[Milton-L] Midgard Serpent and Leviathan

[Lara Dodds]

Hello all:


A student asked if the sea-beast "haply slumbering on the Norway foam" (PL 1. 203) suggests an allusion or reference to the Midgard Serpent (or World Serpent).  In Norse mythology, this creature is so big that it encircles the earth and grasps its own tail. Also the Midgard Serpent is the enemy of Thor and will eventually be defeated by Thor (though Thor will also perish in the encounter).  I don't know much about these tales, but I believe the story of the Midgard Serpent can be found in the Prose Edda and other Old Norse or Icelandic texts. 

I didn't know the answer to my student's question, but knew someone on the list would.  Is allusion to the Midgard Serpent a plausible reason for Milton to locate the vignette of sea creature and pilot in Norway?

Thanks for any thoughts on this matter or for references to sources which discuss this possibility.

All the best,
Lara 

Dr. Lara A Dodds
English Department
Mississippi State University
662-325-2344