Viking Mythology: Thor, Odin, Loki and the Old Norse Myths

by Mikael Shainkman

Stories of the hammer-wielding Thor, wise Odin, beautiful Freya and evil Loki have fascinated people throughout the ages. Even today, almost a thousand years after the last Scandinavians abandoned the old gods for Christianity, the Viking myths continue to captivate new generations of readers. Scandinavian artists have been inspired by these myths for hundreds of years. Art museums all over Scandinavia display paintings with scenes from Norse mythology, and authors and painters still draw on the language and content of the old myths. Also artists elsewhere in the world are inspired by the Norse myths. Richard Wagner borrowed heavily from Viking lore when he wrote his operas, and it's hard to imagine the fantasy worlds of J. R. R. Tolkien and George R. R. Martin without the inspiration from Scandinavian mythology. This book offers the modern reader a gateway into the wondrous world of Norse mythology with all its gods, goddesses, heroes, giants, elves, dwarfs and other creatures. But at the same time, this is more than just a collection of the ancient myths. This book also places all these gods and myths in their historical context and explains the religion of the Vikings, with its sacred calendar, its holy places and its sacrifices.

95 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 5, 2014

Reviews

[Nogueira · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a simple and clear way, this is a good first approach to the old Norse myths and its main divinities... if you already know a bit about this topic you probably won't learn much, but if like me you only knew Thor (and because of Marvel) you'll enjoy reading this one!

[Kent Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating

I learned some things about Viking mythology I didn't know. Would recommend to folks interested in Viking mythology. Quick read, very well organized.

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book spent too much time saying where the myths had come from rather than telling the myths.

[Mallory Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great stories

You really get the jist of the basis of myths here. Very easy read. I do wish there was an easier way to remember all the names of the gods and giants!

[Rusty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple introduction to Norse mythology. It did make me want to read more, and has some discussion about the Poetic Edda which I would also like to read.

[Vikas Datta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a comprehensive look at the fascinating world of Norse gods and their exploits..