After teaching mythology for over ten years, I have finally found a film that works as a good companion film for our Norse mythology unit: Marvel Studios’Thor: Ragnarok(2017).Although superhero films may seem like mindless action,Thor: Ragnarokadapts its Norse mythology source material in interesting ways. Famous characters from Norse mythology like Hela, Valkyrie, Heimdall, Odin, Fenrir the giant wolf (not to mention Thor and Loki) all star in Marvel’s version of the Norse Day of Doom, Ragnarok. The film has a great sense of humor, but it also addresses deep themes like the loss of a homeland and the lengths rulers will go to achieve power. This teaching packet will give you the materials you need to analyze the film.

This download includes the following materials:

• Aguide to the major gods in Norse mythology: Odin, Heimdall, Thor, Loki, the Valkyries, etc.
• Ahandout summarizing Ragnarokas it happens in Norse mythology
• A6-page, visually-appealing viewing guidethat will give your students necessary background information on the Marvel superhero universe (including fun trivia about the film) and ask thought-provoking analysis question
• Aviewing guide keythat will help you gauge your students’ responds to the short answer questions

Film Content:Thor: Ragnarokis a PG-13 film with some adult language and humor. No nudity is present expect for a brief glimpse of the Incredible Hulk’s green behind, which is played for laughs. For a full content advisory visit this site:Common Sense Review

To purchase or rent the film:Thor: Ragnarokis available in digital and physical formats. Click on the following link to be taken to the film’s Amazon.com page for prices to rent or buy:Thor: Ragnarok (Theatrical Version)

All materials related to Norse mythology are excerpted fromReaching Valhalla

For full-color posters of the Norse gods to hang in your classroom, click on this link:Norse Mythology Posters