The best books on Norse mythology and polytheism

By J.D. Foslan

Website

Who am I?

J.D. Foslan is the author of Loki’s Saga: A Novel of the Norse Gods and has been a practicing Polytheist and mystic for over a decade. The author’s other interests include the Frisian language spoken by roughly a half-million people in the Netherlands.

I wrote...

Loki's Saga: A Novel of the Norse Gods

By J.D. Foslan

Loki's Saga: A Novel of the Norse Gods

What is my book about?

Meet Loki, the Norse god of fire, magic, and trickery. For eons, he lay bound beneath the earth, serving time for an ancient murder. The worlds have changed, and at last he is free. Join Loki as he walks among the gods once more. Coming home is only the beginning of the adventure as he steals off with Freya's cats, confronts his old rival Heimdall, and journeys with Thor to the realms of dwarves and giants. In a tale that spans past and present, Loki shows us the Norse gods as they have never been seen before. This is his story, told entirely from his point of view. This is Loki's Saga.

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The Books I Picked & Why

The Penguin Book of Norse Myths: Gods of the Vikings

By Kevin Crossley-Holland

The Penguin Book of Norse Myths: Gods of the Vikings

Why this book?

The Norse Myths makes the Norse lore accessible to a modern audience. Unlike some collections, this is a book for adult readers and the author provides a wealth of cultural and background information to compliment the stories. For those who are new to Norse mythology, this is a wonderful starting point. For those who are already familiar with the tales, this book provides a fresh and powerful retelling of the myths.

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A World Full of Gods: An Inquiry into Polytheism

By John Michael Greer

A World Full of Gods: An Inquiry into Polytheism

Why this book?

We live in a society that allows for only two possibilities: that there exists either one God or no God at all. What C.S. Lewis did for Christianity, this book does for modern Polytheism. It’s an intelligent and thoughtful read that opens up the mind and heart to new spiritual possibilities.

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Odin's Wife: Mother Earth in Germanic Mythology

By William P. Reaves

Odin's Wife: Mother Earth in Germanic Mythology

Why this book?

This richly detailed book explores the worship of Odin and his wife, providing information from Continental sources as well as surviving Norse lore. It paints a different and more complete picture of a major goddess, and also brings to light older sides of Odin that have nothing to do with our modern images of Viking berserkers.

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D'Aulaires' Book of Norse Myths

By Ingri D'Aulaire, Edgar Parin D'Aulaire

D'Aulaires' Book of Norse Myths

Why this book?

Though a children’s book, D’Aulaires’ Book of Norse Myths gives a reasonably comprehensive retelling of Norse mythology and is considered a classic for good reason. The lively and magical illustrations create a sense of innocence and wonder.

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Up And Down The Tree: Exploring the nine worlds of Yggdrasil

By Runic John

Up And Down The Tree: Exploring the nine worlds of Yggdrasil

Why this book?

This is a book for the more mystically inclined, for those who wish to learn how to journey and to have their own encounters and experiences with the Norse Gods and Goddesses. A substantial amount of information on techniques and otherworldly realms is packed into this volume. The meditations are detailed and very helpful. This is not a book to read through in one sitting, but rather a sort of practice manual to refer back to again and again.