selfish, reprehensible, and above all shameful ! Only when you learn these lessons will you be accepted into our Asgardian world as one of us ! " he said angrily to Týr.
Týr felt a shiver run up his spine when he realized that Odin somehow knew what he was thinking.
" I believe that the strongest should always hold dominion over those who are weak. " Týr responded somewhat timidly.
Odin shook his head in disgust.
" Then you are truly a young fool ! " he replied sternly.
The Lord of Asgard quickly calmed himself before adding :
" There is no honor in dishonoring others. If a being attacks you, kill them. But if a being means you no harm, then treat him with kindness. If a kingdom threatens you, destroy it, but if a kingdom offers friendship make them your ally. " he replied as though he were a teacher, and Týr was his student.
Týr nodded.
" Your words are wise Odin, but a fire burns within my breast that makes me want to destroy anything and anyone that gets in my way. " he told the old Asgardian with a strong sense of pride.
Odin smiled.
" Fire can destroy, or it can light your way through the darkest night. You must decide which purpose you will use your burning desire for. " Odin explained.
A part of Týr wanted to mock Odin for the ridiculous ways of these Asgardians, while another part of him wanted to embrace each of his thoughts as if they were a religious creed worth basing his life upon. He was about to ask another question when he was interrupted by a voice that called out from the distance.
" Hark ! Who approaches the golden gates of Asgard ! ? " it asked
Odin turned away from Týr and yelled back.
" Friend Heimdall ! Tis me, your old friend Odin ! "
The voice then commanded.
" Come forward and be welcomed into Asgard ! "
When they reached the golden gates Odin introduced the White God to Týr. The Rock Giant looked at the stoic guardian of Asgard and grinned.
" How can one being guard an entire realm ? " he asked both Odin and Heimdall.
While Heimdall stood quietly by Odin's side, the Lord of Asgard answered the question.
" If that solitary sentinel is Heimdall you need no more ! He can hear someone approaching from distances that others cannot begin to fathom. And if he detects any type of danger threatening Asgard he will blow his mighty Gjallarhorn and warn everyone in the Golden Realm. And together we will stand shoulder to shoulder in defense of Asgard ! " he explained.
Týr suddenly felt that deep burning feeling in his chest again. This time it seemed somehow different, as if it was now fueled not by anger, or greed, but by a great sense of pride.
" If you blow your mighty horn Heimdall I will stand with you ! " The young Rock Jotun blurted out.
Heimdall nodded his approval and patted Týr on the shoulder.
" I would be honored ! " Heimdall replied.
Odin smiled.
" As would I ! " he said proudly.
Odin then turned back to Heimdall and clasped his hand.
" We must be on our way now, old friend. " he told the great sentinel.
Heimdall nodded.
" Go in peace, great one. " he responded.
Týr could not believe what he was seeing as they walked through Asgard. White capped mountains rose high above green valleys of thick forests, and meadows filled with brightly colored flowers. Stone paths, lined with the finest marble he had ever seen, led them to great halls constructed of gold and silver. And when they finally reached Odin's great hall the Rock Jotun was absolutely stunned by its grandeur.
As the pure gold doors of Valhalla opened Týr's eyes began to water, not from a sense of weakness, but because it was all too much for the young Rock Jotun to take in all at once. This place,...., this wonderful place called Asgard was so much different from the Rock Giant's kingdom. Where there was only grey and white in Jotunheim, here in this golden realm there was great beauty, and friendship,...., and maybe, just maybe, a chance for a new life. As Syn escorted Odin and his guest through the hall thousands upon thousands of Einherjar stood and saluted their Lord and Master. And for the first time Týr saw that you could receive respect, not only through the use of threats and violence, but with wisdom and honor !
- End Chapter 8
- Next : Chapter 9 : A Change Of Heart And Mind
- Glenn Bergen, ( Ravensheart ), © Copyright, 2019.