As a fiction writer who prides herself on drowning her stories in a thick marinade of authenticity, I’m a research hound. In preparing to write my Asgard Awakening series, I leaned on my lifelong love of mythology to fuel countless hours of research about Norse cosmology, runes, myths, and gods. I now consider myself an expert on deconstructing Marvel movie plotlines, comparing their Asgardian characters to the Norse gods they’re based on, and womansplaining everything the studio did wrong to any sucker who will listen. ;-)
It might seem strange to include a children’s picture book on a “Best Books in Norse Mythology” list, but D’Aulaires’ Book of Norse Myths was my first exposure to the old Scandinavian tales when I was a young adult, and it stuck with me through the years. Not only are the illustrations wondrous, but the stories are told in a simple way that anyone can understand. I’ve found it hard to visualize concepts like Yggdrasil, aka the World Tree that supports the cosmos and the Nine Realms, but this book brought the World Tree to life in my mind’s eye. I continue to consult this little gem of a book from time to time and always smile at its delightful illustrations.
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.
I’ve loved Neil Gaiman’s way with words since his groundbreaking Sandman comic series, so when I heard he was writing his version of the Norse myths, I jumped on the audiobook. Gaiman is an incredible storyteller who weaves complex, visceral stories that dig at your soul. Not only did this book refresh my education on the old myths, but Gaiman made them come to life in a way no one else can. Norse Mythology was the perfect starting place for me as I prepared to write my own story centered around the gods of the Vikings. I highly recommend the audiobook. Gaiman narrates it himself and does so beautifully. You won’t regret it.
Neil Gaiman, long inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction, presents a bravura rendition of the Norse gods and their world from their origin though their upheaval in Ragnarok.
In Norse Mythology, Gaiman stays true to the myths in envisioning the major Norse pantheon: Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin's son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki-son of a giant-blood brother to Odin and a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator.
Gaiman fashions these primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the…
You can’t have a “Best of Norse Mythology” list without including this groundbreaking tome. Sturlusson was a thirteenth-century Icelander who was one of the first to physically document the Scandinavian myths, whose traditions had been passed down orally. He penned the Edda as a sort of handbook for skaldic poets to use when writing verse. The Edda is considered by many as the most important source for Norse mythology in existence. While conducting research for my series, the Prose Edda became my go-to bible for all things Norse. Every god, every story, every place you can imagine is included in this book. It is absolutely essential for anyone who wants to learn more about Norse mythology.
The most renowned of all works of Scandinavian literature and our most extensive source of Norse mythology
Written in Iceland a century after the close of the Viking Age, The Prose Edda tells ancient stories of the Norse creation epic and recounts the battles that follow as gods, giants, dwarves and elves struggle for survival. In prose interspersed with powerful verse, the Edda shows the gods' tragic realization that the future holds one final cataclysmic battle, Ragnarok, when the world will be destroyed. These tales have proved to be among the most influential of all myths and legends, inspiring works…
This book veers off the path of mythological source material into the land of metaphysics. It contains explanations and interpretations of Norse runes and how they were (and still are, by modern pagans) used for divination. The first part focuses on lore surrounding the runic alphabet—often called “Elder Futhark” runes, which can be traced back to Viking times. Part two discusses rune staves, which are formed by combinations of the individual runes to create powerful symbols. The book ends with a section on rune casting. In my research about Nordic runes, I found this book quite helpful and enlightening.
A comprehensive and practical guide to the ancient oracle based on the runic alphabet of the Norse
• Reveals the symbolism and divinatory significance of the 24 rune "staves"
• Provides clear instructions on how to craft your own rune stones
• Explains the role of runes in the Norse wisdom tradition and its influence on such works as Tolkien's Lord of the Rings
Nordic runes are a potent and profoundly transformative magic system that gives contemporary readers access to the ancient wisdom tradition of Northern European cultures. The runes have deep resonances within the pagan Norse world of gods…
This Old Norse poem was part of the collection of works included in the Poetic Edda, written around 1300 CE and collected by Snorri Sturlusson. It centers around the god Odin and includes advice for life and love, the story of Odin’s self-sacrifice on the World Tree of Yggdrasil, and eighteen spells Odin claims to know. The book provides revealing details about life in Viking times, but my favorite part is the section on spells, which include healing, manipulating metal so weapons do less damage, escape artistry, redirecting curses, calming winds, and even resurrection. Hávamál isn’t as popular as some of the other poems, but it’s worth a read for the insights into the god Odin and what makes him tick.
The Wanderer's Havamal features Jackson Crawford's complete, carefully revised English translation of the Old Norse poem Havamal , newly annotated for this volume, together with facing original Old Norse text sourced directly from the Codex Regius manuscript. Rounding out the volume are Crawford's classic Cowboy Havamal and translations of other related texts central to understanding the character, wisdom, and mysteries of odinn (Odin). Portable and reader-friendly, it makes an ideal companion for both lovers of Old Norse mythology and those new to the wisdom of this central Eddic poem wherever they may find themselves.
After destroying the world at Ragnarok, the Norse trickster god Loki wakes up in the 21st century only to discover he's no longer a male god but a lowly human woman. He’s been a woman before, but this time, it’s permanent. Also, it sucks. Teaming up with a Scandinavian Studies student and Odin's former raven (now a snarky chicken), Loki embarks on a quest for the runes that will restore his immortality—and his manhood, Norns willing—to its former glory.
Curiosity is certain she saw fairies at the bottom of the garden. Little does she know . . . they saw her first.
Emotionally abandoned by her mother and infatuated by a figurine of a fairy ballerina she discovers in an old toy shop, eight-year-old Curiosity Portland steals the figurine, unleashing strange and frightening happenings around her home, which, in turn, reveals a disturbing family history.
Curiosity is certain she saw fairies at the bottom of the garden. Little does she know . . . they saw her first.
Emotionally abandoned by her mother and infatuated by a figurine of a fairy ballerina she discovers in an old toy shop, eight-year-old Curiosity Portland steals the figurine, unleashing strange and frightening happenings around her home, which, in turn, reveals a disturbing family history.
