New
New
Year 7

'The Twisted Tree': Norse mythology

I can understand how Burge uses Norse mythology to create a terrifying villain.

New
New
Year 7

'The Twisted Tree': Norse mythology

I can understand how Burge uses Norse mythology to create a terrifying villain.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Odin is a Norse god who is associated with wisdom, poetry and death.
  2. Odin sacrificed his eye in order to gain metaphorical sight and understanding.
  3. A draugr is an undead creature from Scandinavian folklore.
  4. A draugr is a re-animated corpse that stinks of decay and possesses superhuman strength.
  5. Burge uses some of the most terrifying elements of Norse mythology to create a frightening villain.

Common misconception

Pupils may think all draugr are depicted in Norse mythology and in 'The Twisted Tree' in the same way.

While draugr in Norse mythology generally share traits their specific appearances can vary between stories. Rachel Burge's portrayal in 'The Twisted Tree' offers her unique interpretation, reflecting the novel's narrative and atmosphere.

Keywords

  • Mythology - a collection of stories that explain the beliefs, history, and traditions of a culture, often involving gods, heroes, and magical creatures

  • Norse - belonging or relating to the Scandinavian countries

  • Draugr - an undead creature from the Norse mythology that haunts the living

  • Decay - to rot or decompose

Encourage pupils to compare how draugr are depicted across different Norse myths and in contemporary literature like 'The Twisted Tree'. This exploration helps them understand how authors adapt mythological creatures while retaining key elements.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need access to the text 'The Twisted Tree' by Rachel Burge, published by Hot Key Books, 2019

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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6 Questions

Q1.
In which country is 'The Twisted Tree' set?
Correct Answer: Norway
Q2.
What is being described here: 'a collection of stories that explain the beliefs, history, and traditions of a culture, often involving gods, heroes, and magical creatures'?
Correct Answer: mythology, myths
Q3.
A big influence on the story of 'The Twisted Tree' is ...
Correct answer: Norse Mythology.
Greek Mythology.
Roman Mythology.
Chinese Mythology.
Anglo-Saxon Mythology.
Q4.
Which of the below are reasonable synonyms of the word 'villain'?
Correct answer: antagonist
Correct answer: evildoer
hero
sidekick
protagonist
Q5.
According to Norse mythology, Odin is a famous...
Correct answer: god
warrior
king
ghost
Q6.
In 'The Twisted Tree' which god does Martha demand to see, in order to save Stig?
Correct Answer: Hel

6 Questions

Q1.
What is Odin the god of?
Correct answer: Wisdom, death, battle, and poetry
Love, beauty, and fertility
The sea, earthquakes, and horses
Harvest, wine, and theatre
Q2.
Which day of the week is associated with Odin?
Correct Answer: Wednesday
Q3.
Which mythical tree connects all nine realms in Norse mythology?
Correct answer: Yggdrasil
Bifrost
Mimir's Tree
Jotunheim
Q4.
What is the difference between a draugr and a ghost?
Draugr are friendly; ghosts are hostile.
Correct answer: Draugr have a real, reanimated body; ghosts have a spiritual, intangible body.
Draugr are friendly; ghosts are hostile.
Draugr are immortal; ghosts are mortal.
Q5.
Which of the following are common traits of a draugr?
ethereal appearance and invisibility
Correct answer: superhuman strength, decay, and long claws
healing powers and intelligence
fire-breathing and shape-shifting
Q6.
How does Burge use Norse mythology to create a terrifying villain in 'The Twisted Tree'?
by portraying the draugr as a hero
by disregarding Norse mythology completely
Correct answer: by blending elements of Norse mythology with her own characterisation
by making the draugr a real and truthful presentation of what draugrs are like

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