Rob P (30 KP) rated Norse Mythology in Books
Apr 22, 2019 (Updated Apr 23, 2019)
I love mythology, and this book is a great starting point if you wish to know about the more "Hollywood" stars of Norse myth (Odin, Thor, Loki, the dwarves and frost giants, Hel (or Hela, as marvel would have it) Frey and Freya and Mimir and Heimdall and a host of others whose names you may have heard).
One of the acclaims on the front of the book sums this up quite well. "Gaiman takes on the role of the fireside Bard" - it's an easy metaphor to use, as this really is a collection of stories simplified to tales of adventure and deceit.
The vikings (or Scandinavians in general) were clearly looking to explain certain phenomena using these characters (much like Greek and Roman mythology) and I love reading about that. Trying to put myself in the position of an awed villager hearing thunder and the seeing the flash of lighting, reasoning that it must be the indomitable Thor, wielding the mighty Mjollnir, ending the life of a wicked Frost Giant with a gigantic blow. Or feeling an earthquake, and believing it must be Loki, trapped in his mountain prison, the burn of the snake's venom corroding his face as his screams of agony set the very mountains to trembling. Waiting for Ragnarok to break his bonds and have his revenge on the gods. Wonderful stuff.
If you have any interest in mythology and (like me) you don't want to dive into more reference or poetry-based offerings right away, this is a great place to start.
I guarantee that once you do, you may very well want to carry on into the more heavy hitting titles out there pertaining to Norse myth.
Definitely recommended.
Rob
World Mythology in Bite-Sized Chunks
Book
A masterful introduction to world mythology, shedding light on the impact it has had on cultures...
Viking Age Podcast
Podcast
Sharing the History of The Viking Age, one podcast at a time. We are covering the History of...
The Ring of the Nibelung
Richard Wagner and John Deathridge
Book
The Ring of the Nibelung is a cycle of four epic operas by Wagner, based loosely on characters from...
Thor: Ragnarok (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Mark Mothersbaugh
8.1
Rate It
Album
For cosmic action film Thor: Ragnarok, composer Mark Mothersbaugh seemingly pulled out all the...
Thor, Volume 1
7.0
Rate It
Book
Thor is back! And in a story only J. Michael Straczynski could tell! Returned to the pantheon of...
PlayStation 4 Gold Wireless Headset
7.9
Rate It
Tech Watch
Take charge of every game with precise wireless control, refined sticks and responsive triggers....
Project Wight
Video Game Watch
Project Wight is set in the alternative Middle Ages, in the Viking era, inspired by the legend of...