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Norse Mythology: A Concise Guide
An introduction to such a vast subject as Norse Mythology can be problematic as it could well fall between two stools; so packed with details as to put one off, or so vague, that one is none the wiser for having read it. This text manages a pleasing balance, succeeds in whetting the appetite and supplying excellent online resources for the reader who wishes to find out more. Inside you will read about... ✓ The Creation in Norse Mythology ✓ The Nine Worlds ✓ Major Gods and Goddesses ✓ Valhalla ✓ Ragnarok ✓ The Sagas ✓ The Influence of Norse Mythology on Our Lives Today The author quotes generously from the most important relevant source which is freely available via the Project Gutenberg, and you are left with the sounds and taste of the times... ringing in your ears and tingling on your tongue.
108 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 9, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
November 2, 2018
This provided a first introduction into Norse mythology but I found all this short volume sought to contain a little overwhelming. This differed from the other series titles in that it seemed to want to include more and did so in the same number of pages but with more scarcity of details. I felt myself losing grasp of names as quickly as they were delivered and would have greatly preferred more about less.
July 5, 2016
Apart from a few minor grammatical errors and curious word omissions here and there, Robert Carlson's Norse Mythology is an excellent primer for anyone with even a passing interest in the subject. Despite being rather short, the book is very well written in most respects, and the author does an outstanding job of outlining some of the most interesting and pertinent examples of ancient Scandinavian myth and folklore.
April 17, 2016
This definitely was one of the better nonfictions on Norse mythology that I have read so far. It was also my first book by author Robert Carlson but I think it definitely won't be my last.
This book had a lot of great chapters and topics of Norse mythology that I was very interested in. My favorite chapters were: The Creation in Norse Mythology, The Major Gods and Goddesses, Ragnarok and especially The Influence of Norse Mythology on Our Lives today.
It was all very informative and interesting to read about as well as a quick read. I think this would be the perfect book for people who don't know a lot about Norse mythology but want to learn more about it as well as people who are already familiar with it (like me).
Overall, Norse Mythology: A Concise Guide to Gods, Heroes, Sagas and Beliefs of Norse Mythology by Robert Carlson was easily read with a lot of intriguing facts. Really one of my favorites so far on this topic!
This book had a lot of great chapters and topics of Norse mythology that I was very interested in. My favorite chapters were: The Creation in Norse Mythology, The Major Gods and Goddesses, Ragnarok and especially The Influence of Norse Mythology on Our Lives today.
It was all very informative and interesting to read about as well as a quick read. I think this would be the perfect book for people who don't know a lot about Norse mythology but want to learn more about it as well as people who are already familiar with it (like me).
Overall, Norse Mythology: A Concise Guide to Gods, Heroes, Sagas and Beliefs of Norse Mythology by Robert Carlson was easily read with a lot of intriguing facts. Really one of my favorites so far on this topic!
February 13, 2019
5 🌟
This book has a description of the things that make up Norse mythology including the nine worlds, different beings, and the World Tree. It also describes Ragnarok and famous people.
This introduction to Norse Mythology was very good. Liked how he took time to describe everything making up Norse mythology. Ragnarok sounds like it will be crazy. Glad that guy got pardoned from being executed.
This book has a description of the things that make up Norse mythology including the nine worlds, different beings, and the World Tree. It also describes Ragnarok and famous people.
This introduction to Norse Mythology was very good. Liked how he took time to describe everything making up Norse mythology. Ragnarok sounds like it will be crazy. Glad that guy got pardoned from being executed.
February 6, 2019
"If thou hast any further questions to ask, I know not who can answer thee, for I never heard tell of any one who could relate what will happen in the other ages of the world. Make, therefore, the best use thou canst of what has been imparted to thee."
Like the volume on Greek myths, I am again overwhelmed by all I wish to know more of! I absolutely recommend this series as a place to start to learn.
Like the volume on Greek myths, I am again overwhelmed by all I wish to know more of! I absolutely recommend this series as a place to start to learn.
September 11, 2016
A quick and easy guide to the Norse myths.
June 30, 2016
Read this one out loud with a friend on a road trip. It was fun to try to pronounce the god names. It gives you a very broad, basic understanding of the Mythology but frankly doesn't too little to try to cover too many bases. I think it would have been more successful if they did more stories to gather an understand of the gods and how they interact. It became a bit too textbook at times and repetitive. Apparently many gods are the god of agriculture. So worth a quick read if you know nothing of Norse Mythology but don't expect a whole lot.
May 14, 2016
Really straightforward, quick, easy read that offers a brief synopsis of all things Norse religion. Took me 45 minutes to get through it, and although I already knew most of it, I still gleaned new information, like that asatru is a thing. I'd recommend it for anyone looking for a basic overview of Norse myth.
April 14, 2016
This would have been a really good book, had the author not called Venus & Saturn Greek gods. I don't know why, but in the space of those two sentences, I lost a little love for it.
However, still a pretty good place to start if you think you want to get started into Norse Mythology.
However, still a pretty good place to start if you think you want to get started into Norse Mythology.
March 11, 2020
This was just a super quick, concise book about Norse mythology. Because it's so short you kind of get bombarded with information, and hear loads of different names maybe only once or twice so it's a bit hard for the info to actually go in and stay in. That being said, it was interesting to read
April 10, 2021
Very hard going , glad I watched some of Viking’s
September 19, 2020
This book doesn’t have the strong point commonly found in Hourly History books: Full and adequate, yet brief and fast in simple-plain English.
As a matter of fact the book is much longer than it appears since there are, throughout the pages, lots of links to other websites with tons of more stories in detail. It’s got pros and cons, and some who choose this book as a work reference would love the book since it really helps, whereas it might appear boring and distracting for those who seek some fun storytelling about ancient Viking sagas.
(Kindle Ed. p. 1)
If this is indeed your first foray into the subject of Norse mythology, you will find that it calls for an adjustment in the way you see things. You will need to prepare yourself for a very different world, one where there is often no logic as you understand it, no justice as administered by a modern court of law, and very little point in asking “why.” It’s an amazing world where animals have the power of speech, inanimate objects like swords or hammers have specific names, and where the passage of time is measured by the destruction of the world. It is nevertheless a fascinating, illuminating and richly rewarding world, and your appreciation of where, how, and why you exist will be immeasurably enhanced by what you discover. Norse mythology covers the pre-Christian history of the countries and peoples of what we now call Scandinavia...
The book starts with quite a nice introduction winning readers' interest.
The body chapters deliver the old myth in a plain way. But since there are to be so many lingual explanations, necessary for readers’ understanding, only a few who are really into ancient linguistics such as myself would enjoy the read, and so, with too much information full of definitions and reference links throughout the pages, I assume it might feel a bit boring for most of the readers as it reads like an encyclopedia than a fun mythical storytelling.
However, it ends with a nice conclusion with simple, but classic lines of a lesson for the readers:
(Kindle Ed. p. 44)
"If thou hast any further questions to ask, I know not who can answer thee, for I never heard tell of any one who could relate what will happen in the other ages of the world. Make, therefore, the best use thou canst of what has been imparted to thee."
Although no typo has been found, it still needs a little revision when it comes to completion:
(Kindle Ed. p. 35)
...Sunday is named after the goddess of the sun, Sol. She is pulled around the Earth by her two fine horses. They are chased by the monstrous wolf Skoll who occasionally manages to snap at her ankles, thus producing a solar eclipse. Monday is named after her brother, Mani. His horse-drawn chariot is pursued by the giant wolf Hati. When he almost catches up, there is a lunar eclipse...
Should've mentioned that Sunday is Soltag or something in Germanic-Nordic languages (Sol is Sun in many Latin-based tongues as well). And why just Mani and lunar eclipse without telling that Monday is actually Moonday in English? This 7th Chapter needs a revision for English readers.
After all, the book earns a mid-rate.
As a matter of fact the book is much longer than it appears since there are, throughout the pages, lots of links to other websites with tons of more stories in detail. It’s got pros and cons, and some who choose this book as a work reference would love the book since it really helps, whereas it might appear boring and distracting for those who seek some fun storytelling about ancient Viking sagas.
(Kindle Ed. p. 1)
If this is indeed your first foray into the subject of Norse mythology, you will find that it calls for an adjustment in the way you see things. You will need to prepare yourself for a very different world, one where there is often no logic as you understand it, no justice as administered by a modern court of law, and very little point in asking “why.” It’s an amazing world where animals have the power of speech, inanimate objects like swords or hammers have specific names, and where the passage of time is measured by the destruction of the world. It is nevertheless a fascinating, illuminating and richly rewarding world, and your appreciation of where, how, and why you exist will be immeasurably enhanced by what you discover. Norse mythology covers the pre-Christian history of the countries and peoples of what we now call Scandinavia...
The book starts with quite a nice introduction winning readers' interest.
The body chapters deliver the old myth in a plain way. But since there are to be so many lingual explanations, necessary for readers’ understanding, only a few who are really into ancient linguistics such as myself would enjoy the read, and so, with too much information full of definitions and reference links throughout the pages, I assume it might feel a bit boring for most of the readers as it reads like an encyclopedia than a fun mythical storytelling.
However, it ends with a nice conclusion with simple, but classic lines of a lesson for the readers:
(Kindle Ed. p. 44)
"If thou hast any further questions to ask, I know not who can answer thee, for I never heard tell of any one who could relate what will happen in the other ages of the world. Make, therefore, the best use thou canst of what has been imparted to thee."
Although no typo has been found, it still needs a little revision when it comes to completion:
(Kindle Ed. p. 35)
...Sunday is named after the goddess of the sun, Sol. She is pulled around the Earth by her two fine horses. They are chased by the monstrous wolf Skoll who occasionally manages to snap at her ankles, thus producing a solar eclipse. Monday is named after her brother, Mani. His horse-drawn chariot is pursued by the giant wolf Hati. When he almost catches up, there is a lunar eclipse...
Should've mentioned that Sunday is Soltag or something in Germanic-Nordic languages (Sol is Sun in many Latin-based tongues as well). And why just Mani and lunar eclipse without telling that Monday is actually Moonday in English? This 7th Chapter needs a revision for English readers.
After all, the book earns a mid-rate.
October 13, 2019
Well, there were things in there I didn't know. I have read a lot about this subject, I thought, but here comes this short book and give more data and even answering questions I had.
It also gave some interesting websites to visit and I visited one on Norse poetry, and I found exactly what I was looking for, and more. I hoped it would stimulate me to write more poetry, and it did. One of these day I might even publish a poetry book.
Anyway, the book was short and in a few places too short for me, but otherwise it was like an appetizer for more on the subject. I was especially fascinated about what it said about Freya. There was a lot I didn't know about her.
I had also read about the nine worlds, but never really placed them, and here they are laid out and who lives where.
It also gave some interesting websites to visit and I visited one on Norse poetry, and I found exactly what I was looking for, and more. I hoped it would stimulate me to write more poetry, and it did. One of these day I might even publish a poetry book.
Anyway, the book was short and in a few places too short for me, but otherwise it was like an appetizer for more on the subject. I was especially fascinated about what it said about Freya. There was a lot I didn't know about her.
I had also read about the nine worlds, but never really placed them, and here they are laid out and who lives where.
December 6, 2017
Do you ever lose track of which God is which, and who they appear as, and want to get up to speed for the new Thor movie? This is your ticket!
Good quick read that covers the basics of the Thor / Norse mythology, so you will know who is who in the movie!!
Good quick read that covers the basics of the Thor / Norse mythology, so you will know who is who in the movie!!
July 4, 2018
This book just made me realise that Merlin, Harry Potter, Eragon and Game of thrones all have characters named from Norse mythology.... Fascinating read!
August 7, 2021
Great intro to the subject
Good read and eager to delve into the subject more. The esoteric links are especially useful. Perfect as an intro with useful links for further research
Good read and eager to delve into the subject more. The esoteric links are especially useful. Perfect as an intro with useful links for further research
October 9, 2017
A very short, general overview of Norse mythology. It probably took me only about an hour to read it, but it did give me a better understanding on the topic. And my favorite part was at the very end when it was talking about all the things Norse mythology may have influenced. I don't think I would have ever connected the Asgårdsreien with Santa Claus--but let's be real here, who would? And how the days of the week were influenced by Norse and Germanic myths--Sunday for Sol, Monday for Mani, Tuesday for Tyr, Wednesday for Wodan (A.K.A. the Germanic version of Odin), Thursday for Thor, Friday is named after Venus, but Venus in Norse mythology is known as Frigga's star (which makes sense, as both start with fri-), and then Saturday for no one. I do wish this book was maybe just a little bit more informative, but it was definitely worth reading.
July 1, 2016
A basic intro to Norse Mythology . . . with some problems
This is meant to be a very, very basic introduction to Norse Mythology . . . And it is not bad, but there are a couple of small problems. The first is that the author seems to have very little or no knowledge of the Old Norse language, and as a result uses transliteration from several different systems to represent Norse names and words - not terrible, but it does give a disjointed feel to the whole thing, as some names and words are straight from Old Norse, and others are highly Anglicized in various ways. Also, there are a few blatant factual errors in the book - e.g. that Odin is the Norse version of Wodan, a GREEK (sic!) god! Nope! Still, it does present some of the basics fairly well.
This is meant to be a very, very basic introduction to Norse Mythology . . . And it is not bad, but there are a couple of small problems. The first is that the author seems to have very little or no knowledge of the Old Norse language, and as a result uses transliteration from several different systems to represent Norse names and words - not terrible, but it does give a disjointed feel to the whole thing, as some names and words are straight from Old Norse, and others are highly Anglicized in various ways. Also, there are a few blatant factual errors in the book - e.g. that Odin is the Norse version of Wodan, a GREEK (sic!) god! Nope! Still, it does present some of the basics fairly well.
February 23, 2024
This is a short, but full-bodied, guide to Norse Mythology. Detailing the different worlds, gods, and cultures, there is something here for everyone. It is not a thesis, so don't expect tomes of information. Instead, it will whet your appetite and show you where to look for further information. Straightforward, clear and concise, recommended by me for anyone interested in knowing more.
* Verified Purchase - April 2016 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 5, 2016
* Verified Purchase - April 2016 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 5, 2016
September 26, 2021
Read this a while ago & this truly is a beautiful insight into delving deep into the creation of Norse mythology. Especially if the quest for learning is new. Incredible first guide to those who are interested in the subject content. Ragnarok chapter & the Sagas were the highlights for me, Sagas especially due to having been obsessed with my first insight into Equillibrium the band, where Sagas was their album & to me it was so genius I wanted to learn more. Excellent read.
November 28, 2016
A great little concise introduction to norse mythology. A wonderful place to start with enough information for a basic guide but plenty of ways provided for you to grow on the topics should you so wish.
December 8, 2016
Concise and easy to read look at Norse Mythology. Excellent for brushing up or if you're new to it. He pulls from the Eddas so that is also a plus.
December 19, 2024
I know this barely scratched the surface of Norse mythology, but since I knew so little of the details, it was nevertheless interesting for me.
A few tidbits: Loki, who the Marvel movies had depicted as just a Sly trickster, was much more than that. It turns out he had a different lineage from the other gods and was constantly at odds with them, but because of his skills at deception he was regularly tapped to instigate one scheme or another designed by the other deities.
It was also a good reminder that Norse mythology has left a lasting impression in our English and American culture, not just because of the Lord Of The Rings or the Marvel movies, but because their sagas shared so many parallels with the Bible and because they gave us the names of every day of the week except for Saturday.
One other thing I hadn't known. The tale of the great Nordic Armageddon, Ragnarok, is actually a past cataclysm in which most of the gods were killed, but because the Norse believed in a type of reincarnation -- ir, more accurately, a renewed creation of the world in all its inhabitants -- they could report this conflict as an historic event rather than the prediction found in Revelation.
Very interesting, even with some of the more bizarre details. I particularly liked story of how Loki was captured at one point and tied with chains to a rock, and the upper chain was a snake that dripped venom into his face, causing him to shudder violently, which the Norse believed was the source of earthquakes.
A few tidbits: Loki, who the Marvel movies had depicted as just a Sly trickster, was much more than that. It turns out he had a different lineage from the other gods and was constantly at odds with them, but because of his skills at deception he was regularly tapped to instigate one scheme or another designed by the other deities.
It was also a good reminder that Norse mythology has left a lasting impression in our English and American culture, not just because of the Lord Of The Rings or the Marvel movies, but because their sagas shared so many parallels with the Bible and because they gave us the names of every day of the week except for Saturday.
One other thing I hadn't known. The tale of the great Nordic Armageddon, Ragnarok, is actually a past cataclysm in which most of the gods were killed, but because the Norse believed in a type of reincarnation -- ir, more accurately, a renewed creation of the world in all its inhabitants -- they could report this conflict as an historic event rather than the prediction found in Revelation.
Very interesting, even with some of the more bizarre details. I particularly liked story of how Loki was captured at one point and tied with chains to a rock, and the upper chain was a snake that dripped venom into his face, causing him to shudder violently, which the Norse believed was the source of earthquakes.
November 11, 2017
To my chagrin, I must start this review with a confession. My knowledge of Norse Mythology is sorely lacking. This is even more mortifying because of my Norwegian roots. Greek and Roman Mythology has been used and immortalized by William Shakespeare, among others. This makes me, like many others, a Norse Mythology virgin.
Like all mythologies, their beginnings go back a long way. Before Christianity made its way throughout Europe and the powers of earth and heaven needed explanations. Thanks to Snorri Sturluson (1179-1241) the tales and sagas that had been told and retold for many generations were written down and saved for centuries to come.
I was delighted and somewhat surprised to learn that all three mythologies are similar, yet distinctively different. Whereas the sagas of Southern European countries make men and women both immortal and gods, the mythology of the north tends more toward inhuman gods with a limited shelf life. These stories are not for the faint-hearted, not shying away from violence and hardships. A knowledge and understanding of Norse (or better said Scandinavian or Viking) Mythology, provides a better insight into the history of the Northern Europeans and the lasting mark they have left on the world as a whole. This short tome doesn’t come even close to mentioning, much less illustrating the horridly magical world that has enchanted people for a hundred generations.
Like all mythologies, their beginnings go back a long way. Before Christianity made its way throughout Europe and the powers of earth and heaven needed explanations. Thanks to Snorri Sturluson (1179-1241) the tales and sagas that had been told and retold for many generations were written down and saved for centuries to come.
I was delighted and somewhat surprised to learn that all three mythologies are similar, yet distinctively different. Whereas the sagas of Southern European countries make men and women both immortal and gods, the mythology of the north tends more toward inhuman gods with a limited shelf life. These stories are not for the faint-hearted, not shying away from violence and hardships. A knowledge and understanding of Norse (or better said Scandinavian or Viking) Mythology, provides a better insight into the history of the Northern Europeans and the lasting mark they have left on the world as a whole. This short tome doesn’t come even close to mentioning, much less illustrating the horridly magical world that has enchanted people for a hundred generations.
September 29, 2017
Σύντομο βιβλιαράκι-εισαγωγή στην Σκανδιναβική Μυθολογία. Αν και καλύπτει όλα τα βασικά θέματα (Θεογονία, Κοσμογονία, Βασικότερους Θεούς-Θεές, Βαλχάλα, Ράγκναροκ, Έπη και επιρροές στο σήμερα), τα αγγίζει μάλλον επιδερμικά, κάτι που το δηλώνει και εξαρχής ο συγγραφέας. Είναι μια καλή πρώτη επαφή με το θέμα. Προσωπικά απέκτησα μια γενική εικόνα και κατανόησα λίγο καλύτερα τη νοοτροπία των Βίκινγκ, αν και δε νομίζω να εμβαθύνω ιδιαίτερα στο μέλλον. Η Σκανδιναβική Μυθολογία βρίθει φαταλισμού και απελπισίας, σε αντίθεση με την Ελληνική για παράδειγμα, και μαύρισε η καρδιά μου ολίγον τι με την τόση αναμπουμπούλα, βία και αλλοπρόσαλλη λογική.
November 20, 2018
This was an interesting book, I chose it because I did not know about Norse's Mythology of the Greek Gods and Goddesses. This book informed me in a very short time, just what I was looking for. There are numerous names for each God and Goddess and their children.
It was very interesting to read the short stories that was presented in this novel. I recommend this book to anyone that wants a fast good overview of Norse's Mythology, start with this book but beware you could get hooked and end up putting many hours of study and enjoyable hours of reading into it. I did enjoy this introduction. I am so glad I have found these ' Hourly History Books.
It was very interesting to read the short stories that was presented in this novel. I recommend this book to anyone that wants a fast good overview of Norse's Mythology, start with this book but beware you could get hooked and end up putting many hours of study and enjoyable hours of reading into it. I did enjoy this introduction. I am so glad I have found these ' Hourly History Books.
May 24, 2019
This book is not a complete nor extensive guide of Norse Mythology and I found some parts pretty confusing, but I guess it has to do with into how little detail this book goes.
On the other hand, I found that, as someone who knew very little of Norse Mythology I learned quite a bit. In fact, most of the information I had was from Marvel's Cinematic Universe so I wasn't hard to impress, to be honest.
Still, if you're someone who knows almot nothing (or actually nothing) about Norse Mythology this is a good book to start. It actually gives good references for further research and knowledge.
On the other hand, I found that, as someone who knew very little of Norse Mythology I learned quite a bit. In fact, most of the information I had was from Marvel's Cinematic Universe so I wasn't hard to impress, to be honest.
Still, if you're someone who knows almot nothing (or actually nothing) about Norse Mythology this is a good book to start. It actually gives good references for further research and knowledge.
April 1, 2021
Norse Mythology Spawned Several Religions
The author did an excellent job in summarizing Norse Mythology and provided Internet sources for more in-depth information for people so interested. I was unaware of the many Norse Traditions within our Christian World such as the Yule Log. It is also amazing that many of these ancient religions are making a comeback in our time. A book well worth buying and reading.
The author did an excellent job in summarizing Norse Mythology and provided Internet sources for more in-depth information for people so interested. I was unaware of the many Norse Traditions within our Christian World such as the Yule Log. It is also amazing that many of these ancient religions are making a comeback in our time. A book well worth buying and reading.
March 11, 2018
Easy read, great info
This book is a great intro into Norse mythology. It touches on all of the subjects I am interested in and gives a lot of interesting info about them. A great book to get a taste of the Norse beliefs and find what areas you want to give deeper into. It also includes a few links to credible sources to further your learning .
This book is a great intro into Norse mythology. It touches on all of the subjects I am interested in and gives a lot of interesting info about them. A great book to get a taste of the Norse beliefs and find what areas you want to give deeper into. It also includes a few links to credible sources to further your learning .
August 17, 2018
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love reading about Norse Mythology, with this book I was not disappointed.
It's a quick read packed full of details, I really enjoyed the quotes and loved that sources were named and linked for readers to look up if they want to.
It's a great read for anyone new to Norse Mythology or for those who want to brush up on some details.
I love reading about Norse Mythology, with this book I was not disappointed.
It's a quick read packed full of details, I really enjoyed the quotes and loved that sources were named and linked for readers to look up if they want to.
It's a great read for anyone new to Norse Mythology or for those who want to brush up on some details.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews