Languages of the Gods

[Caerwiden]

Has anyone else ever wondered if the gods can understand English? For example, surely the greek gods like Athena and Demeter would only be able to understand Ancient Greek. Would that mean that if as a pagan who wants to exclusively worship gods from a particular region (like the greek gods or the celtic gods) you should use the gods' native language in prayers and rituals (sort of like the way Roman Catholics use Latin and Jews use Hebrew) or at least their closest modern counterpart (like speaking Welsh or Irish instead of the old British language)?  

[Guitarhero356]

I'd imagine so, I mean telepathic thought waves on a god level should make it so they can speak your language, although speaking their language would probably give you more magical power.  

[Nihilistic Seraph]

My view of the Gods is that They are all connected to us, so I don't think that language would be a problem.

But maybe the Gods learn new languages as well? Hmm, this is a good question.  

[Eric Wolfborn]

Language itself is usually linked to gods, directly. Odin, for one, pierced himself with a spear and dangled from Yggdrasil to uncover the secret of runes...I doubt he'd have trouble learning english, if he can put up with that.  

[Pelta]

Perhaps some gods speak in symbols that your mind then translates so you can understand. I'm sure if they really want to get their point across they will.

Then again there's the importance of the language itself in your dealings with gods. For example the Kabbalic rituals can only be done in Hebrew because much of their emphasis is on the words, pronunciation and characters themselves.  

[Creepy Albino Fish]

I really don't think that the gods take a night college course on languages, or even learn teh separate ones.. So I think that your thoughts are enough for them to understand. They arn't humans, so I would think their communication skills are different from ours.

For a broad example, I think its kind of like how different species of animals can communicate to eachother through body language and universal sounds of danger and such. They all don't make the same sounds yet they can convey messages to eachother. Humans and gods may not make the same communication noises to eachother but they still understand.

Just an idea. It's (my post) not really well put together as I just thought of it while typing it out..

 

[The Bookwyrm]

I've always felt that the gods were above petty things like verbal language. I mean, they're creators of the universe, magic, and everything else; they gave us language (or at least Toth gave it to the Egyptians)! I started out very ecclectic in my practice, so I worked with a variety of pantheons. Whether it was Egyptian, Greco-Roman, Celtic or Norse, I've never had a problem with making myself understood or understanding responces. 3nodding  

[Nihilistic Seraph]

Creepy Albino Fish

I really don't think that the gods take a night college course on languages, or even learn teh separate ones.. So I think that your thoughts are enough for them to understand. They arn't humans, so I would think their communication skills are different from ours.

For a broad example, I think its kind of like how different species of animals can communicate to eachother through body language and universal sounds of danger and such. They all don't make the same sounds yet they can convey messages to eachother. Humans and gods may not make the same communication noises to eachother but they still understand.

Just an idea. It's (my post) not really well put together as I just thought of it while typing it out..

"Alright, now as this is the first clas of Modern Languages 101, I'm going to take attendance."

"Hera?"

"Here."

"Zeus?"

"Here."

"Bachus?"

"I should be drinking!"

"That's nice Bachus. Loki?"

...

"Loki? Damnit, he's playing hooky again."



I seem to be in a quite irreverent mood this morning biggrin  

[The Bookwyrm]

Nihilistic Seraph

I seem to be in a quite irreverent mood this morning biggrin

No more so than when I picture CuChullain and his mullet hunkered down in front of a TV set button mashing away to any of a variety of fighter games. He thinks it's great.  

[Nihilistic Seraph]

Tell him that the Soul Calibur series is awesome biggrin  

[The Bookwyrm]

Nihilistic Seraph

Tell him that the Soul Calibur series is awesome biggrin

... He now wants to play.

And I have no gaming systems. stare  

[Nihilistic Seraph]

How's this then. Next time I play, I'll invite Him to watch, or play through me, whatever He wants biggrin  

[The Bookwyrm]

Nihilistic Seraph

How's this then. Next time I play, I'll invite Him to watch, or play through me, whatever He wants biggrin

I'm sure he'll be thrilled. biggrin  

[Gerra]

i don't think it matters  

[Draoi]

I would say yes, they can understand English, for two reasons:

1) They're gods/goddesses.. Do you really think understanding a language is beyond them?

2) It's really the intent behind the words, not the actual words, that can connect us to the gods/goddesses.