Introduction
Hello and welcome, dear reader, to another installment of scientific breakdowns of questions posed by Christopher Francis Ocean. Today we will be discussing the possibility of Mr. Ocean coming out as Mr. Surtr - the bringer of Ragnarök. If you missed the previous installment where we discussed a line in Biking regarding the effects of moving air and heat dissipation, please feel free to give that a read over here.
Context, Lyrics and the Question
In the Blonde album closer, Futura Free, our Los Angeles based rapper/singer heads into a realm of philosophy that touches upon theological territory. He asks his mother, Katonya Breaux Riley, the following:
I'm just a guy I'm not a god Sometimes I feel like I'm a god but I'm not a god If I was I don't know which heaven would have me, momma? Let me run this ***** I'ma run it into the ground momma, the whole galaxy
[Christopher Francis Ocean, Futura Free, 2016]
This is indeed a valid question! Which heaven (a symbolic term which we will interpret as referring to a form of religious belief system) would be suitable for inviting Mr. Ocean, a god-but-not-really-a-god, to essentially destroy the whole universe?
Analysis
None of the most popular religions in the world seem to fit the mission statement that Mr. Ocean posits here: neither Christianity, Islam nor Hinduism seem to have religious scriptures that are a match for being run over by a would-be galaxy destroyer. We will have to find a place for our god-but-not-really-a-god elsewhere.
And luckily enough, there is a place for Mr. Ocean in a religion: in the Norse Mythology, as Surtr, the bringer of the foretold apocalyptic event known as Ragnarök. Let us lay out the reasoning for this by learning more about the writings on Surtr:
Surtr is foretold as being a major figure during the events of Ragnarök; carrying his bright sword, he will go to battle against the Æsir, he will do battle with the major god Freyr, and afterward the flames that he brings forth will engulf the Earth – Surtr will fling fire over the earth and burn the whole world.
[Henry Adams Bellows, The Poetic Edda: The Mythological Poems, 2004]
Seems pretty fitting a role for a galaxy destroyer as Mr. Ocean, no? Also, Surtr fits the description perfectly of a being like Mr. Ocean that sometimes feels like a god but is not a god, as Surtr is a Jötunn, more specifically a Fire Giant – who is not recognized as a God but can do battle with Gods. Also, Mr. Ocean could likely be a Fire Giant, as he 100% spits fire. And besides, what can make you feel like a God more than defeating one in combat:
If Ragnarok comes to pass, Surtr will rise up with the legions of Hela's dead mortals and attack the forces of Asgard. It is prophesied that should this happen, Surtr will slay the god Frey.
[Raven Kaldera, Northern Paganism, 2012]
We’ll let you guys prophesy.
[Christopher Francis Ocean, Nikes, 2016]
in conclusion Narthok is based and a true son of Odin
yours in raiding,
