The Messed Up Origins of RATATOSKR, the Gossipy Squirrel of Norse Myth

[@JonSolo]

What your thoughts and theories about Ratatoskr? Are there any figures from Norse Mythology you want to see covered next? Let me know! Thanks for watching, mere mortals! :D 👕 Shop the Mere Mortals Drop! 👉 meremortals.store

[@drawingpower1]

Jon will you do a lies of P messed up connections to Pinocchio?

[@exposedshadowstruth5926]

Have u ever thought of doing a messed up origins about the 4 lords in Resident evil village? 😅

[@loveelanh]

Why do you put “the messed up origins” in most of these videos. Some times I get confused

[@pn5846]

@@loveelanhcuz he tells the origin story bruh

[@loveelanh]

@@pn5846 It’s just Ratatoskr’s origin is not messed up he is just a mythical squirrel boy

[@Wishmiss]

I love how they took the idea of a squirrel running up and down a tree chattering and turned it into Ratatosk

[@clockworkmouse8469]

I think Ratatoskr's job was to get nuts and seeds from the top of the tree to the bottom to grow them. Based on a real squirrel. And because the eagle and the dragon want to eat him, he has to out smart them to do his job. Think of the third little pig and the wolf in the three little pigs story.

[@PR-xm5zc]

He is the mercury of the norse pantheon. He was the messenger God

[@rebasack21]

I lived in a small town for a few years where the squirrels LOVED to torment my cat. They would literally take turns running partway down a tree, chatter at him, he would chase them up the tree and the squirrel would jump to another tree and keep chattering at my cat. So my cat would run down the tree he was in and up the one the squirrel was in... and the squirrel hopped trees again. it was free entertainment for sometimes hours before my cat gave up.

[@eny933]

There were oak trees right outside of the court fence where I played tennis. The squirrels would scream at us endlessly and occasionally chucked acorns at us during games. Little fuzzy jerks.

[@Rylosalex]

@@eny933 Did you chuck anything back at them?

[@eny933]

It was tempting, but no. Didn't want to lose a racket in a tree. Instead, we laughed at the absurdity

[@klaushassen3954]

​@@Rylosalex a bear trap taught those nut lovers a lesson

[@JessicaBrantley-bc4vv]

There was a chipmunk (I know not a squirrel) that did something similar to my indoor cats. It knew my cats were indoor cats and it would sit right in front of the screen door where my cats could see it and just tease them wash itself and just plain torment them with the knowledge they couldn’t get it

[@Prof.Tarfeather]

The Mythology really fits the personality of a Squirrel. Living in the Forest for over 30 years I've spent alot of time, day and night watching wildlife. Squirrels are very territorial and vocal. Squirrels will snatch nuts, fruits, and seeds from birds. Even playing a chase and dive game with Jay birds. I had a female Squirrel nesting in one of our Cedars for years who would come down and sleep in the rabbit hutch on occasion with my Lop eared Bunny. I've been hit in the head with walnuts to get my attention. There are even flying Squirrels in the Mother Lode, East of Sutter Creek, in N. CA.

[@tinahs8269]

I can totally imagine squirrel chatter as insults, seeing how they love to tease my dog and kick each other off of our squirrel feeders.

[@dracone4370]

Quick note here, the word squirrel seems to be derived from a combination of the Latin words Squi and Rool, which literally translates to "shade tail," which is ironically appropriate due to squirrels seeming to have the habit of shading themselves with their tails. I have suggested doing a Tier ranking of Hellhounds for the Halloween season a few times already, and I'll probably keep at it for a while longer.

[@demetrinight5924]

The tree outside my best friend's house has grey squirrels in it. When I get out of my car I usually get an earful of angry chattering from at least one of those squirrels. So I could definitely see Ratosker as someone who trades insults.

[@megapiglatin2574]

This is a fun video! I was not familiar with Ratatoskr until a few weeks ago when ProZD put out a video talking about his experience voicing the squirrel (and really having creative control over a lot of aspects of the character) in God of War: Ragnarok! I didn’t realize that Ratatoskr is actually from Norse mythology too 😱

[@pamelamays4186]

Again, I enjoy learning about other cultures' mythologies. I'm really liking Norse mythology.

[@camscornerbooks]

This channel makes me so happy. I love in depth lore of every media and history. And Jon just makes it so entertaining! ❤

[@dcbandit]

I love how his only purpose in life is to deliver insults between enemies. Id love a social media platform based on ratatoskr with the only purpose of roasting other people with terrible insults.

[@liammitchell2540]

I love that apparently he made half of them up himself.

[@litepaw7]

It's called Twitter

[@tiffanymichaels2429]

@@litepaw7 😂 lol I was just about to say that.

[@theanimeunderworld8338]

Jon, did you ever want to pet the squirrel in Ragnarok?

[@ladykoiwolfe]

I know I do!

[@BennyLlama39]

I can imagine a squirrel angrily chittering things like, "These are my acorns! F@*k off!" and someone thinking it's cute, making the squirrel even angrier. 😀

[@dariothecat3898]

Ratatoskr was interesting to learn about. Because when I first saw him in a movie or show. I was confused how people could become obsessed with a squirrel. XD So now I have a much better understanding of why he exists.

[@chriscarlisle5676]

Squirrel girl would be offended, her whole hero shtick was being squirrel obsessed. Lol. But Ratatoskr is a pretty interesting one.

[@wordforger]

lol. I saw him in an adventure game. Seemed like a silly encounter with some silly character calling itself "the DOOM squirrel!" Color me surprised to learn he was actually mentioned in Norse myth.

[@theanimeunderworld8338]

I can't wait until October for Halloween themed videos, Jon

[@TitularHeroine]

Maybe the horn was added in the ancient drawing of Ratatosk because of narwhals and what Ratatoskr's name might translate to. And maybe his name was a sort of kenning -- "Drill Tooth" could be a fitting, one-off euphemism for someone whose purpose it was to sling insults. Anyways, thanks always, Jon, and *unleash the spoop!!*

[@thepeternetwork]

Something about this Ratatoskr critter reminds me an awful lot like Rocket Racoon from Guardians of the Galaxy. I know the species are completely different, but the personalities are frighteningly similar.

[@Dolly_the_Witch]

I’m so glad you made this video now! I just started researching Ratatoskr for my norse pagan rites

[@Thromash]

Ratatoskr & his ability to split his personality is just like mine, but I forgot how to put them all back into one. 🤷‍♂😂

[@justincarawan-carawanco.pu1639]

3:28 "Drill Tooth"? Sounds more like a beaver than a squirrel. Maybe even a woodpecker. "Envious words" was leading me to believe it was a "Well you can tell him-" situation where the squirrel was acting as a messenger between the two.

[@مهدیالیاسی-ث2ح]

Hey I just found your channel and I think it's amazing I love mythology and folklore (and know some small stories and others things) so I'm happy that you're here to show and theach me more❤

[@TheMonarchofMonarchs933]

I got an ad with a squirrel in it. KZbin is theming with you.

[@raylastname5864]

10:26 anyone who has spent the day in a tree waiting for deer to walk underneath will tell you the real reason Ratatoskr is the way he is. because squirrels will literally run up and down tree's making noises at you if you aren't hidden well enough.

[@mistingwolf]

Each one of these makes me want to play God of War more and more.

[@darinroodman2004]

I've always been a fan of the super squirrel. The portrayal of Ratatoskr in the Squirrel Girl comics is a lot of fun too

[@aryhianamcquigg7487]

gossipy squirrel was the perfect title for this 😂

[@hoytrichardson3448]

Are we sure the horn on his head isn’t just his ears. The two points on the back of his head could just be tufts of fur. Red squirrels do have rather bushy fur.

[@ladykoiwolfe]

Ratatatosk is one of my favorite mythical creatures. I know my fylgia is feline. I don't know if it's a housecat or a lioness. But maybe another part of my soul is the other. I have always felt accompanied by both.

[@sirwaldo999]

I always saw the 🐿️ as the morning and evening star Venus. Seeing twice a day was it passing shade up and down the tree of life

[@upspo]

Love the consistency ❤👍

[@Shorai_3]

I was introduced to this character when I briefly played Smite.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

Ratatos is the 4 legged Don Rickles! Thus his great and endearing personality!

[@HaroldErdman-zs9tp]

I've found a recent bond with squirrels. I have a little homemade barker. I dont mind them because they like little alert dogs. They come and find me if I forget to feed them. Lol

[@BoredBizcit]

This guy is my favorite animal in all of mythology

[@niinaajokatzenborn8445]

Excited for Halloween stories 🖤🧡🎃

[@Dookieman1975]

Ima go with the theory of “well it’s a world tree so it’s gotta have a squirrel and squirrels seem to curse us out every time we annoy them so it’s an instigator and shit talker”

[@sammiace9886]

Love you jon solo ❤ keep up the good work 😊

[@kimichan5]

Wait he’s a magical squirrels that just smack talks everyone? I love the Norse

[@cartoonkelly7924]

Wait, hw was I not already subscribed to you? Oh well, Imaybe I just thought I was because you’re in my recommendations so much. Subscribed now.

[@lymarie1974]

The 70s game show music 😂. I love it.

[@Elijahsmusix]

I’m always happy to see you!!!!!!

[@paulapplegate1921]

Yup the squirrels near me always talk shit. Can confirm.

[@SabinStargem]

Envious words? Ratatoskr could be delivering complaints between the eagle and Nidhogg. "Down here in the roots, it is too warm and stifling! If I only that I could fly like you..." The eagle just wants to go back into their eggshell, and wishes to swap places with Nidhogg. Anyhow, there is a game that features Ratatoskr as a recurring boss, who becomes increasingly powerful as you progress. People interested in mythology, riddles, and Metroidvania platformers should check out the La-Mulana series.

[@gavinlee116]

Could you do a video on the other gods of war in (Aztec, Japan, Egypt, China, Hawaii)

[@Geeky_Riley]

*Hears four stags representing the seasons* Wait...the stag Pokémon is based off Norse mythology?!

[@pamelamays4186]

Snorri Sturluson. My favorite name from this channel.

[@elijahcole2382]

Open season had the best example of the squirrels

[@kylebrandon4556]

I like what you said that it sounds ironic that a squirrel plays as this north mythology

[@sandradermark8463]

The concept of fylgja reminds me of patronus (from Harry Potter).

[@alexanderyakubik2289]

What's a huge kick in the teeth is that the Poetic Eda and the Pros Eda were both written after the complete Christianisation of Norway, Scandinavia, Greenland, Iceland, etc. So these sources are a few generations removed from the original version, or at least the last version of the stories when the religion was still active.

[@Jauhl1]

The text of the Poetic Edda is written using words and inflections that was archaic by several hundreds years in Snorri's time, strongly suggesting these are ancient poems compiled by Snorri not created by him.

[@alexanderyakubik2289]

With respect, but that's like me knowing Middle English and transcribing Harry Potter into it. Snorri was a scholar and a politician, he would've been capable of replicating it.

[@Jauhl1]

@@alexanderyakubik2289 The poetic edda rhymes, that his how Norse skalds managed to recite these stories by memory and how they were transmitted through generations without people being able to read. Word and phrasings have to remain otherwise the memetic quality of the work is lost.The poetic Edda is full of archaic words, letters, and phrasings, hundreds of years out of synch with medieval Icelandic, these things lets linguist determine down to which century different parts are composed. They can even determine when Snorri has made errors. Aside from Snorri making great efforts to preserve his ancestors legacy and clearly being able to recite these stories like them, making up new rhymes in flawless 9th century Norse would be quite a feat.

[@coregoon]

@@Jauhl1 Minor correction; Old Norse poetry didn't use rhyme, they used alliteration. So instead of using words that end the same way they used words that start with the same sound.

[@tamarasmith9060]

Well, squirrels do get very talkative in that agressive sounding way. Heard it myself a few times. So it does make sense that's what he'd do to keep boredom at bay. 😈

[@mecahhannah]

Awesome as always thanks

[@VertigoRoses]

quality video as always Jon! cant wait for the episode on ragnarok!!

[@jeremiahsoto8249]

“You fucked with squirrels Morty”

[@edsteward7717]

Enjoyed all the theories. No "Jon shot first"? I waited!

[@EBThisThat]

I know it's pseudoscience but the concept of the soul having four parts reminds me of humourism, which was the going belief back in Medieval times that the human body was made of four elements, blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black bile.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

Hey Youngling 👋 today is the first day of the Life is Beautiful Festival here in Las Vegas. Tonight is the Killers and tomorrow is Kendrick Lamar! Too bad that you and Sister Solo weren't here!

[@DragonSlayer1417]

I think I remember this guy being mentioned before in previous video. Hearing you talk about him though made me think human psychy. Definitely wrong but interesting think about if the squirrel in the big picture is a representation of humanity.😂

[@shirleytaylor5055]

I've never had a problem with squirrels in London. They even came to my window for nuts. We've had a few generations visit us. Incredible lil animals,not pests in my eyes. One time I saw how the buried but was stolen by a white eared squirrel and buried somewhere . That white eared squirrel also dug up a nut and ate it straight away.😁

[@danielthomas2816]

grate character to talk about . I all ways wonder if chatterfang or toski is mtg version of ratatoskr

[@taquaneggleston-woods6287]

Love your vids me and my mom watched all your vid about 3 times we Love you

[@omundodovini3774]

*Suggestions:* - The Messed Up Origins of The Fearless Four (The Bremen Town Musicians); - The Messed Up Origins of Quest for Camelot (The King's Damosel); - The Messed Up Origins of The Prince of Egypt (Book of Exodus); - The Messed Up Origins of The Secret of N.I.M.H. (Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of N.I.M.H.); - The Messed Up Origins of Rock-a-Doodle (Chanticleer); - The Messed Up Origins of The Wizard of Oz (The Wonderful Wizard of Oz); - The Messed Up Origins of The Steadfast Tin Soldier.

[@radagast7200]

You pissed off Squirrels, Morty!!!

[@link113gaming]

I'm not the only one that hears "Ratatoskr" and thinks "Rattata," right?

[@kimichan5]

Oh my gosh that voice actor voices Loki is the animated Avengers series and he is so good at it

[@biancarichling789]

Rata looks like he could be a character from Brian Jacques' Redwall.

[@gaiasguardian205]

Squirrels are for sure cussing us out when we trespass near them. I've picked berries on the edge of a thicket and definitely made out them fussing I was taking all the berries. ALL the berries? ...bickering, overdramatic little...

[@minigolfandothergames7096]

I live in Austin Texas metro area. The squirrels here will steal your food and they are definitely shit talkers. They still your food and definitely still think that you owe them something. So this tracks.

[@michaelmorrow9048]

If I remember this correctly, this theme appears in the crucifix of Quetzacoatl. A Squirrel runs up and down the body carrying the messages of the "good and evil" elements.

[@F1ghtGam3r]

The squirrel be instigating

[@jsimpers]

A Messed up Origins that doesn't end with "Jon shot first"? That is TRULY messed up!

[@CleoHarperReturns]

Best. Title. Ever.

[@ChristmasDiamond]

Makes sense, I feed squirrels as a kid. A squirrel was the first to visit mom while I was in womb. I too say “hate you, love you though bye” 😂😂

[@KERRYPIKE]

Ratatoskr is a very cute creature.

[@gossamergarters]

Woohoo a new update 🎉🎉

[@ShinKyuubi]

NGL first time I ever heard this guy's name was from the Tales series of games where the spirit Ratatoskr possesses one of the characters and makes it seem like he's gone evil.

[@skylerthacreator]

Squirrels are down to chew cable lines

[@thralldumehammer]

They get really quiet when a hawk is around 😂😂😂 seriously it's true

[@SandraPinkParanormal]

Awesome video thanks for sharing have an awesome weekend 👍

[@silasfrisenette9226]

Drill tooth is probably more correctly something like "gnawer tooth" or "borer tooth", as a squirrel gnaws 🐿️

[@shrouddragoon6151]

I never knew how thaywe're related in irl meth but Final Fantasy 14 Heavenword,s main story started the Dragoon Song war with the killing of Ratatacker . Nithog brud sister. Now it macks sense.

[@wolfvane16]

I always thought the squirrel was making stuff up to upset the egal and the snake

[@jimsus69]

"Envious words" doesn't necessarily mean insults etc at all.. it simply means how the person at the top sometimes wishes they were at the bottom instead, and vice versa. It doesn't mean feud or trouble at all. Envy is not necessarily laced with hatred. You're confusing envy with jealousy.

[@eleriloki6275]

WHAT!?! No "Jon shot first"?!?! Now that's REALLY messed up.

[@grapeshot]

Well I've seen squirrels and birds do battle over the bird feeder I have in my front yard🐿🐦

[@chriscarlisle5676]

Squirrel girl's patron deity lol

[@rosemaryann1661]

Spoopy Season is almost upon us. Must be the Season of the Witch. 🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛Hoping the next Messed up Origins is the Origins of Witches. 🎃🎃🎃

[@mason7067]

You know, I hope squirrels used to have horns. Sounds awesome.

[@alejandromolina7270]

I heard from a short that Ratatoskr insults the Nidhog and the egale intended to bring the end of the world.

[@yaeldragwyla8170]

Squirrels are extremely quick, agile creatures. If they were Greek, they'd likely be considered to be one of the tutelary animals associated with Hermes. Oddly, Hermes's Norse analog is Odin, ruler of Wednesday (Odin's Day), of which the Greek G-d Hermes is also ruler. Ratatoskr is also a kind of messenger, although the messages he brings to the the eagle and the serpent are not nice, and Hermes rules messengers. All things taken together, then, Odin, Hermes's Norse analog, is the ruler of Ratatoskr and is represented by him.

[@trex1233]

Squirrels will also throw nuts at you when you walk under their tree wouldn't take much to think they are swearing at you while throwing things

[@pssskwlalkekw]

Nah thats wild i wish i had used ratatoskr before would have been funny getting shouted at by a tiny spectral squirell

[@jackchase5727]

Let’s fucking go new video!

[@keiroty7187]

He’s just a herald between niddhog and the eagle

[@rebeccadenti5377]

I had only heard of Ratatoskr from Tales of Symphonia Dawn of the New World. He was a feline spirit (can't recalled what they are called in the game but there are more like him if different shapes and elements). He had the dark element and was a companion of the protagonist. This was a whole new discovery from what I knew. Maybe the game one was inspired by this one? 👀👀

[@Draconic_Incenerator]

ive only heard of it from Date a Live. Yes ppl say that series has multiple rabbit holes of info about the series, but i only thought that was mostly its biblical connections.

[@jeremiahingram5767]

I mean squirrels are the reason a place with very little trees can become a forest so it makes sence that he takes care of the tree

[@EllyValentini]

missed opportunity to say “squirrelSpace” 😂

[@WholeLottaSleezz]

His origin story would be TOPTEIR if he was banished from all worlds for his attitude and ways. Resulting in him wandering the tree lost; until taking up the role as landlord .

[@whynottalklikeapirat]

They got the rat part right at least