Tales of the Norse Gods and Heroes

by Barbara Leonie Picard

A classic collection of stories by one of the best-known and most esteemed retellers of the last fifty years. Enter a world of cunning, trickery, and revenge. Encounter bold warriors, courageous women, strength in battle and bravery against the odds. These are the stories of the Viking gods. Drama and action abound as legendary heroes struggle against mighty giants, loathsome beasts, and sinister dwarves--even as they fight amongst themselves.

Genres: Mythology, History, Nonfiction, Childrens

324 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1980

About the author

Barbara Leonie Picard's first book was published in 1949, and was followed by over twenty more, all of which received praise for the mature and thought-provoking fare they offered young readers. She is well-known for her re-tellings of Homer, Gilgamesh, and ancient myths for young readers.

Reviews

[Thibault Busschots · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really solid collection of Norse myths. I appreciate that this is not a big book. These are all short, easy to understand and entertaining versions of the Norse myths. It’s a very accessible read so anyone can enjoy these captivating stories.

[Kevis Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without a doubt, this is easily one of the best retellings of Norse Mythology I've come across (and I've read quite a few!). By accident, I discovered this book in my elementary school library when I was a child and never forgot the profound influence it had on my life. This is the book that cemented my love of mythology!

The Norse myths are some of the greatest collection of tales and legends ever written by man. Where the Greek Gods are cruel and remote, the gods populating Norse mythology are more akin to the human race than their Mediterranean counterparts. I find it much easier to believe in the nobility of a god like Thor who simply loves to drink and fight than let's say Zeus who goes around in the form of animals seducing the wives of both men and gods. Or how about Odin who cares so deeply for the welfare of humanity that he gives up an eye in order to discover the means to protect them from a coming Apocalypse? Compare that to Athena who cruelly transformed a young girl into a spider simply because she challenged her to a weaving contest?

The imagination of the ancient Norse skalds was as impressive as any of the Greek Poets, if not more so. In Tales of the Norse Gods one can expect to read about the feats of mighty gods who waged war against the powerful Frost giants as well as all the passions and jealousies that drove them.

Tales of the Norse Gods is a terrific book and highly recommended. It is definitely a book for the ages.

[Zlantan Griezmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of myths and legends from Norse mythology, written for younger readers, but appealing to anyone interested in the old stories of the gods, heroes, and creatures from ancient Norse culture. The book offers a selection of the most significant myths and sagas, such as the creation of the world, the adventures of the gods, the end of the world (Ragnarok), and the lives of the legendary heroes like Sigurd the Dragon Slayer. Great read!

[Tiffany Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the stories are short, but really interesting and make you want to keep reading. The pronunciation help at the back of the book definitely helped to understand how names were said too. Definitely recommend if you're looking for a quick break from a bigger book

[Andrew Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this: great traditional stories, well told.

[Hans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Used book store gem. If you enjoy reading folklore and mythology this series of tales adds some clarity to the what we see on tv and the movie screen.

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this retelling - although it's clearly been sanitised, Picard hasn't left out all the juicy parts.

[Sally O'wheel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved Barbara Leonie Picards writing of these ancient stories.

[T.E. Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming little book that takes you through the stories of the Norse Gods. There is an over-arching story that runs through the series of shorter tales hich could each be read, if you liked, individually.

Each story is headed up with a small woodcut which really does add to the appeal of this book. I think my favourite story in this collection is The Lady of the Vanir which features Loki, Freyia and the Brisen-gamen. I feel having read it that I should have read this years ago before tackling Alan Garner's The Weirdstone of Brisengamen as I think I might finally be understanding Susan's story in that.

But that's the joy of a book like this. It tells the tales in a simple way, almost like fairy tale, or fable, or even as a kind of 'Just So Story'. It's a collection not to just entertain but to inspire. I am getting ideas of my own for a follow-up to The End Of All Worlds! But then this book invites sequels and retellings...

'one day, out of the sea that had engulfed it, and out of the ruins, the world would grow again, fresh and green and beautiful; with fair people dwelling on it, born from Lifthrasir and Lif, the only man and woman to escape the fire'

[M.J. Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book as a point of reference for my own interests in Norse mythology. The short stories are told in a concise and enjoyable manner, particularly that they are ordered chronologically so that that the overall picture can be achieved. A couple of issues I would note are that the author has used her own interpretation in places - or "filled in the blanks", so to speak - to join the story together. As effective as this is, it misses several important factors about Norse mythology such as specific details that are debated by scholars, the variations between traditional poems and Snorri's version of events, or the evolution of the stories over the centuries whereby certain deities fell in/out of favour. I also agree with other comments regarding the obvious exclusion of some of the darker or raunchier elements of the legends, but this is likely down to its younger target audience. All in all, a terrific read and great starting point for anyone wishing to delve into Norse mythology.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book immensely and am so glad I came across it in the Onehunga second hand book store. Fitting location as Onehunga is where my 3/4 Swedish father grew up.
My Swedish and Norwegian background slightly predisposes me to look at all things Scandinavian. Yet somehow I had never read any Norse mythology.
I know a few names from popular culture such as Thor and Loki but to read the true source is magnificent compared to those pale nods to Scandinavian culture.
The legends contained within were exciting, immensely readable and although fantastical I found them relatable. What a passion in all things my long past ancestors had!

[Rangitha Kuruppu · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enchanting retelling of classic Germanic myths and legends which is easily one of my late-childhood favorites. This book is short and concise and covers the essence and the magic of all the popular stories without suffering any loss of feel due to translation and rendition.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fun to read these stories and compare the characters to their counterparts in the Marvel Universe. I like the idea of Loki with red hair, somehow it seems fitting. I also find it interesting how similar these stories are to other stories from different cultures.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tales of the Norse Gods (Oxford Myths and Legends)
by Barbara Leonie Picard
the book consists of chapters of description and mythology of Norse gods

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love mythology in general but Norse is one of my favourites so I loved this book.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two weird things about the book. It's old enough to have the old anglicized names for everything, and it's also old enough to pretend sex wasn't part of a bunch of the stories.