Norse Mythology - Kirjakasa

Hardcover, 299 pages

English language

Published Feb. 7, 2017 by W. W. Norton & Company.

ISBN:: 978-0-393-60909-7
Goodreads:: 30809689

(1 review)

Neil Gaiman, long inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction, presents a bravura rendition of the Norse gods and their world from their origin though their upheaval in Ragnarok.

In Norse Mythology, Gaiman stays true to the myths in envisioning the major Norse pantheon: Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin’s son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki—son of a giant—blood brother to Odin and a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator.

Gaiman fashions these primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds and delves into the exploits of deities, dwarfs, and giants. Through Gaiman’s deft and witty prose, these gods emerge with their fiercely competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to duping others, and their tendency to let passion ignite their actions, making these long-ago myths breathe …

Neil Gaiman, long inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction, presents a bravura rendition of the Norse gods and their world from their origin though their upheaval in Ragnarok.

In Norse Mythology, Gaiman stays true to the myths in envisioning the major Norse pantheon: Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin’s son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki—son of a giant—blood brother to Odin and a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator.

Gaiman fashions these primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds and delves into the exploits of deities, dwarfs, and giants. Through Gaiman’s deft and witty prose, these gods emerge with their fiercely competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to duping others, and their tendency to let passion ignite their actions, making these long-ago myths breathe pungent life again.

2 editions

Thom reviewed Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

Review of 'Norse Mythology' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

A lover of stories and mythologies, this author went back to early sources and put together his own wonderful tales. These gods just pop off the page, so to speak, in all their complicated glory. From early days to Ragnarok (and beyond), these short stories stand alone but also work well together. They are also familiar, yet new.

Neil Gaiman said his first exposure to the Norse was Marvel Comics. Mine was Deities and Demigods, a supplement for AD&D. I would recommend Neil's book much more strongly, unless you need to know the hit point totals.

Bonus - the audio book is read by the author, who is also a master storyteller. If you have even an ounce of interest in the topic, read this book.