Mythos: Ragnarok

I remember watching Mario Milano and Hulk Hogan in World’s Championship Wrestling on television back in the 1960s. Being new to wrestling at that time, I was amazed that they did not break any bones, now I know better.

Mythos:Ragnarok takes WCW one step further and links it to Norse folklore in 70 minutes of mat thumping fun!

In Scandinavian mythology, Ragnarök is a series of events and catastrophes that will ultimately lead to the end of the world. Ragnarök culminates in a final battle between the gods and the demons and giants, ending in the death of the gods.

After the battle of Ragnarök, the Gods were thought to have died out, but they have re-emerged (slowly returned to life one by one), reincarnated as mortals. They include Wotan Odin, Thor, Týr, Freyja, Loki, Baldr, and Heimdallr.

The cast of Mythos:Ragnarok is made up entirely of professional wrestlers. Well timed choreography ensures there is no risk of (serious) injury when people are thrown onto the ground, body slammed or have their limbs bent in unnatural positions, and the performers certainly do not hold back.

The noise of bodies hitting the well sprung mat is intense and serves to drive some of the audience into a frenzy as did the sword fighting sequences. Each entry of a new possible contender is heralded by clouds of smoke.

Since miking is clearly not possible when wrestling, it is shame that a lot of dialogue is not heard clearly being drowned out by music elsewhere in the venue. The dialogue is key to understanding the narrative (which is long at times).

Full credit to the cast when the lighting plot failed, and they kept going by the light of the audience’s mobiles. They cleverly covered with ad lib till the problem was rectified.

Mythos:Ragnarok in an entertaining, up close, and personal evening – even on some of the most uncomfortable seating I have experienced. It is sure to appeal to any wrestling fans or devotees of Norse folklore!

Barry Hill OAM

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