Prometheus: 8 Mythological & Literary Motifs In The Film
5. Norse Mythology
In part one of this series I explained my theory that the Engineers black liquid is a genetically engineered super fluid that, at its core, utilises the potent genetic material of the ancient xenomorph. The seemingly subjective nature of the liquid arises because there are 2 variants, and the ultimate function of this super fluid can best be summed up by Davids statement that sometimes, in order to create, you must first destroy Most analyses or reviews of Prometheus will draw attention to the Greek myth of the titan Prometheus and many pick up on the Paradise Lost connection. What surprises me is that I have not seen any reviewer mention the similarity between the Engineer's black liquid and the mythical substance 'eitr' that is depicted in Norse mythology. In many key Norse myths this liquid substance serves as the true origin of all living matter- the first giant, Ymir (the ancestor of all Jötnar), was conceived from eitr. Interestingly the liquid is not only highly poisonous but it can also be produced by a horrendous sea serpent called Jörmungandr. This is a rough translation taken from the third poem of the Poetic Edda, about Norse creation and cosmogony, when the god Odin asks about the origins of the giant Ymir, and you really cant help but think of the creation scenes in Prometheus and the Engineer's black liquid: From liwavesDrops of eitr splashedThat grew into a giantWho begat all familiesFrom which all giants comeThat is why we are easily angered Notice any parallels?