My favorite books on Norse mythology and polytheism

Why am I passionate about this?

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,

Book cover of 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

Book cover of Norse Myths: Gods of the Vikings

J.D. Foslan Why did I love 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.

By Kevin Crossley-Holland,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked Norse Myths as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

With colour artwork by Gillian McClure, a collection of Norse myths.


Book cover of A World Full of Gods: An Inquiry into Polytheism

J.D. Foslan Why did I love 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.

By John Michael Greer,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A World Full of Gods as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In this book John Michael Greer turns his attention to the intellectual underpinnings and superstructures of the Pagan and magical movements. Pagan religions have tended to be more concerned with practice that with theory and in a system that has no dogma - no legislated doctrine - that is as it should be. Yet as out movement grows and matures, it is inevitable that we will begin to think in a more abstract way about our models and systems. John Michael Greer has provided a primer on the kinds of ideas and themes that must be included in any discussion…


Book cover of Odin's Wife: Mother Earth in Germanic Mythology

J.D. Foslan Why did I love 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.

By William P. Reaves,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Odin's Wife as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Definitive Study of Odin's Wife, Frigg.

For more than a millennium, the people of Northern Europe venerated an Earth goddess, which evidence attests is the oldest known Germanic deity. Called by a number of names, when the accounts are compared, common traits emerge. During Yule, she rides among her people in a wagon inspecting homes, rewarding the industrious and punishing the lazy. With her husband, she leads the fearsome Wild Hunt, riding through the winter skies, cleansing the air of evil. Most often identified as Odin's wife, the ancients called her "Mother Earth", "Queen of Heaven", and the "Mother…


Book cover of D'Aulaires' Book of Norse Myths

J.D. Foslan Why did I love 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.

By Ingri D'Aulaire, Edgar Parin D'Aulaire,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked D'Aulaires' Book of Norse Myths as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Caldecott medal-winning d'Aulaires once again captivate their young audience with this beautifully illustrated introduction to Norse legends, telling stories of Odin the All-father, Thor the Thunder-god and the theft of his hammer, Loki the mischievous god of the Jotun Race, and Ragnarokk, the destiny of the gods. Children meet Bragi, the god of poetry, and the famous Valkyrie maidens, among other gods, goddesses, heroes, and giants. Illustrations throughout depict the wondrous other world of Norse folklore and its fantastical Northern landscape.


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

J.D. Foslan Why did I love 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.

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The River of Eternity

By Bruce Balfour,

Book cover of The River of Eternity

Bruce Balfour

New book alert!

What is my book about?

1184 BCE. Ramesses III, who will become the last of the great pharaohs, is returning home from battle. He will one day assume the throne of the Egyptian empire, and the plots against him and his children have already started. Even a god can die.

Ray was raised with the teenage children of Ramesses as their friend, but his own mysterious past exposes him to threats inside and outside of the Egyptian court. When a prince is killed, Ray is framed for the murder and must run to protect Bull, the oldest son of Ramesses. So begins Ray’s dangerous journey from the snake pit of royal palace intrigue into a violent world of treachery and enemies that will take years to conquer if he can survive.

The River of Eternity

By Bruce Balfour,

What is this book about?

From the national bestselling author of The Forge of Mars and The Digital Dead, an Ancient Egyptian epic adventure thriller series, based on real events, for fans of Wilbur Smith, Steven Saylor, and Paul Doherty.

This is the first book of a series leading up to the event known as The Harem Conspiracy, the assassination of Pharaoh Ramesses III in New Kingdom Egypt (1184 BCE), which was led by members of his own family. Details were drawn from the first recorded judicial trial transcript ever recovered (Judicial Papyrus of Turin plus other fragments of the original papyrus).


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Interested in Norse mythology, polytheism, and Vikings?

10,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about Norse mythology, polytheism, and Vikings.

Norse Mythology Explore 61 books about Norse mythology
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