Ragnarok

by Justin Wiggins

In these simple, yet profound poems, Wiggins work bubbles in an undercurrent of impending joy. He brings a life-continuity from the ancients. Through his words the reader feels someone tapping at ancient strings of their heart, nudging lost wisdom to life. I highly recommend Justin’s Ragnarok.
-Ger White, Ireland Poet, Author of Newspapers on the Floor Poems On Irish Traditional Ways.

Justin Wiggins has an exceptional ability to write prolific and highly imaginative poetry, and Ragnarok is no exception. These poems are pregnant with transcending wonder and beauty. They will translate the mind and heart into another realm, where the reader will encounter the gods of Old Norse Mythology and the mystical scenery of Ireland, Scotland, England, and North Carolina. This collection of poems is refreshing and entertaining, which is sure to make Ragnarok an instant classic.
-Rob Jones, Poet, Author of Re-enchanted.

Justin is a master at bringing out the heart and soul of his characters and he does a wonderful job here as we learn about Bragi, God of Poetry, about Odin the All-Father, and his beloved son Balder who rises from the dead to bring joy to the land. Throughout this accessible and enjoyable collection Justin takes us into a magical time, the time of Ragnarok. It’s a wonderful journey and Justin does it with a poet’s eye and a lover’s joy. It’s a treat to read.
-Jim Bates, Author of Periodic Stories Volumes 1, 2, 3 & 4.

79 pages, Paperback

Published March 3, 2023

About the author

Justin Wiggins is an author who works and lives in the primitive, majestic, beautiful mountains of North Carolina. He graduated with his Bachelor's in English Literature, with a focus on C.S. Lewis studies, from Montreat College in May 2018. His first book was Surprised by Agape, published by Grant Hudson of Clarendon House Publications. His second book, Surprised By Myth, was co-written with Grant Hudson and published in 2021. His most recent books, Marty & Irene, Tír na nÓg, Celtic Twilight, Celtic Song, Ragnarok, Celtic Dawn, Sacred Space, co-written with Matthew Huff, and Avalon, were all published by Steve Cawte of Impspired. Artists, Myth & Hope was also published by Clarendon House Publications in 2024.

Wiggins has also had poems and other short pieces published by Clarendon House Publications, Sehnsucht: The C.S. Lewis Journal, and Sweetycat Press. Justin has a great zeal for life, work, community, writing, literature, art, pubs, bookstores, coffee shops, and for England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Reviews

[Dan Macdonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Justin Wiggins offers up a collection of poems celebrating Norse mythology and legend. Fun reads and fans of the TV show Vikings will find plenty to entertain them
Joyful and enthusiastic
Check it out

[Justin Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello friends! I am excited to announce that my seventh book, Ragnarok, has been published by Steve Cawte of Impspired! The book of poetry is inspired by the writings of Neil Gaiman, C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, doubt and faith, pain and joy, death and resurrection, my faith in Christ, Norse and Celtic Mythology, adventures in Ireland, Scotland, England, and North Carolina, and is dedicated to my Irish poet friend Ger White! Thanks to Ger White, Rob Jones, and Jim Bates for the moving endorsements, and to T.E. Sanders for the brilliant font! See you at the book signing on March 18th if you will be there. Cheers!
"In these simple, yet profound poems, Wiggins work bubbles in an undercurrent of impending joy. He brings a life-continuity from the ancients. Through his words the reader feels someone tapping at ancient strings of their heart, nudging lost wisdom to life. I highly recommend Justin’s Ragnarok."
-Ger White, Ireland Poet, Author of Newspapers on the Floor Poems On Irish Traditional Ways.
"Justin Wiggins has an exceptional ability to write prolific and highly imaginative poetry, and Ragnarok is no exception. These poems are pregnant with transcending wonder and beauty. They will translate the mind and heart into another realm, where the reader will encounter the gods of Old Norse Mythology and the mystical scenery of Ireland, Scotland, England, and North Carolina. This collection of poems is refreshing and entertaining, which is sure to make Ragnarok an instant classic."
-Rob Jones, Poet, Author of Re-enchanted.
"Justin is a master at bringing out the heart and soul of his characters and he does a wonderful job here as we learn about Bragi, God of Poetry, about Odin the All-Father, and his beloved son Balder who rises from the dead to bring joy to the land. Throughout this accessible and enjoyable collection Justin takes us into a magical time, the time of Ragnarok. It’s a wonderful journey and Justin does it with a poet’s eye and a lover’s joy. It’s a treat to read."
-Jim Bates, Author of Periodic Stories Volumes 1, 2, 3 & 4.

[Jim Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justin Wiggins writes from the heart. His stories and poems bring the reader into his world where he shares with us stories about people he’s met in his interesting journey through life. He is an astute observer of the natural world, writing with such skill that the reader feels right there with him. Justin’s talent is never more apparent than in this new collection where he takes the reader on a journey into Norse Mythology and Ragnarok. What a journey it is! I especially enjoyed learning about the characters and places that make up this fascinating legend. Justin is a master at bringing out the heart and soul of his characters and he does a wonderful job here as we learn about Bragi, God of Poetry, Odin, and his beloved son Balder who rises from the dead to bring joy to the land. It’s great stuff! His poem Thin Places is a favorite of mine. In it, he writes of how much the mountains of Ireland, Scotland, England, and North Carolina mean to him. He writes, “Beauty so overwhelming it feels like a waking dream.” Lovely! Throughout this accessible and enjoyable collection, Justin takes us into a magical time, the time of Ragnarok. It’s a wonderful journey and Justin does it with a poet’s eye and a lover’s joy. It’s a treat to read.

[Rob Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justin Wiggins is such a unique talent. His poetry is thronged with depth, wonder, and rich imagery. His heart bleeds out in each poem, enchanting and bringing the reader into other worlds, and he does it so beautifully in Ragnarok. In this collection of poems, we get to experience and learn about the gods and characters of Old Norse Mythology. We get a glimpse of who Loki, Odin, Ragnarok, and others were.
Justin also allows us to see the mystical scenery of England, Scotland, Ireland, and North Carolina, through his eyes, where we can taste, breathe, and feel the ethos of these beautiful locations.
This collection of poems is refreshing, entertaining, and outstanding, which is sure to make Ragnarok an instant classic.
Well done, Justin Wiggins.

[Brian Leverett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like Justin Wiggins, I too was drawn to Norse mythology through the writings of C. S. Lewis. Naturally, given my personality, I began to collect and read books related to that theme. When I learned that Wiggins had written a book of poetry with a Northern focus, I knew that I just had to get it and read it. The book contains 64 short poems. I enjoyed almost all of them. A few left me pondering the meaning. The ones that really stand out to me are Sacred Raven, Thin Places, Bifrost, Valkyries, Winter Solstice, Shalom, and Tír na nÓg. I feel it is priced correctly at around $10, and I would recommend it to others.