The Book of Viking Myths: From the Voyages of Leif Erikson to the Deeds of Odin, the Storied History and Folklore of the Vikings

by Peter Archer

This fascinating new book reveals the origins of the Vikings—from Thor and Leif Erikson to Loki and the Valkyries—and the tales that have influenced our own lives.

For thousands of years, Vikings have held a storied place in our culture—their distinct appearance, their mighty longships, their reputation for causing death and destruction. But who were these strange and mysterious folk?

The Book of Viking Myths retells the stories of the Viking people, with myths of their gods and goddesses, monsters, and great heroes. From tales of the beautiful and powerful Freyja, to the gold-toothed Heimdallr, to the wolf Fenrir, Peter Archer explores all the figures and tales that make up Norse mythology.

Along with these legends of seafaring, dwarves, giants, and the exploits of Thor, you will also discover the influences that Viking culture has had on our own lives. It’s a true exploration of Nordic culture—and a glimpse into the history and lore of these fabled Nordic warriors.

Genres: Mythology, History, Nonfiction

224 pages, ebook

First published February 7, 2017

Reviews

[G. Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Really enjoyable, well written, engaging and a very pretty book too, in terms of lay out. Highly recommended.

[Chris Webber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great summary of Viking/Norse history, and a good overview of their mythology. Not too long, easy to read, and packed with great snippet facts.

[Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

This does not translate well to audio, at least as recorded. Booklist reject.

[☮ morgan ☮ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This feels like the Spark Notes version of Viking myths. Would definitely be a good resource for someone starting to learn about these myths.

[Mitchell Junge · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have any interest in Norse Mythology this is the book to start with. It gives a good run down of myths and stories without to deep of detail.

[Lexi Vranick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone curious about Viking history, culture, and mythology. It packs a lot of information into quick, simple, easily digestible read. It's just shy of 200 pages, and is organized neatly: it begins with a look at Viking history, sharing anecdotes about Lief Erikson, Cnut the Great, and Rollo of Normandy, among others; then it gives a deeper look at Viking culture, including analysis of home life, societal structure, weaponry, and religion; finally, it looks at Viking mythology.

One thing I really appreciate about this book is the way in which Peter Archer discussing Northern mythology. He does not limit himself only to tales of the gods, but discusses historic texts including the Prose and Poetic Eddas, and includes discussions on the overlap between Scandavian and Anglo-Saxon literature (ie: Beowulf). He also takes the time to discuss modern stories which draw on Norse traditions, ie J.R.R. Tolkein. For such a small book, its extremely thorough in its analysis of the Vikings, their culture, their literature, and their lasting impact.

This book is equal parts engaging, entertaining, and informative - which I've always found to be important in the world of non-fiction. You definitely won't be I'd definitely recommend it for anyone who is interested in learning about the Vikings but who isn't sure where to start, or for anyone looking to refresh themselves on Viking lore.

[Janereads10 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter Archer's "The Book of Viking Myths" serves as an excellent introduction to the rich world of Norse mythology and Viking history. This accessible work offers a well-rounded exploration of the subject, making it an ideal starting point for those new to the fascinating realm of Norse legends.

Archer's approach is both informative and entertaining, striking a balance that keeps readers engaged while imparting valuable knowledge. The book covers a broad spectrum of topics, from the historical accounts of Viking voyages to the epic tales of Norse gods. The inclusion of classic stories like Beowulf adds depth to the narrative, providing readers with a comprehensive overview of Norse-influenced literature.

For audiobook enthusiasts, Ulf Bjorklund's narration elevates the experience to new heights. His storytelling prowess transforms the listening experience into something akin to gathering around a campfire, hanging on every word of an expert raconteur. Bjorklund's performance adds an extra layer of authenticity and engagement to Archer's already captivating text.

Whether you're a mythology buff looking to expand your knowledge or a curious newcomer to Norse lore, "The Book of Viking Myths" offers an entertaining and educational journey through the storied history and folklore of the Vikings.

Thank you, Simon & Schuster Audio via Libro.fm, for my free audiobook.

[Julian Meynell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a broad based introduction to Norse mythology that bases it in a historical context. It gives a quick overview of Notse culture, concentrates on the viking voyages of discovery. It then tells the tales of the Gods, before doing the story of the Volsungs and Beowulf. All in all it is a very complete survey and an introductory work. Norse mythology turns out to be a fascinating subject and this book brings that out.

I'm only giving this book three stars and this is in some ways an unfair rating because the book succeeds in what it is trying to do. It is just that it lacks that certain something something and is very much an introduction. It is a very easy read and suitable for teenagers without making the tales safe. Archer also connects Norse mythology to its influence on contemporary culture in little fun asides.

All in all it is a great introduction that is a very smooth read, but for many people, such as myself it will leave them wanting to go onto more in depth works.

[Maya Pou_kladana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Książka zapakowana w ogromną ilość wiedzy teoretycznej, streszczenia niektórych mitów i przedstawienie świata mitologii nordyckiej od podszewki. Na początku książki autor przytacza nam kilka faktów na temat wikingów, ich życia codziennego i wpływu na Europę. W dodatku mamy tutaj OGROM smaczków w postaci ciekawostek, takich jak porównań zarysów mitów z współczesnymi autorami (J.R R. Tolkien) jak i zwyczajami czy tradycjami. Niestety, nie wiem czy to wina tłumacza czy może redakcji i korekty, ale książka początkowo ( jak i w późniejszych stronach) posiada sporo błędów (zdarzały się braki liter czy słowa). Takim najbardziej przeszkadzającym była sama kompozycja, gdzie (tak mi się przynajmniej zdaje, bo trudno mi to inaczej zinterpretować) osoba która nad tym pracowała pomyliła dwa imiona (najpierw mamy historię Odyna, potem nagle Odyn ma na imię Thor, a na końcu wracamy do Odyna). Niektóre mity były również mało zrozumiałe, bo ich treść wydawała się epizodyczna chociaż miała stanowić całość.

[Cyra · Rating 3 out of 5]

While a good source of material regarding Viking life and their stories, the book suffers from a few downfalls. The author unfortunately seems rather biased in his description of some gods (such as Loki being referred to as only treacherous and evil while in the same sentence saving Asgard and its denizens). The author also seems to have a vested interest in pointing out relations to Lord of the Rings. Now, as a Tolkien fan myself, I can understand the enthusiasm, but unfortunately, his snippets regarding things such as “A cup was also stolen from a dragon in The Hobbit” is rather unwarranted when great parts of certain stories are either left out or changed completely (Odin did not have the idea to burn the eagle, and Loki was not the one to suggest Thor dress as Freyja). However, it is entertaining all the same and not a bad starting point for those looking to dip their toes into the waters of Viking lore.

[Nannette · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Book of Viking Myths by Peter Archer, narrated by Ulf Bjorklund and published by Simon & Schuster Audio is a lot of information packed into four hours and twenty minutes. I would suggest purchasing the book or ebook in addition to the audiobook. The audiobook is wonderful because of the pronounciations. The narrator is very clear and I enjoyed his voice.

The book covers who the Vikings were, including their daily life. Then the book dives into the mythology. The creation myth and the sources of where the mythology comes from. The different gods and their offspring are listed along with their exploits. I suggested reading the book also because the information comes fast. It was helpful to me to look over the book after listening to a section.

If you are interested in Vikings and their mythology, you will certainly enjoy this book. I received a copy from Simon & Schuster Audio. I listened to it and wrote an honest review.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting history lesson about the Vikings, some of which I actually didn't know. And then there were the myths, some of which I also didn't know. Overall, the book was well written, especially for a non-fiction book, but it could have been longer and maybe not jump around quite so much. I tend to like things in more chronological order and the author chose to divide things up by topics instead. Most of the book focused on men and male gods and gave very little space to women and female goddesses. While I know that Viking society was patriarchal, I wish more effort was made to include women in a bigger way.

[Darcia Helle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I expected an engaging read full of adventurous stories and myths. That's not what this is.

The writing is matter of fact, dry, and oddly dull given the content the author had to work with. I listened to the audiobook. The narrator either couldn't or just didn't help breathe life into the flatness of the writing. I was incredibly bored, and I kept spacing off.

This might be the kind of book that works better as something you sit with in print, rather than the listening experience. Maybe it's a good reference book for people who are really into Viking history.

*Thanks to Simon Audio for the free audiobook download.*

[Edvard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A succinct and concise book for people unfamiliar with the mythology or who need a bit of a reminder after a few years of doing other stuff.

Occasionally there were slight mistakes, thinks worded in a way which could cause misinderstanding, or a claim or two which needed citation., e.g. who has claimed that the word rus' is related to red-hair, and where did he get the idea that Finnish 'ruotsi' is related to rowing? This detracted from my enjoyment a bit, but shouldn't bother the average reader much.

[Aisling · Rating 1 out of 5]

Perhaps a good introductory book on Norse mythology but I would not recommend.

I enjoyed the first three chapters of the book, learning about Viking history, voyages, the role of women in the Viking society and links to Tolkien weaved throughout.

But, when the book moves into mythologies, I agree with other reviewers - I also found the remainder of the book to be presented in a very disorganised and almost jarring/choppy way. It had no flow within chapters and I really had to force myself to finish it.

[Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give five stars to the first half of this book, but I really had to force myself through the second half, starting with the chapter on Thor. I get that Thor and Loki are very prominent figures and are probably the most popular Norse Gods, especially given how the Marvel films have highlighted them, but there was just too much of them for my taste. I would have much preferred reading about some of the others in more detail.

[Savannah Costner · Rating 4 out of 5]

whew. this had been sitting in my currently reading pile for a long time. it feels amazing on a personal level to finally finish it and close that door. (that being said very well put together book on viking myths fun to see how everything comes together for current day applications, Viking tv show, jrr Tolkien, etc, I'm just not a nonfiction reader)

[Kenneth Jewsbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much of the historical retellings are amazingly written and give a decent in-depth look at Viking life, however I found it a bit jarring by the time I got to the mythology parts as they seemed a bit choppy and disorganized, this may be due to the rarity of Norse writings being mainly an oral tradition. Overall still a worthwhile read to get you started in Norse mythology

[Piotr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Podejrzewam, że jako wstęp do mitologii nordyckiej jest w miarę ok, natomiast czyta się dość ciężko - nie wiem czy to kwestia tłumaczenia, ale tekst jest to dość drewniany. Spróbuję jeszcze z inną książką, bo aż nie chce mi się wierzyć, żeby połowa nordyckich mitów była zgodna z przysłowiem "Zabili go i uciekł zamieniając się w orła".

[Ronaldo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bardzo dobra książka, opowiada bardzo dobrze i detalowo wszystkie rzeczy co było związane z Mitologią Nordycką i Wikingową, chociaż też prawda że były pewne opowieści które nie były aż takie ważne ale warto wiedzieć, jak mówiłem, książka jest wspaniała, zachęcam każdemu którego jest zainteresowany mitologią, Książka 10/10 I God (Thor był za pannę młodą xD)

[Isabelle Rm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed discovering not only the myths but also the historical information that is needed to better understand where the myths come from and how they fit in the Viking culture.
A fun read that I would recommend.

[Frances Olsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good educational and entertaining read

It was a good over view. Most of the writing needed a more in depth explaination. The book was an enjoyable read , it did bring out the humor of the people.

[Niall Barber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice short easy read if you are into the Vikings like me, gives an overview of all the tales and poems that Norse mythology believed in. I feel like it was a tad missing in parts of the story’s we do all know and love hence the 3 stars , I would give it 3.5 if I could.

[Eliza Lagonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the history part really interesting and some of the stories we find to get summaries for, but I think I'd have preferred the actual poem to the summary.

[Mia]

A good basic book on viking myths and viking life, but quite dry. Good if you're just starting out getting into the viking mythos.

[Liv Rawding · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good read on mythology I loved it and learnt a lot and the references are great too :)

[Dada Queen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beginner guide to viking history and mythology.
A nice book that will tell you something about everything, and will help you to be familiar with the subject.

Recommended

[Hannah Becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learned a lot about the history of vikings and their myths. Also mentions how popular stories such as Lord of the Rings and Narnia refrence viking lore

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps if I hadn't read so much before finding this book, my rating would've been higher. It is a basic book that merely highlights some of the sagas.

[Isobel Andrews · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5