From Asgard to Valhalla: The Remarkable History of the Norse Myths

by Heather O'Donoghue

Whether it be Thor's powerful hammer, the mysterious valkyries, the palatial home of the gods - Asgard - or ravenous wolves and fierce elemental giants, the Norse myths are packed with vivid incident. This is the first book to show how the Norse myths have resonated from era to from Viking-age stories of ice and fire to the epic poetry of Beowulf ; and from Wagner's Ring to Marvel Comics' Mighty Thor . Heather O'Donoghue considers the wider contexts of Norse mythology, including its origins, medieval expression and reception in post-medieval societies right up to the present. From Asgard to Valhalla is a book that will intrigue and delight anyone with an interest in how the Norse myths have so profoundly shaped the western cultural heritage.

Genres: Mythology, History, Nonfiction, Folklore, Religion, Research, Historical

232 pages, Hardcover

First published September 4, 2007

About the author

Heather O'Donoghue is a British academic. She is Professor of Old Norse and Vigfusson Rausing Reader in Ancient Icelandic Literature and Antiquities at the University of Oxford. She is a Fellow of Linacre College, Oxford.

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really interesting survey of the impact Norse mythology has had on culture from the time it was first written down in Iceland onward to the present day (or at least the date of publication, earlier this century).

First off there's a look at what we know about Norse myth from written sources and archaeology, noting the problems and uncertainties associated with each and the vast yawning absences in our knowledge that look to be forever irreperable. The most important stories from the written stories are outlined - necessary information for the next part of the book, which surveys how Norse myth impacted all aspects of culture, social, political, artistic in a progression from the 13th Century to the 21st.

O'Donoghue restricts herself only to the "highlights" in order to fill in trends and register the most impactful social and artistic movements. This is no doubt essential for a book aimed at a popular audience, with a length restiction, however, I could have wished for both more detail and a more comprehensive discussion, at the risk of ending up with a longer and more academic book.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straight 5 stars without a doubt. This book is well researched and well written. I've read many books related to Norse legends and I will continue to read more but this is a very different one.

I'd say, Heather has done an extensive research before writing this and she had structured it in such a way that it holds the interest of the reader from the beginning to the end. I found few repetitions but I guess it's cos she was representing the different sectors and cultures in different places. Other than that, it's written in a very easy going manner which doesn't overload the reader.

If someone wants to learn about the impact Norse culture has/had in many aspects across the Europe; cultural, religious, social and even theatrical aspects, this is a gold mine.

Book #73 of 2021..

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very engaging book that is perfect for anyone with an interest in Norse Mythology. It provides a detailed introduction into the different aspects of the mythology in sagas and follows up by then exploring their influence on culture in recent history.
I really enjoyed it and also learnt a lot about the way characters or myths are told, the meaning within them and the earliest days of popular interest in the mythology. Learning about 19th century scandinavian interest pre WW1 was fascinating.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly eye opening, always interesting, well researched book on not the origins of Norse Myths but also their impact on history, culture & politics. I am a life long fan of Norse Mythology and also have read alot of what I call Norse Fantasy novels which show the continued influence of the legends and characters. I was very pleased to see Heather had looked into two such titles, American Gods by Neil Gaiman and Melyn Burgess's Blood duo.
I am also a comic reader of Thor and have played games that reference of involve Norse Myths.
I learnt a lot more about the myths and their influence in poetry, prose, art, theatre.
The tone and narrative style of the book is very easy to follow, doesn't get boring or laborious at all.
Highly recommend for fans of norse mythology or with academic interest in this subject.

[Salvatore · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fantastic and entertaining primer on Norse myths - their 'origins', their purpose, and their effect on culture. The first half is devoted to retelling and describing the importance of some of the notable myths and sagas of Scandinavia. The second half is devoted to how other cultures have repurposed them, how other authors have retold them with whatever slant. The bibliography looks fascinating. Unfortunately I've been striking out with the NYPL on getting the books suggested. Definitely worth a read if interested in this. The Wagner discussion (almost a whole chapter, obviously the one about racism) is worthy of the admission price.

[J. · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is fast paced and covers a lot of ground.. the most interesting chapter was by far the last, which largely covered modern day interpretations and usages of the Norse Myths, but over all the book has a lot of issues, LOTS of typos, with one glaring example on the last page where it states that 'Marvels' The Mighty Thor' is Published by DC comics.. while it may seem petty, overlooking so simple an error in the galley proofing of this work makes me question the entire volume..

[Marian Weaver · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't abide shoddy scholarship.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did not appreciate the author's virtue signaling. On page 192 of the paperback she insinuates that Make America Great Again is racist, stating "racial tensions surge when there is a. perceived threat from immigration or terrorist violence".
Citizens of all races and backgrounds voted for MAGA. Tired of dangerous violation of free speech, tired of the politicitation of the justice system, sick of the lies ( Biden cover up- decline , 51 government agents lying about Hunter Bidens lap top, Hilary Clinton and DNC paying for fake documents to acuse Trump of RUSSIA RUSSIA RUSSIA collusion). Sick of identity politics which define people according to race, gender and who they sleep with, rather than as an individual human with value.
I could go on and on.
I have read several books on topics from genetics to theology (now norse mythology) in which the PhD authors from several British universities slip in their "woke digs". I feel it is "virtue signaling." God forbid everyone does not identify the author as Woke. It is very annoying and hopefully the need for virtue signaling will fade away


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[Lynne Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent overview on North Myths and Legends, covering not only the gods and giants but the family/hero sagas as well. The emphasis is on overview, as the author covers quite a bit of ground; reviewing the myths and stories themselves, then moving on to the art and philosophies that have been developed out of them.

This is quite a great deal of information, and not everyone may have the patience to read through it all. But I would encourage readers to stick with it, as you will (as I did) find out how much you didn't know, and discover areas you might want to pursue further. I found the section on Wagner's Ring operas to be particularly edifying. And she has lots of interesting things to say on modern versions of the Norse Myths, such as Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy and Neil Gaiman's "American Gods."

There is a small, but helpful bibliography, which should help guide readers, should they want to read further. I, for one, plan on going to the source and read Snorri's Prose Edda.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book more on the history of Norse mythology than a retelling of those myths. The part focusing on how these myths have been used to push a racist agenda both in Europe and the US was especially good as no one seems to want to talk about this aspect.

However, the mistake of claiming that The Mighty Thor of comic book fame is a DC property rather than Marvel is just lazy fact checking.

[Richard Gaunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an intriguing read for anyone researching Norse mythology. However, I would advise reading this after already having at least some knowledge of the topic. I can predict that it's simple for non-frequent readers on Norse myth to feel a little lost with the fast-paced discussions.

That being said, if you are avidly looking to develop your knowledge, then I would recommend.

[Newbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really is foundational for understanding how the Norse myths have been used and repurposed in politics and culture. It gives an excellent breakdown of the myths themselves and their sources before looking at the history of reception, and manages to be accessible and very readable whilst at the same time presenting new research that any scholar of the myths will benefit from reading.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting chapter titled 'Romantic Revolutions' addressing key relations between writers who are using Norse imagery, demonstrating the development and influences that art and literature had on one another.

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Facinating start to finish of what we know and what we can infer about the Old Norse Pantheon and what it means for identity and the world

[Nicki Markus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found From Asgard to Valhalla to be an interesting read. The author begins with several chapters offering an overview of the myths, before launching into an assessment of their place in popular culture. I didn't always agree with everything the author stated and felt she missed some important and obvious comparisons - particularly in relation to The Lord of the Rings and Marvel's Thor, but even so, this is an entertaining and insightful piece of writing and a worthy addition to the bookshelves of anyone interested in Norse myth and/or the place of myth in modern culture.

[Δx Δp ≥ ½ ħ · Rating 5 out of 5]

a fascinating book

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew, talk about an exhaustive work. O'Donoghue covers the history of the Norse myths in detail, but I wouldn't really recommend it for light reading.

[Jamie Maclaren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introductory text and an excellent overview of how Norse Mythology has been appropriated and adapted over the centuries.

[Micaelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to be confusing and scattered - O'Donoghue lacked focus and organization.

[Jessica Greni · Rating 4 out of 5]

had to really pay attention to this one.