Scandinavian Mythology

by Jason Porterfield

A basic introduction to Norse mythology and culture discusses its origins, the structure of the mythological world, and the gods, goddesses, and heroes featured in legends.

Genres: Mythology

64 pages, Library Binding

First published August 1, 2007

Reviews

[Heidi Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think my students will enjoy this.

[Mouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely think this is a good book to introduce people to this mythology.

It's a good starting point.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This caught my eye in the library a few weeks ago. I've been meaning for a long time to brush up on my Norse mythology. We learned a bit of it in 8th grade, but it's all become pretty hazy over the years since then. Then when I saw this sitting out, I saw my chance and snatched it up. This book served as a decent introduction. I liked how it began by explaining a little about the life of the people who created these myths and the world they lived in. I only wish there were more here, more of everything. This book is really just a VERY brief overview. Mostly it tells you who some of the most important gods in the Scandinavian pantheon were. Some of them are mentioned so briefly that when they are referred to later, you have to go back and search hard to remember who they are and where the sentence or two that previously mentioned them was.

What I really wanted were stories, but it only summarizes a few in very condensed form. This might work for its intended youthful audience, but I think the stories might be what would get more of their attention too, so there might be a better book out there to introduce, or reintroduce, someone to Norse mythology. When I get a chance, I hope to find that book.

[Roy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clearly this book is meant for younger readers than I, but it is still quite interesting. I think the author tended to jump around with the stories a bit too much expecting that his young readers would be able to remember the names of the strange gods and others. I had a hard time remembering who was who, so I doubt many kids have remembered.

Being Scandinavian by heritage, I still found this book immensely interesting. What a complex and yet fascinatingly simple culture the Norse had. Fierce warriors were idolized and yet they were so tolerant of their conquered people's beliefs.

[Marita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great pictures. Looks like a children's book, but reads like a boring school text or a report.