Norse Mythology

eBook, 256 pages

English language

Published Nov. 29, 2017

ISBN:: 978-0-393-60910-3

(2 reviews)

Neil Gaiman has long been inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction. Now he turns his attention back to the source, presenting a bravura rendition of the great northern tales. In Norse Mythology, Gaiman fashions primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds; delves into the exploits of the deities, dwarves, and giants; and culminates in Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods and the rebirth of a new time and people. Gaiman stays true to the myths while vividly reincarnating Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin’s son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki, the son of giants, a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator. From Gaiman’s deft and witty prose emerges the gods with their fiercely competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to dupe others, and their …

Neil Gaiman has long been inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction. Now he turns his attention back to the source, presenting a bravura rendition of the great northern tales. In Norse Mythology, Gaiman fashions primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds; delves into the exploits of the deities, dwarves, and giants; and culminates in Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods and the rebirth of a new time and people. Gaiman stays true to the myths while vividly reincarnating Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin’s son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki, the son of giants, a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator. From Gaiman’s deft and witty prose emerges the gods with their fiercely competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to dupe others, and their tendency to let passion ignite their actions, making these long-ago myths breathe pungent life again.

5 editions

𝐋’𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐋 𝐃𝐔 𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄. reviewed Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

2 stars

I was really looking forward to this book as I enjoy myth and legends, but I couldn't finish it. The myths themselves were simply too outrageous, required too much suspension of belief, to find them engaging. Having just read a book on Celtic myth and monsters, I figured I was well primed for this content but it just didn't engage me the same way. I found the tales to be rambling and nonsensical. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it were less of a straight retelling and more of a here's the tale, now let's talk analysis and how it has shaped our world via pop culture, history, etc.

Taru Luojola reviewed Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

Norjalaisen jumaltaruston myyttejä aloittelijoille

3 stars

Gaiman on kirjoittanut joukon norjalaiseen mytologiaan pohjautuvia tarinoita, joissa jumalat, jättiläiset, kääpiöt ynnä muut sankarit seikkailevat melko klassisissa myyttisissä merkeissä. Ihan käypäisiä tarinoita, ja tällaiselle norjalaista mytologiaa lähinnä pintapuolisesti tuntevalle nämä menevät ihan täydestä. Se tietenkin häiritsee, että kaikki nimet on survottu nykyenglannin 26 aakkosmerkin puitteisiin.