What is Shadow's light? American Gods Theory - Analysis

Фильм және анимация

Season 2 of the Starz Series American Gods raised more questions than it answered. In this video, I will dive into one of those questions. That is, What is Shadow's Light? There is one popular theory regarding this question and it also explains why Shadow's head seems to be getting balder.
Let me know your theories on Shadow's light in the comments below.
Artwork in this video by
0:45 Daniel Egneus danielegneus.com (Headline Publishing)
0:59 David Mack davidmackarts.com (Dark Horse Comics)
1:12 Daniel Egneus danielegneus.com (Headline Publishing)
2:31 Daniel Egneus danielegneus.com (Headline Publishing)
3:08 P. Craig Russell (Dark Horse Comics)
6:06 Dave Mckean Davemckean.com (The Folio Society)
Please support StoryDive by donating to the channel Patreon: www.patreon.com/user?u=13589263
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Instrumental produced by Chuki.
/ chukimusic
#americangods #mythology #starz #amazonprime

Пікірлер: 512

  • @StoryDive
    @StoryDive3 жыл бұрын

    Check out my breakdown of the Mythology behind Gaiman's Coraline! kzread.info/dash/bejne/mICk062kYN3baKQ.html

  • @Justin-M
    @Justin-M5 жыл бұрын

    The one thing that the show doesn't really address is that Shadow has native american blood, it's why he keeps having buffalo dreams and the thunderbird aids him later on. He is actually Baldur, but he is one of the only gods that is truly american, that why he has no conscious connection or memory to the real Baldur. He is born of the land itself. Remember, multiple gods can exist. There aren't just numerous Christs, there are numerous versions of every god. Shadow is just the american version of Baldur.

  • @hkdiz1790

    @hkdiz1790

    4 жыл бұрын

    Idk why people overlook this when they get caught up in Shadow's heritage and ancestry: the show is called American Gods for a reason. ALL the Gods in the show, new and old, are all tied to America. If you've read the novel, you know it is precisely America that runs the show. People need to understand, that to fully grasp this incredible work of fiction you have to be open enough to want to learn about so much history. Someone should make a video about Shadow's importance instead of being so caught up in his identity. That's his journey being told anyhow! You'd think people would know to see it all from his eyes but they too busy speculating on unimportant details, for what? Does it add to his character, who he was in a past life? The story is about his present journey as a God brought up as a human who earns his godliness! People be missing the point.

  • @Aaronit0

    @Aaronit0

    3 жыл бұрын

    I agree. What if Shadow Moon was actually the offspring of many gods? Maybe his mother was Libertas. (or Liberty) but the black version, the one black slaves prayed for in USA. He would be the "true" son of America, part European, part African, and some part Native probably? (hence the "help" of the thunderbird, or bison). And he could bring light upon humans world and free them of the gods corruption?

  • @sleeplessgamingct4227

    @sleeplessgamingct4227

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@Aaronit0 His mother is actually American Indian...not a "African".

  • @SingingSealRiana

    @SingingSealRiana

    Жыл бұрын

    @@sleeplessgamingct4227 she could be both, she has sickle cell anemia which is endessly more likely to affect african americans then any other heritage. It is a massiv hint

  • @antagonizerr
    @antagonizerr5 жыл бұрын

    It's in his name. Shadow is, literally, Baldur's shadow cast from Baldur's light. This explains why he's the exact opposite of the god.

  • @StoryDive

    @StoryDive

    5 жыл бұрын

    Yeah, I like that interpretation.

  • @Aldariuna

    @Aldariuna

    5 жыл бұрын

    I actually suspect Shadow's father was Baldur and not Odin. That would make the symbolism of his name even more fitting.

  • @2123lotto

    @2123lotto

    5 жыл бұрын

    Hey how did u do that lol good observation I feel like shadow DAMN

  • @atomosvrial1708

    @atomosvrial1708

    4 жыл бұрын

    I just assumed he was the angel micheal hense his name....im a simple person.

  • @MCCentury

    @MCCentury

    4 жыл бұрын

    I think Shadow moon is Horus , god of the sky and protector of the divine. His consort is baset. (Cat lady with thoth and anuibus) The Falcon symbolism points to this as well. Look at historical stories of horus and more dots connect too.

  • @maxx1mus1041
    @maxx1mus10415 жыл бұрын

    They dont call ODIN the all father for nothing. Dude spreading seeds universally like crazy 😂😂😂😂😂

  • @covenawhite4855

    @covenawhite4855

    4 жыл бұрын

    He got nothing on Zeuse. Nearly all Greek Gods and half human Demigods are Zeuse I illegitimate children. Most Greek Stories involves Zeuse cheating on the Goddes Hera and Hera responding with jealousy. Or Zeuse Child having Super Powers with a human Mom and God DNA having a magical adventure with his powers

  • @isaal-masih5899

    @isaal-masih5899

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@covenawhite4855 Zeus gots nothing on my Father, I have well over 4.1 billion siblings, not counting the Angels and those among the Jinn.

  • @covenawhite4855

    @covenawhite4855

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@isaal-masih5899 Good Comment :)

  • @isaal-masih5899

    @isaal-masih5899

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@covenawhite4855 Do know of me, if not google my name.

  • @kondekinoe9337

    @kondekinoe9337

    4 жыл бұрын

    He always forget wearing condom. 😂😂

  • @Rensune
    @Rensune5 жыл бұрын

    Shadow may not be "Upbeat" but he's kind, sweet, and almost always thinks the Best of people. Even those he Knows he Shouldn't, like Odin or Laura. Pure kindness is an aspect of Baldur.

  • @Artorion

    @Artorion

    4 жыл бұрын

    Baulder i get the feeling is who he truly is

  • @beingfranc8116
    @beingfranc81163 жыл бұрын

    Shadow's mother said specifically, "I gave you my light." That tells me she not only wanted to hide him from Odin, but she had a great deal more to do with his light.

  • @antonmarkov1635
    @antonmarkov16355 жыл бұрын

    Usually when I’m watching this show I’m confused 100% of the time but Season 2 had me confused just 40% of the time. I rate it 4 out of 5 Gungnirs.

  • @chrisayers7957
    @chrisayers79575 жыл бұрын

    Shadow's mother is the Goddess of Liberty and Freedom. You will see the Twin Towers in a scene with her alive. She dies afterward, just as Liberty did, with the advances of the Security/Surveillance state in which we now inhabit. It used to be America.

  • @Rensune

    @Rensune

    5 жыл бұрын

    I knew the Baldur thing, but I never thought of his mother as a god. From whqt we've seen in the show, she Could be America.

  • @chrisayers7957

    @chrisayers7957

    5 жыл бұрын

    @ShalakumX Simba Something about his coin tricks always showing Lady Liberty face up also has me wondering.

  • @perrionhurd7509

    @perrionhurd7509

    5 жыл бұрын

    Good one.

  • @caralisenbee5332

    @caralisenbee5332

    5 жыл бұрын

    His mother died from some sort of illness such as cancer. Definitely don't think she's a god. Luckily, next season is suppose to begin much faster than the last season did. Hopefully we'll find out more about her then. :)

  • @sonsofodinunitedbybrothers9613

    @sonsofodinunitedbybrothers9613

    5 жыл бұрын

    @ShalakumX Simba the statue of liberty is a Roman figure not African !!!! You can totally tell by her Caucasian physical features

  • @Lubetube111
    @Lubetube1115 жыл бұрын

    Shadow is the son of a god and a human he is a demi-god. Capable of becoming a full god.

  • @Artorion

    @Artorion

    4 жыл бұрын

    Let's hope that's how it turns out

  • @thebadbatch3748

    @thebadbatch3748

    3 жыл бұрын

    I thought his mom was a goddess too? In the show anyway

  • @alexiagraves238

    @alexiagraves238

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@thebadbatch3748 am most sure they hinted at the fact that she is the goddess or liberty or something like that

  • @latinitalian69

    @latinitalian69

    3 жыл бұрын

    Nah the God's are charging him up to die. Have too. Need a fall guy.

  • @Bmega81
    @Bmega815 жыл бұрын

    Gaiman also leaves a clue in the books when Loki is talking to to Laura. he says don't worry it's not mistle toe. Which is what kills baldur in Norse mythology.

  • @jenniferschmitzer299

    @jenniferschmitzer299

    3 жыл бұрын

    Oooh interesting!

  • @Bmega81

    @Bmega81

    3 жыл бұрын

    @Alpha Werks thanks. Lol gotta love Norse mythology!

  • @jurmynicohen202
    @jurmynicohen2023 жыл бұрын

    One thing that you left out, his mother said she put that light in him . In Season 3 ep2 Odin told shadow that his mother was such light, that's what attracted odin to his mother. I think shadow's mom was a goddess of the orishias from west africa.

  • @jinxmas
    @jinxmas5 жыл бұрын

    A new god. He is a new god made of all the positive attributes of Odin's "dead" sons.

  • @kayreeves2000

    @kayreeves2000

    4 жыл бұрын

    I don't think he's a new god or old. I think he is much more than a god. I mean he could be a new race born from the union of gods and other stuffs or he is a demigod. You know like Hercules and stuff. I mean think about it gods need prayers to thrive no? If he's a god what is he getting prayers for? What's his role or power?

  • @Artorion

    @Artorion

    4 жыл бұрын

    We can't automatically assume that all Odin son's are dead we haven't seen Loki yet nor baulder which i got a strong feeling that's who Shadow really is

  • @cabooseismyfavouriteyoutub8349

    @cabooseismyfavouriteyoutub8349

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@Artorion we have seen loki, his friend in prison is LOW-KEY lyesmith that's not a coincidence

  • @Artorion

    @Artorion

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@cabooseismyfavouriteyoutub8349 You know what you may just be right because he even looked like a Loky I seriously hope that he is shadow could use some more family with him

  • @cabooseismyfavouriteyoutub8349

    @cabooseismyfavouriteyoutub8349

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@ArtorionAs much as they seemed to be friends in prison, we have to remember that if I'm right, this is the LOKI; he can't be trusted I wouldn't be surprised if he escapes prison and ends up manipulating everyone including the old and new gods

  • @stefhanluctamar7327
    @stefhanluctamar73275 жыл бұрын

    I like your theory about Shadow being a reincarnation of Baldur.

  • @greenminyin

    @greenminyin

    5 жыл бұрын

    He is an aspect of Baldur.

  • @EccentricSM

    @EccentricSM

    5 жыл бұрын

    Theories been around years, isnt his lol Typical youtuber shit bringing established book theories from communities years later to KZread audiences who dont use Reddit then ambiguously let you assume its their idea while 100% knowing better.

  • @StoryDive

    @StoryDive

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@EccentricSM I stated that I noticed the theory in the comments of my videos. I think that implies I didn't come up with it.

  • @thewanderer8639

    @thewanderer8639

    5 жыл бұрын

    People say it's a bad theory because it's not a complete version of Baldur but when you see how Odin's story turned out to be (who read the book would know) Shadow is AMERICAN Baldur

  • @HectorLugo

    @HectorLugo

    5 жыл бұрын

    Isn't that just from the book?

  • @dahomiestef
    @dahomiestef5 жыл бұрын

    He's either a reincarnation or actually Baldur. Proof being how Loki specifically says to Laura in the novel how he'll stab Shadow with a mistletoe, something that is Incredibly specific to Baldur's legend and the only way to kill HIM. Much like Achilles and his heel. Also the name that was taken from him that he doesn't really remember after it's gone while hanging from the world tree could have been the knowledge of having been born with the name Baldur. Why he doesn't know he's a God or why his God hood are clearly different than the others throughout American Gods(things he can do,his being disoriented and whatnot after being "backstage" makes me lean towards reincarnation but Odin being Odin could have charmed him as a child to lose any memory of who he truly is, especially if his spirit has been here before. Remember how Mad sweeney could recall different aspects of his life that didn't necessarily belong to the same individual, those were his soul's (Lugh's original soul) memories. I don't put it past Odin to wipe away the mind of one of his own and if I recall Loki also said that they had to figure out what made him tick, if his(Baldur) memory was wiped and he was basically the product of various first time experiences lived through someone who can't truly connect to anything because he has no concept of self,it makes sense why Loki would have to get to know Shadow in the manner which he did or else him and Wednesday would have already known how to play him and make him fit in their con. Kind of rambling here but I think you see where I'm going with this

  • @angelkingsley5299
    @angelkingsley52994 жыл бұрын

    I feel like he’s the literal embodiment of clashing cultures. His mother is probably an African Goddess and his father is a Norse God, so the mixing of those to causes his personality and ways of think to clash. That’s why he makes dumb decisions but still has wisdom.

  • @russelldyer
    @russelldyer5 жыл бұрын

    I thank Shadow Moon is HODR The god of ice and darkness because of the snow he made and the dreams he has

  • @StoryDive

    @StoryDive

    5 жыл бұрын

    It could be Shadow inherited properties from both Baldr, and his brother Hodr.

  • @jamescthompson4972

    @jamescthompson4972

    5 жыл бұрын

    hold the door !

  • @rodneypendleton5911

    @rodneypendleton5911

    4 жыл бұрын

    That actually makes a lot of sense. i didn't think of that but i think your onto something. thank you.

  • @seanbraley2772

    @seanbraley2772

    3 жыл бұрын

    Go for was baldors twin so ying and yang might fit there and you could say moons 9 naivete could be his blindness

  • @Bmega81

    @Bmega81

    3 жыл бұрын

    Way more clues point to him being baldur his brother. The brother hodr kills accidently with mistle toe. In Fact there is a reference to that exact story in the book confirming it.

  • @herscheltaylor1390
    @herscheltaylor13905 жыл бұрын

    Perhaps looking at Shadow's full name. Baldar Moon,Shadow moon says that maybe he is a dark reflection of the original Baldar,and that he shares or reflects the same light. Possibly the same fate? Or maybe the other side of the same coin?

  • @ShadowFri3nd

    @ShadowFri3nd

    5 жыл бұрын

    Well for some reason the coin it's a very important Point of the series

  • @rafaelalodio5116
    @rafaelalodio51165 жыл бұрын

    I think Shadow is an avatar of Baldur, it's what would make more sense, also Baldur is also the God of innocence so that would explain he being clueless about everything.

  • @aviscomaphoenixx2591
    @aviscomaphoenixx25915 жыл бұрын

    When you’re brought back to the earth Realm your memories of all of their lives are held in the veil leaving you in a state called unawakened, So you need a awakening there are many reasons for a catalyst that causes an awakening but until that moment you’re ignorant to what you may have been in the past. Once you prove to the higher spirits that you’re still worthy of the power which you once wielded then and only then will you have a true awakening and remember all the power and past lives that you hold. In Wednesday’s case I do feel strongly that he will manipulate shadow in order to win the war no holds bar he may backpedal later stating that he wanted his son to be the inheritor of all the spoils when they win but if your eyes are open you know that Wednesday is for himself. And this may be a product of being such an old God seeing the injustice of humans seeing the vapid ignorance over a millennia would make anyone tired and indifferent. And I also think that Wednesday is a master manipulator Using shadows unawakened state to keep him safe from the other Gods bringing him slowly up in the ranks and at the right time unleashing him full well knowing it will secure the win for the war. If you look at the state of the other Gods too many years with Oden have left the other God skeptical survive him but not trust him, Wednesday needed a disciple someone that had blind faith and unbeliever a hidden child untainted by his past. There are many instances when Wednesday illusions to this even using the truth openly blatantly in the middle of nowhere at the same time making you feel like it means nothing. But that is the Mark, power of an original God, The other God’s will fight for their own reasons but shadow is the ace in the hole. Mr. Wednesday is in it to win it. Till next season yay!

  • @MorganTDaniels
    @MorganTDaniels5 жыл бұрын

    I think your theory holds water and I like it.

  • @lamaurroystar840

    @lamaurroystar840

    5 жыл бұрын

    fair skin mean beautiful not white or pale #facts #storydive #doyourresearch

  • @lkeke35
    @lkeke355 жыл бұрын

    Shadow cant even be described as "upbeat". LOL!!!

  • @MsZaneta123

    @MsZaneta123

    5 жыл бұрын

    Im totally o.k. with his laid back attitude.🤗🤗🤗

  • @carlglenn6622
    @carlglenn66225 жыл бұрын

    The name ainsel means " my own self "is ,the name Michael means " who is like god or he who is like god" . You're welcome.

  • @KPTheGodFather

    @KPTheGodFather

    4 жыл бұрын

    Or maybe he is the angel Michael

  • @MrRevan991

    @MrRevan991

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@KPTheGodFather moment i saw his licence that was my first thought... and looking back when he's at that party with wednesday and his reaction when talking to jesus by the pool...less holy £$%" and more oh hi your back his conversation was very casual

  • @dodson43
    @dodson435 жыл бұрын

    Well Shadow is definitely Baldur, The son of Wednesday, definitely the reincarnation of The original Baldur, since the Gods can reincarnate as we seen on the show.

  • @propeticurge

    @propeticurge

    5 жыл бұрын

    Baldur was immune to damage from anyone or anything except mistletoe I don’t think he’s Baldur

  • @lamaurroystar840

    @lamaurroystar840

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@propeticurge I really think he is Sin the moon god...

  • @lamaurroystar840

    @lamaurroystar840

    5 жыл бұрын

    Sumerian God

  • @Artorion

    @Artorion

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@propeticurge That was the first Baulder shadow hasn't been blessed by Frigg

  • @raquanford358

    @raquanford358

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@lamaurroystar840 that’s an interesting take

  • @Hasanwinchester
    @Hasanwinchester5 жыл бұрын

    The Balder theory is really good and possibly true . But i have a different theory . We saw Odin mentioning odin-sleep . There is also something called odin-force . What if shadow is the human reincarnation of OdinForce ? The light is like a symbol of power and force . We see Mr. Wednesday uses Shadow as his bodyguard , right hand , protector , weapon etc. so besically shadow can be considered as odins power . Odin force is also a power of odin . It basically enhances or amplifies the powers of odin . So, shadow can be the odin-force and mr Wednesday needs him in the upcoming war .

  • @siyarg.4900

    @siyarg.4900

    5 жыл бұрын

    The Odin Force isnt a real thing in the Norse mythology but a creation from Marvel to explain Odin's power

  • @Hasanwinchester

    @Hasanwinchester

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@siyarg.4900 odin sleep isn't also related with mythology . But we see mr Wednesday mentioning it .

  • @siyarg.4900

    @siyarg.4900

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@Hasanwinchester It actually is, but its different in the actual mythology, its when he enters the dream realm essentially, when he gains he can see's events in the future, like Ragnarok where he will die to Fenrir, when he sleeps. Its what he sacrifices his eye for, the ability to super knowledgeable and see into the future

  • @jamescthompson4972

    @jamescthompson4972

    5 жыл бұрын

    He certainly does need him for the upcoming war but not in the way you think.

  • @katsterling2226
    @katsterling22264 жыл бұрын

    The others are trying to gain/maintain “god-dom” and Shadow Moon just IS. It’s like when someone doesn’t have to try as if they are unaware of their power or beauty or whatever.

  • @cholofelomalunga6744
    @cholofelomalunga67445 жыл бұрын

    Very nice theory, I only watched the movies so my opinion is based on that.I don't believe Shadow is Baldur, he might have just inherited some of his traits like good looks and radiating aura, on the contrary I believe he is a demigod and his mother is a mortal human, which explains why he can exist without the need of worship, and the very reason like hercules or perseus he is so important to oden.

  • @irishiz498
    @irishiz4985 жыл бұрын

    I am bitting at the bit to see your breakdown of The Good Omen. I absolutely ♡♡♡these breakdown and egg videos. It is fantastic to hear you speak of the Old ones and Legends the way you do. I thought I was the only one like this.!!!

  • @joshslouvi7963
    @joshslouvi79635 жыл бұрын

    I think the light Ms. Moon see's wherever shadow goes might bbecause she was actually sacrificed to Shadow Moon not Wednesday.

  • @jaydakang
    @jaydakang5 жыл бұрын

    He is the American God born from the lady liberty from France and the son of Oden

  • @moodaysasolstice

    @moodaysasolstice

    5 жыл бұрын

    He WAS born France!

  • @jaydakang

    @jaydakang

    5 жыл бұрын

    No his mother was born in France so was the Statue of Liberty.... his mother. So took him and raised him there but was born here. Is the light to the Statue of Liberty but also the fire of the Vikings.

  • @jaydakang

    @jaydakang

    5 жыл бұрын

    How more American can get when you talk of the pain and power and long term endurance other then the black struggle born thru the image of liberty given to us as a nation from France.

  • @jaydakang

    @jaydakang

    5 жыл бұрын

    Shadow is mix like the “melting pot” of America.

  • @jaydakang

    @jaydakang

    5 жыл бұрын

    Episode one coming to America was the nords with episode two was Africans two journeys but they bother lead to him that is the star.

  • @ckzckw
    @ckzckw5 жыл бұрын

    I think he is a new god with positive attributes of Odin's dead sons, Balder and Donner. He has the light but in Season2 Wednesday/Odin states Shadow's refusal to be told what to do reminds him of Donner. I hope they don't make his mom Frig in the series it would just be ridiculous, she could at least be another Goddess of the Sky - I hope she turns out to be the Nut the Egyptian Goddess of the sky or nightsky which would link quite nicely with Odin saying her eyes reminded him of the stars and moon in Season2. Either way it's a great series hope season 3 continues to deliver.

  • @nikolaosbalomatis1784
    @nikolaosbalomatis17845 жыл бұрын

    He was raised mostly in France and his Mother spoke to someone on the phone, that he was raised all over the world. Several times, in the second season, was mentioned, that the world needs a "Revolution". Revolutions happen all over the world, but France is the most prominent country in regards of Revolutions. I think, that shadow is the God of Revolution and that his Light is the Beacon to it. Able to lead in a peacefull Revolution or in one where a whole country burns

  • @MiddleAgedGuy73
    @MiddleAgedGuy735 жыл бұрын

    Absolutely lived this review. Ordering a new book because of it, thank you

  • @StoryDive

    @StoryDive

    5 жыл бұрын

    Which book?

  • @jetstream222
    @jetstream2225 жыл бұрын

    I think it was an extreme version of what Media and Tech Boy went through. Mr. Wednesday knows his way around ancient secrets. Thor’s untimely demise was probably the catalyst. As Odin pointed out, the only death you can’t come back from is suicide. “Shadow” just ended up going Old School in the face of circumstances he was never equipped to handle back then.

  • @millasboo
    @millasboo5 жыл бұрын

    I think he’s Baldur and/or Hod the polar opposite twins (depending where and what you read). Either he’s one of them or both inhabiting one body because he has a lot of repressed emotions and memories and he’s biracial he’s also shown the blindness (naivety) of gods and the bigger world but he’s shown to be the symbol of hope and victory like Baldur. He most likely has either multiple personalities or repressed parts of himself.

  • @richardwilson9127
    @richardwilson91274 жыл бұрын

    In another series, baldur isnt just considered the nigh invincible god of light, but also a near invincible god of destruction who cant be controlled. He has no memory of this alter ego, and that might explain shadow being and not being baldur

  • @tscarb
    @tscarb5 жыл бұрын

    Please continue these… Dude they are awesome thank you so much because like you said the author does like to obscure things and I appreciate how the story is extended past the book ........where in some places it’s quite limited.

  • @MsZaneta123
    @MsZaneta1235 жыл бұрын

    Nice theory. I didn't think about Shadow possibly being Odin son Baldour but, it makes since. I hope next season starts in New Falls?... sorry forgot the name. To me, Shadow's going to a mysterious small town was a nice break from Odin. I like that he was able to interact with other Gods without Odin/ex-girlfriend's influence. BTW I just finished Good Omens and it was great! My favorite chatcater of the book was Dog.

  • @ericnick4498

    @ericnick4498

    5 жыл бұрын

    God?

  • @cosminxxx5287
    @cosminxxx52875 жыл бұрын

    there is an episode were Odin tells shadow that for example he can dream about snow and it will snow. and he actually does it and it snows while they were going with their car.i don't think Odin meant that any human can wish something so hard that it happens,and he actually meant that Odin has a son and Shadow is exactly that.even before people were speaking about he being a son,i got that feeling during season 2 episode were his other son went to work for the germans as a strong man.he 100% is Odin's son himself.that can be also reflected by the fact that no matter what trouble happens, Odin knows Shadow will find his way.you can have that level of thrust only if you know that person is more powerfull than a normal human.

  • @VincoMalus
    @VincoMalus5 жыл бұрын

    Great analysis/&dissection💎🎞

  • @ms.fortune666
    @ms.fortune6665 жыл бұрын

    Love to see people that haven't read the books guessing 😂🤣 Not gonna spoil the fun guys, keep on guessing

  • @ms.fortune666

    @ms.fortune666

    5 жыл бұрын

    @Robert Taute I think both can be entertaining in their own way, as long as someone's happy and there are more fans of a great piece of work that I enjoy too does it really matter if they read/ watched/ listened to it 🤷....

  • @the1tigglet
    @the1tigglet4 жыл бұрын

    Also, Baldur doesn't only mean what you say it means you see, his name also means Bold Lord which is not often accepted by scholars however, it would have been a cultural understand in ancient times where "white light" "white fireball" and "bold lord" would have all been acceptable for a deity like Baldur because gods and goddesses were all expected to be more advanced and more than what humans can define since divinity was a force that was not very well known by human beings, enforcing the idea that deities or the divine cannot be understood by the small minds of mere mortals. So he would have been similar to Michael the archangel, joyous, happy, yet warlike all at the same time.

  • @marisahill1819
    @marisahill18195 жыл бұрын

    He is Baldr because he's the one to sit vigil when Odin dies. In the novel he sacrifices himself like Baldr does in the Norse Myth. Shadow will not get Baldr's qualities until he dies on Ydrggisl and be resurrected by Mama Ji since Easter isn't in the war in the series. Mama Ji is the giver of life in this one, I believe

  • @milkultraviolence7808
    @milkultraviolence78085 жыл бұрын

    i'm so excited to see you review good omens those two have the best bromance in any book

  • @craigt5906
    @craigt59065 жыл бұрын

    He’s a reincarnation of the Norse god of Light Balder of course

  • @keldrifdarkflame8364
    @keldrifdarkflame83645 жыл бұрын

    The word "pale" is also interesting because it has changed more than once, today most would think pale means palled or a nearly white but a long time ago as seen in paintings of the four horsemen, Death rides a pale (original greek - khlōros, sometimes translated as ashen) horse which is usually painted as a green/green-yellow like a corpse. Also interesting to note: Old English blæc "dark," from Proto-Germanic *blakaz "burned." The same root produced Old English blac "bright, shining, glittering, PALE." So in a way pale could mean whiteish as it is usually used today, or black (my stepfather who is a Texas history buff swears that back in the Wyatt Earp days a pale horse meant a black horse though I can't seem to corroborate that so I'm throwing it in here because I know at least one person that believes it and it does have to do with a subject he is very passionate about) or light green to greenish-yellow. If I knew all this and I have spent my life in dead-end jobs straight out of high school, I'm pretty sure Neal with all his skill of weaving myths and real history together is having fun with little language quirks like this all over the place and some much of it goes over our heads and still we love his stories. TLDR = pale is a neat word...

  • @chadlyons5622
    @chadlyons56225 жыл бұрын

    I'm pretty sure Shadow is the reincarnation of Thor/Shango.

  • @the1tigglet
    @the1tigglet4 жыл бұрын

    It's both, the gods knew who he was immediately and they are right, Shadow doesn't know who he is, he thinks he does but I think Neal gave his character amnesia possibly because his mother died and in that intense moment he blocked out all that she told him because he was not just mourning but trying to deny that she's dead. That happens in human mourning situations, why couldn't it happen to Shadow in a slightly different way. he forgot his godhood when his mother died so he didn't have to face his grief.

  • @herbertholland924
    @herbertholland9245 жыл бұрын

    I think he is a new god of the eclipse. literally the shadow of the moon that eclipses the sun. His light is the corona that shines during an eclipse.

  • @thorzyan
    @thorzyan5 жыл бұрын

    Bright Lights cast Long Shadows👍

  • @destinimott3531
    @destinimott35315 жыл бұрын

    I think Gaiman is trying to tell people through his works that Gods do exist. If we go with the theory that shadow (which is interesting because we are light and shadow) is a reincarnation of baldr. He's born with amnesia as all of us are. Goes through life, which sounds like he was raised by a single mom. Pretty rough. Take that into consideration and the life he had as baldr. Wouldn't your upbringing change your personality? Then before incarnating into this life based on spiritual theory we choose our names based on karma lessons, identity of a past life, etc. He now is following his path of destiny to remember who he is. Which we were all sent here to do. "What if God was one of us, just a slob like one of us"

  • @jmunny17
    @jmunny175 жыл бұрын

    Good video, especially the Monarch of the Glen add on. Don't really see alot of vids about the novella.

  • @stevenbonovitch2497
    @stevenbonovitch24973 жыл бұрын

    I just discovered this show and I have the novel but I’ve had a hard time to understand or get interested in either medium. However Upon a third attempt at watching the series I have become hooked and have to control myself from binging out, so I only watch one episode a day sometimes two or three times until I think I have an understanding of that episode. I believe that Wednesday is Odin but Shadow Moon is not only Baulder but also Thor, Loki, Hiemdal and many other Norse deities. These gods also took on the images of many American Folk lore and the Native American gods.

  • @vladmoneybags2303
    @vladmoneybags23035 жыл бұрын

    If I wanted to read ahead where season 3 could potentially start which book would that be?

  • @berbicacho269
    @berbicacho2695 жыл бұрын

    I think Shadow may be more connected to Hod who sometimes is named as Baldr's twin brother. As you said, Hodr was blind physically and I think that's one of the main connections with Shadow - Shadow was blind (albeit not physically) to the world around him, to gods and everything. Baldr who was light was opposite to Hodr who is sometimes seen as darkness. And there was an episode where Shadow was able to make it snow and Hodr is also associated with winter and snow. The fact that Shadow himself says he's not Baldr makes me wonder that he may be connected to Baldr instead.

  • @nickyprice2617
    @nickyprice2617 Жыл бұрын

    Shadow and balder share there ability of never hurting themselves

  • @kingdrogo6124
    @kingdrogo61245 жыл бұрын

    in season 1 madsweeny told laura u not anybod can have his coin he said its something u give to the king of america himself , Wednesday also told shadow that by the end of his tenure he can even be the king of america jokingly on occasions in season 1 they hint at him being the god or king of America

  • @Xigmus
    @Xigmus5 жыл бұрын

    I mean it's my personal Head Canon. But check out Mage: The ascension. Both it and american gods have a similar concept about how belief shapes reality itself. I'm thinking Shadow is the equivalent to some kind of "Magus" that is slowly awakening to the point he can change reality through will alone and the White Buffalo seems to be his avatar. Guiding him through his dreams and slowly giving him the "push" to ascend and become kind of America (Which was hinted by Odin in s1)

  • @henrylouis5328
    @henrylouis53283 жыл бұрын

    “He seems to enjoy confusing his readers” finally a rider with a sense of humor

  • @italione1
    @italione14 жыл бұрын

    Shadow is kratos. The god killer

  • @jaylinroberts2526

    @jaylinroberts2526

    3 жыл бұрын

    😂😂😂

  • @D3XthaTriF3ctA
    @D3XthaTriF3ctA4 жыл бұрын

    Shadow is the embodiment of all humans transcending. That’s why he will be the one that wins the war. Because once his potential is realized, the numbers will be on their side

  • @willlyon7129
    @willlyon71295 жыл бұрын

    It's possible Shadow is a demigod, like Percy Jackson, Jason Grace, and Magnus Chase.

  • @sharonwilliams3019

    @sharonwilliams3019

    5 жыл бұрын

    I thought he is a demigod. he is something new.

  • @tomdraack2276
    @tomdraack22765 жыл бұрын

    Well on the license his name is "ainsel Michael" which is way too similar to Angel Michael to be a coincidence, even almost sounds the same. I don't know how it could fit into him being odins son but why would they put it there?

  • @briandaleske5139
    @briandaleske51394 жыл бұрын

    I really liked the details of the story of the (AMERICAN GODS) show series about the guy character (Shadow Moon) & to add the three different types of theories that are about (SHADOW MOON).

  • @taterenforth6433
    @taterenforth64335 жыл бұрын

    Who Shadow is isn't really a question. Shadow is just a nickname he picked up and tells everyone to call him, Gaiman has stated that his birth name is Baldur. The reason he is so different from the mythical Baldur is that Baldur is ... Well dead. Dead gods in Norse myth change quiet a lot, one of the most obvious is a blackening of the skin (a reference to frostbite). There are even a few fairly well written papers about the direct connections between the myths of Baldur and the events of American God's.

  • @pcuimac
    @pcuimac3 жыл бұрын

    Tommy Hilfinger: Lets make ads for christmas! Gender and skin color diverse, but without masks and talking about meeting friends and family. Everybody from left to right can agree with something here! Genius! /s

  • @danghia3008
    @danghia30085 жыл бұрын

    Nice analyses -- Among Odin's many names is "shadow face" (hooded one, concealer) so he's (potentially) Baldur under Odin's shadow. Gods are created by belief so it's not Shadow's parentage that make a potential god it's belief. Of course one assists the other so if people believe Odin's son is a god that would make him a god. It's also true of "not Salim" Not Salim gives up his name and when he does people start confusing him for Mahat or Hubhaal; perhaps he will become a god before the series ends? Was Mad Sweeney a real king? Perhaps he was a human who became a king, who became a god, who became a leprechaun. All depends on what you believe. So Odin's scam is this -- get Moon Shadow to start to believe in himself so he can become the perfect sacrifice. If we believe that Moon Shadow is Baldur we are just fattening the lamb for the slaughter.

  • @ericcastillo4026
    @ericcastillo40265 жыл бұрын

    In the book he is the son of Odin, as Wendsday said it rare for gods to have children with mortals but that exactly what he did, it all part of the plan he and loki came up.

  • @fungab1446

    @fungab1446

    5 жыл бұрын

    Eric Castillo don’t ruin it for them

  • @donthesped4588
    @donthesped45884 жыл бұрын

    I think shadow is Hodr and mad sweeney is baldur. The last episode where shadow kills sweeney, mad sweeny talks about how shadow is blind to odin's manipulation. In norse mytholygy, baldur is unkillable. So unkillable that the other gods would throw arrows and spears at him for fun. Loki finds out that the only way to kill baldur is to pierce him with missletoe. So, he goes to the hoder who is litteraly blind and guids him to shoot a misletoe arrow at baldur, killing him immediatly. This is just like how shadow instinctively pulled a smooth move and killed mad sweeny, simce he is blind and needs others to guide him in life. Save this comment incase the show reveals i am right. Im pretty sure i am right.

  • @erikafournier-mcgarry5886
    @erikafournier-mcgarry58864 жыл бұрын

    what we really need is a sweeney video..why has noone done this with all the hints n the endign last season...:o

  • @yensid4294
    @yensid42945 жыл бұрын

    Shadow- Balder's Shade perhaps? In the myth, Balder wasn't allowed to leave the Underworld by Hel because not all living things mourned his death( another trick by Loki) He's still there. I also wondered about his fortune at the carousel: Like father, like son. His mother said his father was long dead...maybe Shadow is Balder's son not Odin's? Do we know if there's going to be a season 3?

  • @StoryDive

    @StoryDive

    5 жыл бұрын

    Yes, there will be a Season 3, but I don't think there's a date yet.

  • @royalzreign177
    @royalzreign1775 жыл бұрын

    I’ve never seen someone in a series take 4 years to find out who they are 🤷‍♀️

  • @TheKh65

    @TheKh65

    3 жыл бұрын

    Er, adopted people with no connection to their background?

  • @Sassssky

    @Sassssky

    3 жыл бұрын

    Luke Skywalker took 2 feature length films.

  • @edgarpan
    @edgarpan5 жыл бұрын

    You said it yourself, Shadow is 'Light Skin' which was probably done on purpose along with the light that radiates from him. Light radiates from Shadow and Shadow is Light skin. Maybe that was done on purpose.

  • @macnutz4206
    @macnutz42065 жыл бұрын

    Unless his mother was a goddess, which there is no clue of, then Shadow is a demi god. Perhaps Shadow is what or rather who Odin expects to repair the damage done by the loss of the other two sons, Donar and Baldour. Shadow may have some of Baldour's attributes but isn't actually a reincarnation. But, maybe Baldour went through some changes after being murdered by trickery, and he has come back all sullen about it all.

  • @alexandermoctezuma5259

    @alexandermoctezuma5259

    5 жыл бұрын

    Macnutz420 she’s lady libertas

  • @macnutz4206

    @macnutz4206

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@alexandermoctezuma5259 Is she? or is that an assumption. You may be right but I do not recall that being revealed in the show.Not that my recall is so perfect. :)

  • @alexandermoctezuma5259

    @alexandermoctezuma5259

    5 жыл бұрын

    Macnutz420 I haven’t read the novel like most of u

  • @macnutz4206

    @macnutz4206

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@alexandermoctezuma5259 I haven't read any of it either. So, I was asking if your were guessing at what you said or if you knew it for a fact. I do not know either. I think we are both guessing. :):)

  • @the1tigglet
    @the1tigglet5 жыл бұрын

    It could just be a coincidence that their light is similar, though there are alot of gods that emit light in many pantheons, shadow has received the moon coin which means that's literally his meaning, eclipses put out alot of light and he could be the god of eclipses, which would shadow out the sun and reflect white light from the full moon at night. Gods with light emanating usually means goodness or honorable. It means they do not wish others dead and they want to save/heal!

  • @cosminxxx5287
    @cosminxxx52875 жыл бұрын

    i think he is Baldur and we see that aura of light as we see during an eclipse to tell us that the man we see is not what we see but rather someone that Baldur is hidden inside or behind so to say.name ShadowMoon with accent on shadow word.so it's a bright moon ,he is a shadow moon.he is a moon that casts darkness not light cause it's eclipsed.weird theory but i have gut feeling about it,dont know why.

  • @Ultralightaman
    @Ultralightaman5 жыл бұрын

    There is also that it's likely that Shadow's likability is part of his power. He certainly is a God of some sort. He is able to learn from Sweeney how to pull coins from his treasure. He does have a glow. He also is able to go to places only Gods can go like on the ferris wheel.

  • @hecateo88
    @hecateo885 жыл бұрын

    I think Baldr is somehow unaware of his godhood in his new incarnation and the name "shadow" is a pretty fit designation for his present state of conciousness. He will eventually explode into light and revelations as he evolves.

  • @richmondjoe7335
    @richmondjoe73353 жыл бұрын

    My take is that Shadow is the reincarnation of Boulder, however because Shadow's mother was not a goddess.. instead a human (my assumption), the familiar Shadow is the container which holds the spirit of Boulder. Also, because he is a container and part human he does not require the praise and worship of others to exist.

  • @flowflips3172
    @flowflips31724 жыл бұрын

    So if his full name is Baldur Shadow Moon. It makes perfect sense that he is just that Baldur's Shadow Moon...thats what the moon does reflect back light from a source. Thats why he isnt upbeat himself.

  • @the1tigglet
    @the1tigglet4 жыл бұрын

    As a linguist I have to correct you, the phrase Fair Skinned when used on women, meant their skin was white and light, when Fair Skinned is used on men, it changes it's meaning to clear, without blemish. It's a definition that has been left behind overtime as English as a language became more modern but it was used in this way in ancient times.

  • @loveinspired7
    @loveinspired73 жыл бұрын

    Every time I see the man who plays Shadow Moon, I can't help but think that he would be PERFECT in the role of, "Kratos".

  • @briandaleske5139
    @briandaleske51394 жыл бұрын

    MY OWN THOUGHTS & THEORIES ABOUT THE CHARACTER (SHADOW MOON) AND MORE: I myself think that maybe just maybe (SHADOW MOON) might be the reincarnation of Baldur, and he doesn’t know it, and to add I am guessing that maybe his biological mother might of been a Demi-God, and so that is why when they showed her being so very vulnerable to most types of things that didn’t effect Shadow the same way, and there for I am thinking that she must of been a Demi-Goddess. I also am thinking if I might be right about my guess theory about Shadow’s mother secretly being a Demi-Goddess; Than I am thinking that she might of been some unknown offspring of a God, or Goddess that was intimate with a mortal a long time ago, and to add I am thinking if so than maybe she was given a few secret abilities & a few powers too, and one of the abilities I am guessing is that she could be able to live a much longer life than any other known mortal until the era when she is no longer able to do so. An so there for it would make a little bit of sense to how it might be possible for (SHADOW MOON) being born as the reincarnation of the dead god Baldur, and so how I imagine it is because Oden was once very much genuinely in love with a Demi-Goddess that was secretly Shadow’s mother; But sadly the romantic relationship between Oden & the Demi-Goddess didn’t last long, and I imagine that Shadow’s mother the secret Demi-Goddess figured that Oden might not be the right guy to remain with, and to add she might not of wanted to tell him about the baby that she was having that was parsley his. Plus to add I imagine that (SHADOW MOON) doesn’t have all of the former Viking god Baldur’s abilities & powers; What I imagine is that Shadow might only have most of Baldur’s abilities, and maybe some of Baldur’s powers. But when it comes to the powers he hasn’t yet been able to discover them, and to add he hasn’t been able to tap into the powers yet.

  • @ramkrishnadas4230
    @ramkrishnadas42304 жыл бұрын

    Who is Laura mythologically? Or she is just an ordinary woman caught in the strange world of Gods? Seems to me, she also might have some link to some mythology.

  • @TacticalReaper56
    @TacticalReaper564 жыл бұрын

    Spoiled tf for myself, buying the book 100%, but damn what a great story.

  • @ssgtstanleychia
    @ssgtstanleychia5 жыл бұрын

    Please do a video theorizing about Shadow's mom

  • @mindlessfreak2011143
    @mindlessfreak20111433 жыл бұрын

    I feel that shadow mom was a goddess but but apart of the African goddess like oshun.

  • @SpidermanVonWeinheim
    @SpidermanVonWeinheim5 жыл бұрын

    The NEW Son of Odin.

  • @timothyedward6147
    @timothyedward61475 жыл бұрын

    OMG!! I never heard about him being Odins son, but when you said this and you said light.... in my head screams BALDR

  • @briandaleske5139
    @briandaleske51395 жыл бұрын

    MY OWN THOUGHTS & THEORIES ABOUT THE GUY CHARACTER (SHADOW MOON) Now I strongly think that the character (Shadow Moon) is a demi-god, and to add he himself doesn’t know that he is one; But the male character (Mr. Wednesday aka Odin) he does secretly know that Shadow is a demi-god, and to add my other guess is that Shadow might be a descendant of Odin’s son Thor an the reason why I think that is because Thor was in love with a goddess, and also to add Thor was planning on running away with her then marrying her. To add that is until Odin broke up their romantic relationship that his son Thor & the goddess had with Odin’s trickery, lies, and manipulation; But I strongly think that the goddess might of been secretly pregnant with Thor’s child, and to add she was planning on telling Thor about that is before they separated from one another because of Odin’s manipulative interference. Plus to add I strongly feel & think that without Thor’s lady love goddess by his side he might of strongly felt extremely lonely without her, and so that is perhaps the reason why Thor took his own life.

  • @sabrinanbelle

    @sabrinanbelle

    5 жыл бұрын

    Brian Daleske The book reveals that he is baldur and according to Norse mythology...Thor didn’t have a son.

  • @davesvens8697
    @davesvens86974 жыл бұрын

    Maybe shadow is Baldour, but a literary version of him that does not encompass all the characteristics of the god we know of in our knowledge of the myths. Probably a twist upon Baldour so we would not instantly recognise so the narrative stays mysterious.

  • @EnigmaofGR
    @EnigmaofGR5 жыл бұрын

    Some of the legends of Baldur posit that he is a Demi-God, and could be the adoptive son of either Frigg or Odin, and that unlike Hera and Zeus’s kids, his step parent loved him like a natural son.

  • @darrinwebber4077
    @darrinwebber4077 Жыл бұрын

    Perhaps Shadow Moon is a reincarnated Aesir. Maybe Baldur. (God of Light)..... Possibly a reincarnated hero (Sigurd or Sigfreid?)... But I think he is Odin's biological son. A new demigod. Born for purpose of the God-War..

  • @fredcrivelli
    @fredcrivelli5 жыл бұрын

    Hodr is the god of Winter, snow, obscurity. He's also blind, as Shadow is in his "world", and fooled by Locki. It is interesting that he non intentionally kills the god of light Lugh.

  • @Matthewgreen7779311
    @Matthewgreen77793115 жыл бұрын

    I don’t think he’s Balder unless the character has been re-interpreted. As you say, Balder was a god,. Shadow is a demigod, unless his mother was a goddess and that doesn’t seem to be the case. I like the theory that a part of Balder was reborn in Shadow. Other than giving off light, I wonder if he has any of Balder’s powers.

  • @rohancomry3105

    @rohancomry3105

    5 жыл бұрын

    Have you ever wonder why Mr. Nancy is there, or who Shadow's mother is related to.

  • @Matthewgreen7779311

    @Matthewgreen7779311

    5 жыл бұрын

    Rhowaan Comry I hadn’t but that’s an interesting thought.

  • @geraldhearn7738
    @geraldhearn77385 жыл бұрын

    Shadow is most likely a demigod. Like most of legend unaware of his abilities unless they manifest themselves in a very tangible manner such as strength for example or charm which he has displayed before. Demi gods that obtain full godhood are bound by the thirst that all pineal gland entities are, the need to be thought about. But just like legends of old from every civilization through out our past it is always the soul Individual which determines their fate. They too must endure and suffer the slings and arrows of the gods just as normal mortal men. Which is why shadow will most likely defeat the gods and become a new Beacon of light to this new emerging world. But that's just my opinion.

  • @danghia3008
    @danghia30085 жыл бұрын

    By the way am I the only one who noticed that we now have three horsemen of the apocalypse on the loose? Easter gave us famine, Jacquel and co gave us death and quantum boy gave us pestilence in the form of a computer virus. There is no one left to keep the chaos hound bound in place so I think we are approaching ragnarok / the second battle meddigo / etc

  • @pontifexmaximoose7433
    @pontifexmaximoose74334 жыл бұрын

    Every God in the story be a BadAss till Kratos knocks up the Door and Butchers every known Pantheon of Gods

  • @TheresaWheeler
    @TheresaWheeler5 жыл бұрын

    I thought Shadow was Meili, who to some people is the same, but not the same as Baldr. He's the god of travel. Meili's mother isn't Freya it's whatever the Norse goddess of Earth is.

  • @riceire2445
    @riceire24453 жыл бұрын

    I think he's definitely baldur but as you say , and I'm starting to think Shadows mother is libertas

  • @redfireempress
    @redfireempress4 жыл бұрын

    So if you take apart Shadow’s real name Michael Anisel, it could possibly conclude the issue. Look at it like this: Shadow is born of either two Gods or a human and a God. That is still up for debate. But if we took the later the human and the God, what if Wednesday put a piece of himself into a human and has done it multiple times? Because the other Gods have mentioned it before in season 1 check Sweeney’s dialogue. What if Wednesday could activate his children to believe enough in themselves to always be worshipped? He would have a nonstop supply of worship. It has been said that people have a light inside of them made to illuminate the world. Shadow’s name once again “Godlike in thy own self” loosely translated. Just saying...

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