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Norse Mythology Book For Adults: Stories of Courage and Cycles
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 23, 2025
I have had very little knowledge about people of Scandinavia, Netherlands, and other lesser-known European countries. Apart from the history and culture of French, English, German, and Spanish little is known about the rest of Europe. So, when I came across the Norse Mythology Book For Adults, it intrigued me and I started reading the 257-page, volume divided into 20 easy to read chapters. Published by Skriuwer, a group of writers got together to create this interesting volume to provide information about the beliefs, culture, mythology, of ancient Norse people who essentially originated and lived in the lands that are known today as Norway, Denmark, and Sweden.
The book begins with an introduction to Norse people and the role of Myths in their society. “Myths were more than just stories. Myths were a way of explaining the world around them. These tales told how the world began and how different beings came to be. They told why thunder rolled across the sky or why the winter was so harsh. They also set moral examples, showing people the difference between right and wrong actions,” explains the author introducing the significance of Myths to the Norse people.
Each chapter deals with a specific period in Norse society. A chapter deals with the pre-Viking age detailing the beliefs, societal structure, and migrations. Of course, an attempt to connect these myths to history is made by presenting archeological evidence to prove this aspect of literature. The next chapter deals with the creation of the universe Ginnungagap or the great void that existed before any worlds were formed. Much like the black hole theory of modern astrophysicists.
Chapter nine titled Thor: The Champion of the AESIR captured my interest completely. This section of the book pertains to the legendary hero Thor, the son of Odin, and the strongest of all Norse gods. Being a protector of Asgard and Midgard, Thor likes to fight giants, monsters or people, he is direct, forceful, and loud. Thor’s favorite weapon Mjolnir or the mighty hammer is described in much detail, like a boomerang it always returns to him when thrown in battles. Several short, funny, interesting stories of Thor’s life is detailed in this entertaining chapter.
One of the unique features of this book that I enjoyed is the beautiful depictions of characters in the form of cartoon, caricature, picture, and other imagery. All the imagery provides a birds eye view of Norse mythology and provides an imaginary reference to the reader. While the book is an easy read with relief images throughout, it can do with better and more appealing typography and pagination, perhaps more graphics. Otherwise it is definitely a read-worthy book for anyone interested in Norse mythology.
The book begins with an introduction to Norse people and the role of Myths in their society. “Myths were more than just stories. Myths were a way of explaining the world around them. These tales told how the world began and how different beings came to be. They told why thunder rolled across the sky or why the winter was so harsh. They also set moral examples, showing people the difference between right and wrong actions,” explains the author introducing the significance of Myths to the Norse people.
Each chapter deals with a specific period in Norse society. A chapter deals with the pre-Viking age detailing the beliefs, societal structure, and migrations. Of course, an attempt to connect these myths to history is made by presenting archeological evidence to prove this aspect of literature. The next chapter deals with the creation of the universe Ginnungagap or the great void that existed before any worlds were formed. Much like the black hole theory of modern astrophysicists.
Chapter nine titled Thor: The Champion of the AESIR captured my interest completely. This section of the book pertains to the legendary hero Thor, the son of Odin, and the strongest of all Norse gods. Being a protector of Asgard and Midgard, Thor likes to fight giants, monsters or people, he is direct, forceful, and loud. Thor’s favorite weapon Mjolnir or the mighty hammer is described in much detail, like a boomerang it always returns to him when thrown in battles. Several short, funny, interesting stories of Thor’s life is detailed in this entertaining chapter.
One of the unique features of this book that I enjoyed is the beautiful depictions of characters in the form of cartoon, caricature, picture, and other imagery. All the imagery provides a birds eye view of Norse mythology and provides an imaginary reference to the reader. While the book is an easy read with relief images throughout, it can do with better and more appealing typography and pagination, perhaps more graphics. Otherwise it is definitely a read-worthy book for anyone interested in Norse mythology.
September 8, 2025
It’s a great introduction into how Norse life used to be. The beginning starts off as basic knowledge of their survival with harsh the harsh climate, growing their own crops, fishing, raising livestock, trading, craftsmanship, raids, and other aspects of their daily lives.
It explains how a lot of these stories were told via oral tradition. Mostly by skalds that were poets that retold tales and poetry. They were highly respected because of this.
Part of the reason these myths are still around are because of Christian writers. Although it is believed they might of influenced some of the tales to an extent. Most were recording in the Edda’s.
Myths became part of their everyday lives. There were outside ceremonies, sacrifices, gatherings, and family’s had their own way of worshiping. Family life was very important to them.
Most of their myths seem to of emerged to explain natural events such as thunder, earthquakes, and struggles endured in their harsh environment. A lot of these myths are tied to their home environment.
This book explains that due to travel and trading they encountered many cultures which helped to influence these myths. Due to this many of the clans had their own beliefs and ways to worship. It delves into how fate, honor, and magic are common in these myths.
The book delves into the earliest beliefs of the old Norse people and how many influences made their way into their mythology.
It discusses the Gods, beings, creatures, Realms, and humans of their mythology. Touching on the well known entities to the lesser known one. Of course ending with Ragnarok.
Whether you’re new to Norse Mythology or well read into it. It’s definitely a book to dip into and get a glimpse of the old Norse people.
It explains how a lot of these stories were told via oral tradition. Mostly by skalds that were poets that retold tales and poetry. They were highly respected because of this.
Part of the reason these myths are still around are because of Christian writers. Although it is believed they might of influenced some of the tales to an extent. Most were recording in the Edda’s.
Myths became part of their everyday lives. There were outside ceremonies, sacrifices, gatherings, and family’s had their own way of worshiping. Family life was very important to them.
Most of their myths seem to of emerged to explain natural events such as thunder, earthquakes, and struggles endured in their harsh environment. A lot of these myths are tied to their home environment.
This book explains that due to travel and trading they encountered many cultures which helped to influence these myths. Due to this many of the clans had their own beliefs and ways to worship. It delves into how fate, honor, and magic are common in these myths.
The book delves into the earliest beliefs of the old Norse people and how many influences made their way into their mythology.
It discusses the Gods, beings, creatures, Realms, and humans of their mythology. Touching on the well known entities to the lesser known one. Of course ending with Ragnarok.
Whether you’re new to Norse Mythology or well read into it. It’s definitely a book to dip into and get a glimpse of the old Norse people.
December 7, 2025
This book filled in a lot of gaps in my knowledge of Norse mythology regarding all the major players. I learned something new about all of the well-known gods of the North: Odin, Thor, Loki, Frigga, Balder and also learned their entire creation story as opposed to the watered-down version I knew from before.
I got much more information about Odin's quest to forestall Ragnarok even though he knew it was inevitable. I learned about the war between the Vanir and the Aesir (Odin's people) that ended in a peace treaty. There was great information about the principal players in Ragnarok, how it happened and the aftermath (a new, gentler world).
In short, if all you know about Norse mythology comes from Marvel movies and comics, this is a must read.
I got much more information about Odin's quest to forestall Ragnarok even though he knew it was inevitable. I learned about the war between the Vanir and the Aesir (Odin's people) that ended in a peace treaty. There was great information about the principal players in Ragnarok, how it happened and the aftermath (a new, gentler world).
In short, if all you know about Norse mythology comes from Marvel movies and comics, this is a must read.
December 28, 2025
When I picked up this book, I thought it would be a collection of Norse myths, but it isn't. The book is a discussion of Norse mythology. Topics include the importance of studying Norse mythology, what the symbolism represents, the history behind the mythology, and analyses of the characters and stories. I learned a lot about Norse mythology from reading this book. If you're curious about Norse mythology and want to get a deeper understanding of it, this book is a great place to start.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews