Ragnarök and the Cycle of Fate – The Hero’s Journey of Scam Victims
The Norse Understanding of Fate and Its Application to Scam Victim Recovery
Primary Category: Philosophy of Scams
Intended Audience: Scam Victims-Survivors / Family & Friends
Author:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
About This Article
Scam victims experience a cycle that mirrors the Norse understanding of fate, where destiny is woven by unseen forces and the world moves through cycles of creation, destruction, and renewal. The lure of a scam represents an unavoidable turning of fate’s wheel, much like the early prosperity of the Norse gods before Ragnarök.
When the deception is exposed, victims face devastation similar to the cataclysmic battle that ends the old world. Yet, just as the Norse believed in rebirth after destruction, scam victims have the opportunity to rebuild their lives, learning from the past and emerging stronger. This cyclical view of fate teaches that even the worst losses are not final, but rather part of an ongoing process of growth and transformation.
Ragnarök: the Norse Understanding of Fate and Its Application to Scam Victim Recovery
Scam victims go through a cycle of deception, loss, and eventual recovery that closely mirrors the Norse understanding of fate. In Norse mythology, life is governed by the Norns, powerful entities who weave the destiny of all beings, binding them to paths that cannot easily be altered. The universe itself follows a cyclical pattern, from creation to destruction and then rebirth, most notably represented by Ragnarök, the great end-of-days event that leads to the renewal of the world.
For scam victims, this cycle plays out in a deeply personal way. The lure of the scam can be seen as an inevitable step in the turning of fate’s wheel, followed by the destruction and chaos that comes with the exposure of the fraud—comparable to the cataclysm of Ragnarök. Yet, just as the Norse world is reborn after the destruction, scam victims too have the opportunity to rebuild and emerge from their experience wiser, stronger, and more prepared for the future.
The World Mill and the Cycles of Fate – How It Shapes the Lives of Normal People
In Norse mythology, fate is not a linear progression but a continuous cycle, controlled by powerful forces beyond human understanding. Central to this concept are the Norns, the three mystical beings who weave the threads of destiny at the roots of Yggdrasil, the World Tree. Their influence dictates the lives of gods and mortals alike, reinforcing the idea that fate is an inescapable force. Additionally, some Norse myths describe a cosmic millstone, endlessly grinding out time and shaping the world’s events in an unbroken cycle. This image of the turning wheel—where past, present, and future are all connected—mirrors similar concepts found in Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
The Norse understanding of fate extends to the ultimate end of the world: Ragnarök, the apocalyptic battle that leads to the destruction of the cosmos, only for it to be reborn anew. This belief in endless cycles of death and rebirth profoundly influenced how the Norse viewed life, struggle, and personal destiny. Today, these ideas continue to resonate, shaping how people interpret the ups and downs of life, the inevitability of change, and the way individuals accept or challenge their perceived fate.
The Norse Concept of Fate: The Norns and the Wheel of Time
In Norse mythology, fate is not something that can be easily altered. The Norns, three mystical beings—Urd (Past), Verdandi (Present), and Skuld (Future)—sit at the roots of Yggdrasil, the World Tree, weaving the fates of all creatures. Their work is final; even the gods cannot escape the destinies they spin. This deterministic worldview meant that the Norse accepted fate as inevitable but believed that one’s response to it defined their honor and legacy.
A parallel can be drawn to scam victims, whose experiences often feel as though they were led by forces beyond their control. The psychological manipulation used by scammers exploits vulnerabilities in human nature, luring victims into a preordained path where trust is built, reality is distorted, and financial and emotional ruin seem almost inevitable. Just as the Norns weave the lives of mortals, scammers weave intricate deceptions that entrap victims in a carefully crafted narrative.
This belief manifests in everyday life through the idea of inevitability. Many people, even today, struggle with the notion that some things are simply beyond their control. Whether it is illness, financial hardship, or an unexpected turn of events, people often feel as though their fate has been “woven” for them. This can be both a source of comfort and frustration—comfort, because it suggests that hardships are part of a larger cosmic plan, and frustration, because it implies that personal effort may not always be enough to change one’s circumstances.
However, Norse mythology does not suggest passivity in the face of destiny. While fate may be written, the way one faces it is entirely up to the individual. This aligns with the Viking warrior ethos, where death in battle was predestined, but how one fought and lived determined the honor they carried into the afterlife. In modern terms, this concept encourages resilience—while some events may be unavoidable, the way you respond to challenges defines your legacy.
The Cosmic Millstone: Time as a Relentless Cycle
One of the lesser-known but deeply symbolic aspects of Norse mythology is the idea of a cosmic millstone, which continuously grinds out fate and time itself. This concept appears in myths such as Grottasöngr (The Song of Grotti), in which a massive millstone is turned by two giant women, grinding out wealth and prosperity until it is eventually used to bring destruction. This illustrates the dual nature of fate—one moment it grants abundance, and the next it brings ruin.
This notion of fate as a constantly turning wheel rather than a straight line has profound implications for how people view their own lives and struggles. Many experience cycles of prosperity and hardship, love and loss, success and failure. The idea of an ever-turning millstone reinforces the belief that no condition is permanent—both good and bad times will pass, making resilience essential.
Modern individuals often struggle with the fear of uncertainty, worrying about financial stability, relationships, and personal achievement. However, the Norse perspective teaches that change is not an anomaly but an expectation. Just as the mill grinds out different results over time, people’s fortunes will naturally rise and fall. This cyclical view encourages acceptance of impermanence and fosters a mindset of adaptability. Rather than resisting change, those who embrace it as part of the natural order are better equipped to handle life’s unpredictability.
The Lure of the Scam: The False Prosperity Before the Fall
Before Ragnarök, the world of the Norse gods flourishes. The gods of Asgard rule, warriors earn their place in Valhalla, and the cosmos appears stable. However, this period of relative peace is deceptive—darkness is already creeping in, and the forces that will one day bring about Ragnarök are quietly preparing.
For scam victims, this corresponds to the early stages of the scam, where everything seems promising. Whether it is a romance scam, investment fraud, or online deception, scammers create an illusion of security and hope. They manipulate emotions to instill confidence and trust, just as Loki—the great Norse trickster—used cunning to deceive both gods and mortals.
At this stage, victims may feel like they have been given an opportunity that others have not. A romantic partner promises devotion, an investment appears to guarantee incredible returns, or an inheritance seems to offer financial freedom. The victim, unaware of the deception, feels like their life is changing for the better. Just as the gods of Asgard do not initially realize that Loki’s machinations will bring about their doom, scam victims are blind to the disaster ahead.
Ragnarök: The Devastation of Discovery
Perhaps the most famous example of Norse cyclical thinking is Ragnarök, the end of the world as the gods know it. This apocalyptic event involves the destruction of Asgard, Midgard (the human world), and all the major gods, including Odin and Thor. However, Ragnarök is not the ultimate end—after the devastation, a new world emerges, and a new cycle begins.
This idea mirrors Eastern traditions like Hindu cosmology, where time moves through vast repeating cycles of creation, destruction, and rebirth. In practical terms, it teaches a powerful lesson about resilience and renewal. Even in moments of total collapse—whether personal, financial, or emotional—there is always the possibility of rebuilding.
For ordinary people, this concept serves as a reminder that failure and loss are not final. Many individuals experience situations that feel like the “end of the world”—the death of a loved one, the collapse of a career, the loss of stability. However, just as Ragnarök is followed by renewal, personal hardships often lead to growth, new opportunities, and unexpected beginnings. The Norse view suggests that rather than fearing destruction, one should prepare for transformation.
For scam victims, Ragnarök is not just an event—it is an unavoidable fate. In Norse mythology, it is the moment when the world as it is known is shattered. The gods, despite their power, are unable to prevent it. The great wolf Fenrir breaks free from his chains, the world serpent Jörmungandr rises, and the sky itself burns. Even Odin, the all-wise Allfather, meets his end, devoured by Fenrir. The destruction is complete, chaotic, and irreversible.
For scam victims, Ragnarök occurs when they discover the truth—the moment they realize they have been deceived. The emotional impact is devastating. They may lose their life savings, their trust in people, their sense of self-worth. The shame, guilt, and heartbreak that come with the realization of betrayal feel like an apocalyptic collapse of their personal world.
Just as Asgard burns and the gods fall, scam victims experience the destruction of everything they believed was real. Their relationships, finances, and emotional stability may crumble in an instant. Many victims describe this moment as feeling like their entire reality has collapsed. The emotional toll can be immense—grief, anger, and despair often overwhelm them, just as the gods despair in their final battle.
And yet, just as the Norse gods fought despite knowing they would lose, scam victims must decide how they will face their destruction. Will they let shame consume them, or will they fight to reclaim their dignity and future?
The Aftermath of Ragnarök: Facing the Ashes
After Ragnarök, the world is not entirely lost. Though Asgard falls, a new world rises from the ruins. Some gods survive, and the cycle begins again. The earth, once ravaged, is renewed, and new life emerges. The Norse did not view Ragnarök as a true end, but rather a transition from one reality to another.
For scam victims, this moment of rebirth and rebuilding is essential. Once the initial devastation subsides, there is an opportunity to start anew. However, just as the gods do not immediately return to their former glory, victims must go through a process of healing, learning, and transformation.
This process often involves:
Accepting the Reality of What Happened – Just as the Norse gods accept their fate and fight bravely in Ragnarök, scam victims must acknowledge what has happened to them without self-blame. The past cannot be changed, but the future can be shaped.
Understanding the Mechanics of Deception – Survivors who study scams, manipulation tactics, and psychological tricks become less vulnerable in the future. Knowledge is power.
Restoring Self-Worth – Many victims feel foolish or ashamed. The Norse concept of honor and perseverance teaches that one’s worth is not in avoiding hardship, but in how one faces it.
Rebuilding Financial and Emotional Stability – Just as the world regenerates after Ragnarök, victims must take active steps to regain control—whether through financial planning, seeking therapy, or finding a support network.
Helping Others Avoid the Same Fate – In Norse myths, those who survive Ragnarök help rebuild the world. Scam survivors who educate others, spread awareness, and support fellow victims become part of a new cycle of protection and empowerment.
The Cycle Continues: Learning from the Past
In Norse mythology, the cycle of creation and destruction is endless. Just as the gods fall, they also rise again. This reflects a deep truth about human life—hardship is inevitable, but so is recovery.
For scam victims, the journey from trust to betrayal, destruction to renewal is a difficult one, but it is also an opportunity for transformation. Many survivors emerge from their experience stronger, wiser, and more prepared for the future. They carry forward lessons that make them less susceptible to manipulation, just as the survivors of Ragnarök shape the new world with knowledge from the past.
Embracing the Norse Perspective on Fate and Recovery
The Norse understanding of fate provides a profound and empowering framework for scam victims. It acknowledges that some losses are unavoidable, that deception is a force as old as time, and that destruction—though painful—is not the end. More importantly, it teaches that what matters is not just what happens, but how one chooses to respond.
Scam victims, like the warriors of Asgard, may fall in battle, but they do not have to stay down. Rebuilding is possible, renewal is inevitable, and the future—though shaped by the past—is still unwritten. The cycle continues, and with it comes the opportunity to rise again, wiser and stronger than before.
How Norse Cyclical Fate Shapes Modern Thinking
Even in the modern era, the Norse understanding of fate as a wheel continues to influence thought patterns, particularly in how people approach challenges and setbacks. Key takeaways from this worldview include:
Acceptance of the Uncontrollable – Some aspects of life are predestined or shaped by external forces. Understanding this can help people focus their energy on what they can change rather than fixating on what they cannot.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity – Life operates in cycles, meaning hardship is temporary. Adopting this mindset can help individuals push through difficulties with the understanding that better times will come.
The Importance of Honor and Action – While fate is woven by the Norns, how you meet it matters. This reinforces personal accountability—although certain events may be beyond your control, your actions and responses define your character.
Endings Are Also Beginnings – Ragnarök teaches that destruction is not the final chapter. Whether in careers, relationships, or personal struggles, what feels like the end is often the beginning of something new.
The Joseph Cambell Interpretation
Joseph Campbell, the renowned mythologist and author of The Hero with a Thousand Faces, interpreted Ragnarök and the Norse cycle of fate through the lens of his monomyth, or the hero’s journey—a universal narrative pattern found in myths across cultures. Campbell saw Ragnarök not just as a tale of destruction, but as a symbolic transformation—an essential stage in the journey of individuals as they navigate life’s struggles, losses, and rebirths. He believed that these myths held deep psychological truths that could be applied to people’s everyday lives, particularly in times of crisis, transition, and self-discovery.
Ragnarök as a Necessary Destruction in the Hero’s Journey
For Campbell, Ragnarök was not simply a doomsday event, but an inevitable stage of personal transformation. He often emphasized that mythology speaks to the psychological and spiritual development of individuals. In the Norse cycle of fate, everything—including the gods themselves—is bound by an inescapable destiny. Ragnarök represents the death of the old self—the part of life or identity that must be destroyed so that something new can emerge.
This interpretation aligns closely with the descent and rebirth cycle in the hero’s journey. Campbell described how every individual must undergo a “death”—whether literal or symbolic—before they can be reborn into a new state of being. The fall of the gods at Ragnarök is akin to the hero facing their darkest moment, the abyss where they must surrender their old identity before transformation occurs.
Fate, Free Will, and How We Respond to Crisis
One of Campbell’s most famous ideas is the phrase, “Follow your bliss,” meaning that people should embrace their personal calling despite the hardships that may come. In the Norse worldview, fate (or wyrd) is inescapable, but Campbell would argue that while the events of life may be predetermined, how we respond to them is what truly matters.
For example, in Ragnarök, even though Odin, Thor, and the other gods know they are doomed, they still fight bravely. This reflects Campbell’s belief that individuals must confront their greatest fears with courage, even when success is uncertain. He applied this idea to real life by encouraging people to accept the difficulties of life, not resist them, and instead see them as part of their journey toward personal growth.
In daily life, this means recognizing that setbacks, betrayals, and failures are not just random misfortunes but necessary transformations. A failed career, a broken relationship, or even personal financial ruin might feel like the “end of the world,” but Campbell would suggest that these experiences clear the way for something new to emerge, just as a new world is born after Ragnarök.
The Role of the Trickster: Loki and the Chaos of Transformation
Campbell often discussed the trickster archetype, a figure present in many mythologies, including Loki in Norse myths. Loki represents chaos, change, and destruction, serving as both the catalyst and the betrayer in Ragnarök. However, Campbell saw the trickster not as purely evil, but as a necessary force that disrupts order so that transformation can occur.
In life, Loki represents the unpredictable forces that throw us off course, whether it’s an unexpected loss, a personal failure, or an encounter with deception (such as a scam). People often resist these disruptions, but Campbell would argue that these moments are essential to breaking free from outdated patterns and beliefs.
For example, when someone falls victim to a scam, they might see it only as a terrible misfortune, but from a Campbellian perspective, it is also an initiation into a deeper understanding of trust, deception, and personal resilience. The pain of the betrayal forces the individual into a new awareness of themselves and their vulnerabilities. In other words, Loki’s chaos forces the individual to wake up and evolve.
Rebirth and the New World: Finding Meaning in Hardship
In Campbell’s hero’s journey, after the death and rebirth phase, the hero returns to the world with newfound wisdom. Ragnarök follows the same pattern—the gods perish, but from the ashes of the old world, a new world emerges, fresh and full of possibilities.
Campbell saw this as a universal human experience. Every major loss, failure, or moment of despair carries within it the seeds of renewal. He suggested that when individuals suffer personal destruction—whether through external betrayal, internal struggles, or life-altering events—they must recognize that something new is trying to be born within them.
In everyday life, this means that every hardship is an invitation to transformation. After a devastating loss, whether emotional, financial, or personal, Campbell’s interpretation of Ragnarök would encourage individuals to embrace change, grieve the loss, and then look forward to the rebirth that follows.
For a scam victim, this might mean:
Accepting that the past cannot be changed—just as the gods could not escape Ragnarök
Understanding the lesson within the experience—becoming wiser, more cautious, and better prepared for the future
Rebuilding a stronger self—just as a new world arises after the destruction of the old
Applying Campbell’s Interpretation of Ragnarök to Modern Life
Campbell believed that myths serve as roadmaps for the human experience. The Norse cycle of fate and Ragnarök reflect the patterns of loss and renewal that people experience in everyday life. Whether it’s a personal betrayal, a career failure, a financial setback, or a deep emotional loss, these events often feel like the end of the world—but they are simply one phase in the cycle of transformation.
To apply this understanding:
Recognize that destruction is part of growth – Life’s difficulties are not meaningless suffering; they are part of the necessary transformation that leads to a new phase.
Confront challenges with courage – Like the Norse gods who fought valiantly despite knowing they would lose, you must face your struggles with bravery, even when the outcome is uncertain.
Look for the lesson within loss – Hardship carries wisdom. Whether it’s learning to be more cautious, setting better boundaries, or understanding human nature, every experience has value.
Embrace renewal – Just as the Norse world is reborn after Ragnarök, every crisis in life creates an opportunity for reinvention and growth.
Living the Norse Myth in a Campbellian World
Joseph Campbell’s interpretation of Ragnarök was not just about destruction, but about the inevitable transformation that follows it. He saw myths as psychological and spiritual tools that guide people through their own struggles, helping them make sense of suffering and find purpose in hardship.
For those going through difficult times—whether it be the betrayal of a scam, the loss of a relationship, or a personal crisis—Campbell’s insights remind us that every ending carries within it the seed of a new beginning. Just as the Norse gods fought until the end, knowing their world would perish, we too must face our challenges head-on. And just as a new world rose from the ashes of Ragnarök, we must recognize that our own destruction is not the end, but the gateway to a new and wiser self.
Conclusion: Fate as a Turning Wheel in Everyday Life
The Norse concept of fate—governed by the Norns, shaped by the cosmic millstone, and culminating in Ragnarök—illustrates a universe that moves in endless cycles. Rather than a straight path with a defined beginning and end, life is an ongoing process of rise and fall, struggle and renewal. This perspective provides a framework for dealing with uncertainty, encouraging both acceptance and action in the face of adversity.
For modern individuals, this philosophy offers both comfort and challenge. It suggests that while certain struggles may be unavoidable, they are also impermanent. Change is an inherent part of life, and recognizing this can make personal hardships easier to endure. More importantly, it emphasizes the power of choice—you may not control the events of your life, but you can control how you face them. Just as the Norse gods fought valiantly in the face of Ragnarök, you too can meet life’s cycles with courage, resilience, and the readiness to begin anew.
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- Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
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- Please visit www.ScamPsychology.org – to more fully understand the psychological concepts involved in scams and scam victim recovery
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A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
SCARS Resources:
- Getting Started: ScamVictimsSupport.org
- FREE enrollment in the SCARS Institute training programs for scam victims SCARSeducation.org
- For New Victims of Relationship Scams newvictim.AgainstScams.org
- Subscribe to SCARS Newsletter newsletter.againstscams.org
- Sign up for SCARS professional support & recovery groups, visit support.AgainstScams.org
- Find competent trauma counselors or therapists, visit counseling.AgainstScams.org
- Become a SCARS Member and get free counseling benefits, visit membership.AgainstScams.org
- Report each and every crime, learn how to at reporting.AgainstScams.org
- Learn more about Scams & Scammers at RomanceScamsNOW.com and ScamsNOW.com
- Learn more about the Psychology of Scams and Scam Victims: ScamPsychology.org
- Self-Help Books for Scam Victims are at shop.AgainstScams.org
- Worldwide Crisis Hotlines: International Suicide Hotlines – OpenCounseling : OpenCounseling
- Campaign To End Scam Victim Blaming – 2024 (scamsnow.com)
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this and other SCARS articles are intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
Note about Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices have the potential to create psychological distress for some individuals. Please consult a mental health professional or experienced meditation instructor for guidance should you encounter difficulties.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here
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