Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (part 20)

(I'd be curious to see when those stories entered the canon of both mythologies. Like historically, the Norse and the Christians have had extensive contact. The parallels you're referencing date back to Judaic stories, to be fair, but the idea of one religion's tales influencing the other seems highly plausible.
I'll ask my dad; he studies Norse sagas and myths academically--like he used to teach this stuff at universities. Maybe he's got an idea of which influenced which, or whether they did at all. Other religions have similar stories, after all, like the Garden of Hesperides in Greek mythology. Things sometimes evolve convergently or are influenced by another thing so long ago that the connection is forgotten.)

"If you say so." A smile played about their lips. "I'm a cynic, I'm afraid."

(o.o ope I forgot your family is all freaky smart lol I just lol at TikToks but I would be interested in your dad's take on it)

Lia cocked her head to the side. "May I ask why?"

(I'll ask him when I go over tomorrow to get air in my tires)

"Why?" Shea grinned openly. "I'm old and tired. I've seen too much of the world to believe the fools that say the Jackrabbit means well. He's a selfish and careless god, and we're stuck with him."

(aha the duality of fathers - knowledge and car help)

Lia glanced at Gowan for confirmation or denial, or any hint thereof.

(Amen)

Gowan was lounging on the sofa, simply watching Shea and Lia talk. He seemed bored.

Lia hesitantly looked back at Shea. "... Oh."

"You'll get there, dear, don't worry."

"It's... a lot to take in." Lia settled back into her chair.

"Not if you pay attention to your studies," they pointed out. "It's no secret that the Jackrabbit doesn't give a rat's ass about anyone."

"Then why does he bother to rule over multiple regions? Why not just run off?"

"To where, I wonder?" Gaius asked.

"He doesn't rule, he plays," Shea corrected. "We're playthings."

"... And the trolls? They're also playthings?"

"Ask yourself this," Sara suggested. "If Gaius's theory is true but your religion only has one god, where are the others?"

"... The Trolls are the other gods?" Lia furrowed her brow.

"The Loquiturs may be a bit chaotic when you arrive," Gaius said suddenly. Sara, who had been about to respond as patiently as she could, gave him a surprised glance.

"Oh?" Shea raised an eyebrow.

"It's been quite awhile since they've been home; I expect things will need putting in order. There was a delay before--the adopted daughter's situation required that they stay put for a time."