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adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The Decline of the Gods One of the distinctive features of Northern mythology is that the people always believed that their gods belonged to a finite race.
advice
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From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
AEsir
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From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
allowed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
always
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Decline of the Gods One of the distinctive features of Northern mythology is that the people always believed that their gods belonged to a finite race.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
ascendency
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
attain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
Balder
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading In the foregoing chapters, the gradual rise and decline of the gods have been carefully traced.
beginningnounUS /ˈbeginning/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
believed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Decline of the Gods One of the distinctive features of Northern mythology is that the people always believed that their gods belonged to a finite race.
belonged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Decline of the Gods One of the distinctive features of Northern mythology is that the people always believed that their gods belonged to a finite race.
bore
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
bornnounUS /born/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
carefully
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the foregoing chapters, the gradual rise and decline of the gods have been carefully traced.
chapters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the foregoing chapters, the gradual rise and decline of the gods have been carefully traced.
climax
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The whole scheme of Northern mythology was therefore a drama, every step leading gradually to the climax or tragic end, when, with true poetic justice, punishment and reward were impartially meted out.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
dearest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
death
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
DeclinenounUS /dɪˈklaɪn/
a gradual loss of health and strength
From this reading The Decline of the Gods One of the distinctive features of Northern mythology is that the people always believed that their gods belonged to a finite race.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
difficulties
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
distinctive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Decline of the Gods One of the distinctive features of Northern mythology is that the people always believed that their gods belonged to a finite race.
divine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
doomed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
drama
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The whole scheme of Northern mythology was therefore a drama, every step leading gradually to the climax or tragic end, when, with true poetic justice, punishment and reward were impartially meted out.
elements
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
end
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading The whole scheme of Northern mythology was therefore a drama, every step leading gradually to the climax or tragic end, when, with true poetic justice, punishment and reward were impartially meted out.
evil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
extricated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
features
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Decline of the Gods One of the distinctive features of Northern mythology is that the people always believed that their gods belonged to a finite race.
finally
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
finite
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Decline of the Gods One of the distinctive features of Northern mythology is that the people always believed that their gods belonged to a finite race.
followed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
foregoing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the foregoing chapters, the gradual rise and decline of the gods have been carefully traced.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
gain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
germ
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
giant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
Gods
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Decline of the Gods One of the distinctive features of Northern mythology is that the people always believed that their gods belonged to a finite race.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
gradual
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the foregoing chapters, the gradual rise and decline of the gods have been carefully traced.
gradually
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The whole scheme of Northern mythology was therefore a drama, every step leading gradually to the climax or tragic end, when, with true poetic justice, punishment and reward were impartially meted out.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
immortality
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
impartially
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The whole scheme of Northern mythology was therefore a drama, every step leading gradually to the climax or tragic end, when, with true poetic justice, punishment and reward were impartially meted out.
imperfect
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
innocence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
involve
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Decline of the Gods One of the distinctive features of Northern mythology is that the people always believed that their gods belonged to a finite race.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
justice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The whole scheme of Northern mythology was therefore a drama, every step leading gradually to the climax or tragic end, when, with true poetic justice, punishment and reward were impartially meted out.
leading
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The whole scheme of Northern mythology was therefore a drama, every step leading gradually to the climax or tragic end, when, with true poetic justice, punishment and reward were impartially meted out.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
Loki
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
manner
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
meted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The whole scheme of Northern mythology was therefore a drama, every step leading gradually to the climax or tragic end, when, with true poetic justice, punishment and reward were impartially meted out.
midst
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
mixture
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
mythology
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Decline of the Gods One of the distinctive features of Northern mythology is that the people always believed that their gods belonged to a finite race.
Northern
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Decline of the Gods One of the distinctive features of Northern mythology is that the people always believed that their gods belonged to a finite race.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The Decline of the Gods One of the distinctive features of Northern mythology is that the people always believed that their gods belonged to a finite race.
OnepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The Decline of the Gods One of the distinctive features of Northern mythology is that the people always believed that their gods belonged to a finite race.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The whole scheme of Northern mythology was therefore a drama, every step leading gradually to the climax or tragic end, when, with true poetic justice, punishment and reward were impartially meted out.
ordernounUS /order/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The whole scheme of Northern mythology was therefore a drama, every step leading gradually to the climax or tragic end, when, with true poetic justice, punishment and reward were impartially meted out.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
partnounUS /part/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
peace
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
people
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Decline of the Gods One of the distinctive features of Northern mythology is that the people always believed that their gods belonged to a finite race.
permitted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
personated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
personified
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
physical
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
poetic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The whole scheme of Northern mythology was therefore a drama, every step leading gradually to the climax or tragic end, when, with true poetic justice, punishment and reward were impartially meted out.
possession
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
presence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
price
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
punishment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The whole scheme of Northern mythology was therefore a drama, every step leading gradually to the climax or tragic end, when, with true poetic justice, punishment and reward were impartially meted out.
puritynounUS /ˈpjʊrəti/
the state of being morally clean and innocent
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
race
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Decline of the Gods One of the distinctive features of Northern mythology is that the people always believed that their gods belonged to a finite race.
reasoned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
recounted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
reward
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The whole scheme of Northern mythology was therefore a drama, every step leading gradually to the climax or tragic end, when, with true poetic justice, punishment and reward were impartially meted out.
rise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the foregoing chapters, the gradual rise and decline of the gods have been carefully traced.
rob
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
scheme
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The whole scheme of Northern mythology was therefore a drama, every step leading gradually to the climax or tragic end, when, with true poetic justice, punishment and reward were impartially meted out.
scruple
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
spiritual
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
stepnounUS /step/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The whole scheme of Northern mythology was therefore a drama, every step leading gradually to the climax or tragic end, when, with true poetic justice, punishment and reward were impartially meted out.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
suffer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The Decline of the Gods One of the distinctive features of Northern mythology is that the people always believed that their gods belonged to a finite race.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Decline of the Gods One of the distinctive features of Northern mythology is that the people always believed that their gods belonged to a finite race.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The Decline of the Gods One of the distinctive features of Northern mythology is that the people always believed that their gods belonged to a finite race.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
thereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/
for that reason; as a result
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
thus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The Decline of the Gods One of the distinctive features of Northern mythology is that the people always believed that their gods belonged to a finite race.
tolerated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
traced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the foregoing chapters, the gradual rise and decline of the gods have been carefully traced.
tragic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The whole scheme of Northern mythology was therefore a drama, every step leading gradually to the climax or tragic end, when, with true poetic justice, punishment and reward were impartially meted out.
true
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The whole scheme of Northern mythology was therefore a drama, every step leading gradually to the climax or tragic end, when, with true poetic justice, punishment and reward were impartially meted out.
virtuenounUS /ˈvɝː.tʃuː/
Moral excellence and goodness of character; the highest human attainment in Stoic philosophy.
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
WepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
weakly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading The whole scheme of Northern mythology was therefore a drama, every step leading gradually to the climax or tragic end, when, with true poetic justice, punishment and reward were impartially meted out.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading We have recounted how the AEsir tolerated the presence of evil, personated by Loki, in their midst; how they weakly followed his advice, allowed him to involve them in all manner of difficulties from which they could be extricated only at the price of part of their virtue or peace, and finally permitted him to gain such ascendency over them that he did not scruple to rob them of their dearest possession, purity, or innocence, as personified by Balder the good.
whole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The whole scheme of Northern mythology was therefore a drama, every step leading gradually to the climax or tragic end, when, with true poetic justice, punishment and reward were impartially meted out.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The whole scheme of Northern mythology was therefore a drama, every step leading gradually to the climax or tragic end, when, with true poetic justice, punishment and reward were impartially meted out.
withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading The AEsir had had a beginning; therefore, it was reasoned, they must have an end; and as they were born from a mixture of the divine and giant elements, being thus imperfect, they bore within them the germ of death, and were, like men, doomed to suffer physical death in order to attain spiritual immortality.
