Bertolin, ReyesBaird, Dhanya2016-09-122016-09-1220162016http://hdl.handle.net/11023/3287The Norse myths featuring the Völsung family and the Greek plays of Euripides are multigenerational mythic arcs containing many acts of betrayals. Yet there are key differences in the way betrayal features in each of the sets of stories studied. Through these differences, it is possible to determine the level of import given to specific family relationships in each of the mythic cycles’ two cultures. Some important differences occur in the way women are perceived in each culture and the level of importance given to close kin versus the society at large. In both mythic cycles, however, betrayal is subject to public scrutiny. The opinion of the cultural group is what decides on the consequences enacted on the betrayer for an act of betrayal. The concept of betrayal, despite being a conservative force, is revealed to be a social mechanism that can over time enact change on the values held by a cultural group.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.Language--AncientLiterature--ClassicalLiterature--Scandinavian and IcelandicmythologyEuripidesEddamaster thesis10.11575/PRISM/28521