What Inspired The World-Building In 'Midgard'?

The world-building in 'Midgard' feels like a love letter to Norse mythology with a modern twist. As someone who’s obsessed with mythology retellings, I noticed how the author seamlessly blends ancient Viking lore with fresh fantasy elements. The nine realms aren’t just carbon copies of the Eddas—they’re reimagined with unique cultures, politics, and magic systems. Yggdrasil isn’t just a tree; it’s a living network of ley lines that power the world’s magic. The dwarven cities are industrial marvels, forging weapons with runic AI, while the elves have a biopunk society where nature and technology merge. The human settlements in Midgard are gritty and survival-focused, echoing Viking-age struggles but with supernatural threats like frost giant incursions. What really stands out is how the gods are portrayed—flawed, power-hungry, and deeply involved in mortal affairs, which adds layers of political intrigue. The author’s notes mention trips to Scandinavia as a major influence, and it shows in the details: the fjords’ misty landscapes, the dialect quirks in character speech, even the mead-hall rituals tweaked for a magic-infused world. It’s clear they didn’t just research myths; they lived the ambiance and rebuilt it with a fantasy novelist’s flair.

The modern influences are just as fascinating. You can spot traces of post-apocalyptic world-building—like how Ragnarok isn’t a one-time event but a cyclical catastrophe the realms prepare for like climate change. The monster designs borrow from cyberpunk (mechanical trolls, data-hoarding draugr) while keeping their mythological roots. Even the economic systems feel thought-out, with interdimensional trade routes and magic-as-currency. The author’s background in anthropology shines through, especially in how they handle cultural clashes between realms. It’s not just ‘inspiration’—it’s a full-blooded reinvention that makes 'Midgard' stand out in the genre.

I geeked out hard over 'Midgard’s' world-building because it’s like Norse mythology got a Netflix adaptation—bold, stylish, and packed with surprises. The gods aren’t just sitting in Valhalla; they’re CEOs of magical corporations, and Valhalla itself is a high-tech training hub for warriors. The realms feel alive, from the neon-lit alleys of Alfheim to the volcanic forges of Muspelheim. The author clearly mashed up myth with urban fantasy tropes, and it works. Little things stood out to me, like how Midgard’s humans use runes like QR codes or how Fenrir’s prison is a quantum-locked vault. The inspiration feels equal parts Marvel, 'The Witcher,' and actual sagas—but with way more depth.