Norse Mythology

This is the telling of a select group of Norse myths with the signature humor and down-to-earth prose of Neil Gaiman. It’s a fascinating collection of stories and is well ordered so that the reader is often familiar with references to past events from earlier stories.After an introduction that explains how Gaiman first became interested in Norse mythology both through the comics and then actual mythologies, there are a couple chapters that largely provide background before delving into the chosen Norse myths in great detail. One of these chapters gives extended “bios”—if you will—for three of the most prominent characters: Odin, Thor, and Loki. Then there are a couple chapters that both convey the timeline and of the spatial dimensions of the nine realms of the world the Norse created.There is a brief story of how Odin lost his eye in the pursuit of wisdom that’s entitled “Mimir’s Head and Odin’s Eye.”It’s from this point on that the stories are substantial and complete. The first of these stories is entitled “The Treasures of the Gods” and it’s about of how Loki created a competition among dwarf master craftsman. Loki does this in order to keep Thor from beating him with Mjöllnir after the god of mischief stole the hair of Thor’s wife, Sif (one of the items to be judged by the gods was stipulated to be a set of hair that would reattach and be as beautiful as Sif’s original hair.) The competition was Loki’s way of using a clever ploy to make the fix without it costing him anything and while at least sticking it to the dwarfs a little. The story is also well positioned as some of the items that are gifted to the gods in the competition are seen repeatedly in later stories. Loki creating mischief is a recurring theme not only in Norse mythology, but in this collection of myths specifically as they make for some particularly humorous tales. “The Master Builder” is about a builder who shows up right as the Asgardians need a wall built. He claims that he can build it improbably quickly in exchange for the sun, the mood, and the hand of Freya (the most beautiful Norse goddess) in marriage. While all the other gods consider the price too high—not the least of whom being Freya—Loki convinces them that it’s an impossible task and that they can get free foundations if they give the builder a set timeline (a fraction of what he stated) and set another limitation or two. When they are on the verge of losing, the gods—suspecting the builder isn’t what he appears—agree to cheat.“The Children of Loki” concerns a second family that Loki that is kept secret from the Asgardians. The three are an odd bunch: a girl that is half beauty / half corpse, the creature that becomes the Midgard serpent, and Fenrir wolf. Most of the story deals with the wolf child and the fact that they will only release the creature if they know that they can later bind it, but its strength is such that it seems to be able to break any binding. This story also explains why the Norse god Tyr has only one hand.“Freya’s Unusual Wedding” This story revisits the idea of someone trying to negotiate Freya’s hand in marriage. Freya proves unwilling to take one for the team in order to fix the problems of other gods—in this case Thor’s hammer, Mjöllnir, has gone missing and the thief says he will give it back as a wedding gift. This time it is Heimdall—rather than Loki—who hatches a clever plot that will save the day.“The Mead of Poets” This story revolves around a god of wisdom named Kvasir who comes into being after a strange treaty agreement between the Aesir and the Vanirs. Kvasir is killed and his blood is used to brew mead that is said to give imbibers the ability to write great poetry. This time it is Odin who saves the day and retrieves the mead. It also offers a humorous explanation of from whence bad poetry comes.“Thor’s Journey to the Land of the Giants” Thor travels with Loki, and—eventually—with a fast bondservant named Thialfi (how Thialfi comes to be with them is part of a prank that Loki pulls that is explained at the story’s beginning.) The three were each subjected to a competition to see whether they were worthy, and it appears they weren’t.“The Apples of Immortality” This is another tale that begins with a traveling trio including Thor and Loki. When Loki gets himself into hot water, he agrees to hand over the Apples of Immortality, which go hand-in-hand with the goddess who oversees them, Idunn. Without Idunn’s apples the Asgardian gods age and die like humans. Loki first has to hatch a plot to surrender Idunn, and then he’s forced by the angry and aging gods to carry out a plan to get her back.“The Story of Gerd and Frey” This is a love story in which the god Frey (brother to the aforementioned Freya) is smitten with a woman named Gerd. Frey promises his magical sword, capable of defeating any attack, to his manservant in order for him to ask for Gerd’s hand.“Hymir and Thor’s Fishing Expedition” Thor needs to borrow the huge mead cauldron of a giant to make a massive banquet happen. Thor goes on a fishing trip to help grease the wheel with the giant, who is very attached to the cauldron. Thor shows both his legendary strength and dimwittedness, but ultimately wins a bet that will grant him ownership of the cauldron.“The Death of Balder” Balder is one of the most beloved Norse gods, and he dies as the result of one of Loki’s vicious mischiefs. To call it a prank would seem to trivialize it, but that seems to be how Loki views these acts. When the overseer of the underworld (where the dead who didn’t die gloriously in battle go), Hel, agrees that she will release Balder if all the creatures of the world agree that he was beloved, Loki outdoes himself.“The Last Days of Loki” Adding insults (literally) to the injury of having been responsible for the death of Balder, Loki heads off into exile, but is pursued by the Asgardian gods.“Ragnarok: The Final Destiny of the Gods” Here we have a description of how the Asgardian end of days is to play out. The Norse gods aren’t immortal, but Ragnarok is the end of a cycle, but not the end of all existence.As I mentioned, the first couple chapters offer more backstory than the extensive myths through the rest of the book. This works well as it gives the reader the necessary background in a readable and palatable fashion. Another nice feature is a glossary that includes all the named characters and major places mentioned throughout the book. The section of mini-bios at the front only covers Odin, Thor, and Loki, and so it’s beneficial to have a list of all the various other gods--a number of whom (e.g. Freya, Frigg, Heimdall, Tyr, etc.) play major roles in one or more of the stories.I’d highly recommend this book. It’s extremely readable, humorous, and educational to boot.

The title alone is self-explanatory. This is a collection of Norse Mythology that is presented to us by Neil Gaiman. I find it unnecessary to remind many of you of the standards to which I happen to hold this particular author to. He is an auto-buy. He has proven his worth and earned that respect. He tirelessly prevails and exceeds. So I had no doubts that this beautifully and so aptly covered book would meet these high expectations.What is presented to us is a masterfully crafted interpretation of myths that are easily engaging equally for readers with a solid background in Norse mythology to those with little to no previously working knowledge. I admit that I fall into this latter category. In fact, I believe most of my learned mythology was derived from comics and video games. My high school and college studies tend to have leaned more heavily towards Greek mythology. So I can claim not true intellectual comprehension, I speak only of what I took away from this reading.This was an experience that read more of a worthy and fascinating history than simply fiction. We are given a clear concept of the events that unfolded during the lives of Odin, Thor and Loki. The stories are delivered in an almost simplistic yet impactful and memorable manner that has made the entire event flawlessly engrossing and informative. Gaiman has taken something older and complex at times and made it approachable for every individual.After a welcoming introduction, we are immediately introduced to the key players and some familiar Gods for many of you:Odin – He is oldest of all gods and the all-father, he is known by many names.Thor – He is known for his strength and his legendary hammer Mjollnir, he is a son of Odin.Loki – He is known for his wit and looks. He is a constant thorn in the sides of the other gods and Odin’s blood brother.Don’t fret, Gaiman has left no stone unturned including many other gods and characters that are familiar to Norse mythology, including dear Freya.I attribute part of the successful execution of Norse Mythology to just how well Gaiman has managed to divide each story and narration appropriately. He has even so kindly inserted a thorough glossary for those who find themselves in need. The reading process is fluid and effortless. This is a title that could easily be consumed within a few hours.We are graciously gifted 15 stories within this beautiful title. My favorites would include:Mimir’s Head and Odin’s EyeFreya’s Unusual WeddingHymir and Thor’s Fishing ExpeditionThe Last Days of LokiIf I had to choose an absolute favorite god, it would be Loki. For all of his mischief and arrogance, there was a great amount of entertainment to be found within his exploits and adventures. He truly is cunning.“Because,” said Thor, “when something goes wrong, the first thing I always think is, it is Loki’s fault. It saves a lot of time.”“He is tolerated by the gods, perhaps because his stratagems and plans save them as often as they get them into trouble.Loki makes the world more interesting but less safe. He is the father of monsters, the author of woes, the sly god.”Gaiman has vividly painted the worlds of Asgard and beyond with great clarity. This fascinating history of mythology unfolds in a way that only he could make happen. His ability to weave endlessly enchanting stories full of magic and promise carry you effortlessly on a journey from the very birth of Odin to Ragnarök. Even those with zero comprehension of Norse mythology will walk away feeling knowledgeable and satisfied.⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman, first published in paperback in 2018, really needs no review. But I am going to try, without spoilers, anyway.First off there is an wonderful introduction why he explains how he got into Norse myths in the first place. Then a small section dealing with the major players of the tales. Odin, Thor, and Loki.After that are fifteen chapters that are each a tale from the mythology. Mr. Gaiman did his best to take the many versions and combine them in a way that made sense but was also delightful to read and respective. In the back of the book are notes detailing the sources of each tale and there is also a glossary. In case you don’t know what the Bifrost is or need more information about Ullr. Thor’s stepson by the way.The author does a good job of showing us the good, the bad, and the ugly. Because while Loki is self-centered, greedy, cruel, and sometimes does REALLY evil stuff the others are just barely better. Not as bad as the Greek Gods. Almost. But, yeah, Odin should not be trusted as he follows the letter of any oath he takes. But will still use loopholes to get out of them. And Thor…kills people when he gets upset. Like, bystanders. Just anybody in the room when he goes nuts. He has a hammer and he likes to use it to solve all problems.Are there other version of the tales out there? Yes. Does it take away my joy from reading his versions of the myths? No.This is Neil Gaiman and Norse Myths. Five out of five. Duh.

This book is great! Gaiman’s novel is perfect if you’re interested in Old Norse mythology, and if you’re looking to have a few laughs along the way. It’s a lovely read!

Gutes Buch für Zwischendurch. Ein paar wichtige Geschichten der Nordischen Mythologie, zum angenehmen Lesen aufbereitet.

Da studioso della materia approvo e apprezzo il tocco di Gaiman. Sarebbe bello che sottoponesse anche altre storie della mitologia Norrena al trattamento Gaiman.

Un poco corto para mí gusto, eso o que se me ha quedado corto. Me ha gustado mucho, he leído por ahí que es para los que empiezan con la mitología nórdica y estoy de acuerdo. Muy bueno, la verdad.

This Norse Mythology book review is for those who want to learn more about the legends of the Norse Gods. Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman is a fantastic start.I have always been fascinated by myths and legends. Whether it was the Ancient Greek and Roman gods and goddesses or Celtic folklore, there is just something so brilliant about reading and exploring these fantasy stories.I have read the Poetic Edda, so I had an awareness of the stories already, but Norse Mythology was a fantastic read. If you know little to nothing of these myths, this book is a fantastic place to begin.Accessible Writing StyleThe only other book written by Neil Gaiman that I have read is American Gods. In my review of that book, I talk about how easy the writing style makes it to read.Learning Norse mythology from scratch by beginning with the Prose Edda or Poetic Edda can put some people off. This book, however picks some of the most important, relevant and entertains takes from those older texts and makes them accessible to a wide audience.Whether it is Loki tying his testicles which are then yanked by an animal to make someone laugh, or Thor dressing as a bride to recover his hammer from a thief, the stories are brought to life and often very funny.Additional StorytellingRather than reading like a dry encyclopaedia, Norse Mythology is written as a collection of fantastic story stories. Neil Gaiman really brings the characters and tales to life.Yes, the overall stories are the same as those from the Poetic Edda and Prose Edda, but they are rewritten almost to be quirky fantasy short stories. Adding dialogue, travelogue and extra scenes enhances the characterisation of the gods, goddesses and other beings and creatures.Although from older texts it is clear that Thor is a little… slow, Neil Gaiman’s depiction of the god of thunder through dialogue makes that aspect of this character funnier. It also adds a little nuance as Thor also has other aspect to his personality that are essential to understanding him.In conclusion to this Norse Mythology book review I would certainly recommend the novel to anyone with an interest in these deities and accompanying stories. Additionally, if you like fantasy in general this is a fantastic read, as well as a quick and easy one too.