Norse Mythology

It’s been kind of wonderful to see Neil Gaiman’s stunned reaction to the runaway success of Norse Mythology, a book that, to be fair, really shouldn’t be as popular as it is. Let’s be clear – Norse Mythology isn’t a new novel from Gaiman, isn’t a new collection of stories. Rather, it’s exactly what the title suggests: a retelling of Norse myths by Gaiman himself, infusing the rich, vibrant Norse myths with his own dry humor and rich storytelling voice. And while the book is undeniably wonderful, you can’t help but understand where Gaiman is coming from. Books of mythology aren’t exactly your typical bestsellers, give or take a Rick Riordan novel, and Norse myths even less so – they’ve never had the cultural cachet of the Greek and Roman gods. And yet, in many ways, that’s what makes Norse Mythology such a rewarding read. Oh, yes, there’s Gaiman’s inimitable voice, which brings these tales to life as they’ve rarely been done before; with his direct, demanding Thor, his sneaky Loki, and the menagerie of creatures and tales at his disposal, Norse Mythology feels undeniably like the work of the same man who wrote American Gods and Sandman. (Indeed, any fan of American Gods will be thrilled to see the origins of some of that book’s odder scenes here.) Gaiman’s love of myth and archetype is long since established, but his joy in exploring this vein of stories really comes through in every page. But more than that, Norse Mythology works partially because of its novelty. Most of us don’t know much about the Norse myths beyond what we’ve gained from Marvel’s version of Thor and Loki (a starting point Gaiman himself shares, as he discusses in his introduction), which means that these aren’t stories we know that well. That allows the book to feel fresh and new in a way that Greek myths might not, telling stories we don’t already know – everything from the origins of poetry in the world to the creation of the wall around the world, from the beginning of it all to the final battle, Ragnarok. And in Gaiman’s hands, it’s all exciting, funny, charming, and utterly magical. More than that, though, the Norse myths don’t feel like the myths we know – and while some of that is no doubt to Gaiman’s style, much of that comes from the characters themselves, who cheat, sneak, steal, battle, and betray every bit as much as humans, maybe even more so. These are universal tales, ones that play off of classical archetypes, but plunge us into a world most of us have no knowledge of. And if Gaiman takes a little too long to set it up (the first couple of chapters, which familiarize us with the world and the cast of characters, are undeniably a bit dry, but worth powering through to the first real tales), that’s okay; we need our chance to get our bearings. So, yes, Norse Mythology is a hit, and while it may be an unlikely one, it’s not an undeserving one. It’s pure Gaiman, in terms of theme and feel; while he may not have written the plots here, they reflect his love of myth and legend, his unique sensibility, and his ability to combine the archetypal and the personal into something rich. And more than that, it’s a window into history, belief, and religion of a sort that many of us never know. It’s a wonderful read, and deserves all of its success and then some.

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 Eye Freya’s Unusual Wedding Hymir and Thor’s Fishing Expedition The Last Days of Loki If 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. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Basically, I loved NORSE MYTHOLOGY. Before I read this, I was familiar with the basics about Norse myths, such as the gods' and goddesses' names and their purposes. (Also, for the record, I've watched the Thor films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but I always - and correctly, it seems - assumed those characters were loosely based on the originals.) So, reading more about Odin, Thor, Loki, and the other deities and races (dwarfs, mountain giants, frost giants) was both entertaining and enlightening, especially through Neil Gaiman's perspective. I can't say whether I have a favorite myth, but some stand out more than others. "The Treasures of the Gods" explains how certain gods came to have the weapons or trinkets they're famous for (e.g., Thor and his hammer) and is an excellent example of Loki's mischief and machinations. "Freya's Unusual Wedding" and "Hymir and Thor's Fishing Expedition" are both hilarious, and the creative in me couldn't help but appreciate "The Mead of Poets" for its origin story of poetry. "Ragnarok: The Final Destiny of the Gods" crowns the collection with the bloody, ultimately tragic final battle between the gods and their enemies and the bittersweet, hopeful promise of a new people's future. What I enjoyed most about NORSE MYTHOLOGY, though, was the overall arc formed by the stories. We see the beginning of the gods' time, the end, and numerous events in between that, altogether, show the gods in their prime, the enemies they gained, and their eventual fall. Not all of the Norse myths are included here (that's the jist I've gotten from other reviews I've read), but the ones that are give a rich enough flavor of the gods' world and each deity's flawed, deeply human nature. And Gaiman's writing. <3 It's so poetic and witty and (at the right times) vivid, as it is in his other stories. But in NORSE MYTHOLOGY, it's also sparse and concise. I didn't find this detrimental. In fact, it reminds me of the style of the Greek myths I read when I was young. This doesn't mean that NORSE MYTHOLOGY is a children's collection (in fact, I wouldn't recommend it to younger readers, due to some graphic depictions of violence). Instead, the writing's simplicity gives it an eloquence that's reminiscent of oral storytelling, like sitting around a campfire and hearing someone tell each myth. Do I have any criticisms? Well, a couple times the gods' dialogue sounded weirdly modern (mostly slang). And like other reviewers have said, I wouldn't have minded if a few (or even several) more myths were included. But overall, NORSE MYTHOLOGY is an absolute delight, clear and accessible in its presentation without compromising Gaiman's imagination and brilliance or the ancient grandness of Asgard, the surrounding realms, and their mythic residents.

Wonderful book!

This is genuine storytelling in the oral tradition. It is deliberately written as if you were listening to a grandmother telling the tale around the fire. Picture her waving her arms and leaning forward to emphasize a point, her voice going gutteral and silken interchangeably as she voices a giant or the Trickster Loki. A prime example is the story of how poetry was born. "It is a long story, and it does no credit to anyone: there is murder in it, and trickery, lies and foolishness, seduction and pursuit. Listen. It began not long after the dawn of time, in a war between the gods: the Aesir fought the Vanir. The Aesir were warlike gods of battle and conquest; the Vanir were softer, brother and sister gods and goddesses who made the soils fertile and the plants grow, but none the less powerful for that." It is a great story, with a perfect comedic last line. I had this idea that Norse mythology was dire and bleak. A mythology that ends with Ragnorök, the death of the gods and the end of the world doesn't sound entertaining. I couldn't be more wrong. For one thing, Ragnorök is the end of one cycle of the world. Like Wagner's Ring, the world will start over again, just as it once did to usher in the time of the gods. I have read other books by Neil Gaiman, and so far, this is my favorite. I thought the writing exceptionally evocative. Obviously, Gaiman had some amazing original material to work with, but this was great fun to read. It brings fabulous images to mind, such as this from "Hymir and Thor's Fishing Expedition": "The grandmother with nine hundred heads killed each ox, skinned it, and tossed it into her enormous cooking pot. The pot boiled and bubbled over a fire which hissed and spat, and she stirred it with a spoon as big as an oak tree. She sang quietly to herself as she cooked, in a voice like a thousand old women all singing at the tops of their voices at once." I usually buy paperbacks, but I got "Norse Mythology" in hardback, because the cover of the hardback is beautiful. The details of Thor's hammer, Mjölnir, are raised and the hammer glimmers. The story of why Thor's hammer is short-handled is included in this collection. Most of the depictions of the hammer in Viking jewelry and carvings show the handle even shorter than on the book cover. 5 stars and a book to re-read with great pleasure! Happy Reader

To be perfectly honest, I was more than a little disappointed by Gaiman's latest, NORSE MYTHOLOGY. Part of my problem with it was that I did not read any reviews or too much description about it. I preordered it and received it the day it was released, and upon reading the introduction, only then realized that rather than a new fantasy novel, it was a very straight retelling of several of the most well-known tales of Norse Mythology. D'Oh! Obviously I should have realized this from the title. Or I should have paid more attention to Neil's tweets. Anyway, much of the material was familiar to me from BULLFINCH'S MYTHOLOGY, that I read many years ago. It pains me to say that this was the first of all Gaiman's works that I didn't find completely enrapturing. But Gaiman is Gaiman and even though he played it straight, he imbues the legends with his own wry and subtle sense of humor. Sometimes a bit too much. Gaman's Loki is more clownish and less malevolent that I remember from other sources. There were a few chapters (legends) that were new to me, among them The Master Builder, The Children of Loki and Freya's Unusual Wedding. On the other hand, there was little embellishment of what I remembered from BULLFINCH'S MYTHOLOGY. Gaiman's at times irreverent descriptions of Odin, Thor, Loki and the other gods of Asgard will be at odds with what you think you know if you know the Aesir mostly from Marvel comics, and the heroes of Asgard, although almost always victorious, often find themselves in deep trouble, often because of Loki and their extreme hubris. The writing is excellent as is all of Gaiman's prose, and if you are looking to learn something about the gods of Asgard and the Nine Worlds and don't want to read the original source material, then you can hardly go wrong with Gaiman's NORSE MYTHOLOGY. But if you are already familiar with the Norse legends or are looking for a new novel starring the Asgardians, you are probably better off with Gaiman's AMERICAN GODS. JM Tepper

From The Sandman to American Gods, Neil Gaiman has often been inspired by Norse mythology. In this volume, he's spun his own take on the contents of the Poetic Edda and Prose Edda - the two main sources of the myths involving the Norse Gods. As he points out in the introduction, much is lost compared to Greco-Roman Mythology. I would personally guess that one of the major losses are probably more myths involving Frey, who was a major and widely revered God. But what remains has entered cultural consciousness beyond Scandinavia and those around the world of Scandinavian descent. First up, after the intro, are brief bios of the three primary Gods in the myths that we do have: Odin, Thor and Loki. Next is a cosmology of the Nine Worlds, where the stories take place. After that, we get to the bulk of the book: Retellings of the major Norse myths. They include the loss of Odin's eye, the loss of Tyr's hand and binding of Fenrir, Thor going undercover as Freya to retrieve his hammer Mjollnir, the theft and retrieval of Idun's golden apples, the famous contests at Utgardloki's hall, Thor's fishing expedition for his archnemesis Jormungandr (a.k.a. the Midgard Serpent), the murder of Balder and the origin of earthquakes. All the basic building blocks of the mythology. However, there's always a shadow looming over all the stories. In almost all of them we get foreshadowing of how it's all going to end: Ragnarok, the nightmarish Apocalypse, with relentless horrific images of the deaths of almost all the Gods and, ultimately, the fiery destruction of the Nine Worlds. If you want a lighter read than actual dives into the Eddas but stays true to the source material, you can't do better. Appropriate for both mythology and fantasy collections.

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.