She goes into some depth about Odin, Thor, Heimdall, Baldr and Loki for the Aesir, then profiles all three Vanir (since they’re the only three we know of). Next, she discusses the gods and goddesses.

The introduction describes the sources available to anyone studying Norse myth: the skaldic and Eddic poetry, Snorri’s Prose Edda, the Danish History of Saxo Grammaticus, archaeology and other Germanic traditions (like the Merseburg charms and church writings). Along with the main text of the book there are numerous sidebars explaining various terms and giving capsule versions of myths or summarizing the lore about the gods. The hardback is a nice size for holding in one’s hand, and as you might expect from a Thames and Hudson production, has plenty of illustrations. The book itself is currently available in hardback or on Kindle. The author, Carolyne Larrington, is an academic who has written several popular books, including a translation of the Poetic Edda. She has also written books on the green man and the women in Arthurian myth, and co-edited The Feminist Companion to Mythology. The myths continue to speak to such modern concerns as masculinity and environmental disaster - after the inevitable, apocalyptic ragna roek, renewal comes from the roots of Yggdrasill, the World Tree.The Norse Myths: a Guide to the Gods and Heroes, by Carolyne Larrington, Thames and Hudson, 2017.Īs the title suggests, this book is intended as an introduction to Norse myths, aimed at readers with little or no knowledge of the subject. Larrington's elegantly written retellings capture the essence of the original myths while also delving into the history of their meanings. This sophisticated yet accessible guide explores how these powerful stories have inspired our cultural landscape, from fuelling the creative genius of Wagner to the construction of the Nazi's nationalist ideology. She expertly examines the myths' many modern-day reimaginings, revealing the guises that have been worn by the figures of Norse myth, including Marvel's muscled, golden-haired Thor and George R.R Martin's White Walkers, who march inexorably southwards, bringing their eternal winter with them. Through careful analysis of the literature and archaeology of the Norse world, Carolyne Larrington takes us deep into the realm described in the Icelandic sagas, from the gloomy halls of Hel to the dazzling heights of Asgard. The heroes and villains of Norse mythology have endured for centuries, infiltrating art, opera, film, television and books, shape-shifting - like the trickster Loki - to suit the cultures that encountered them.

Title: NORSE MYTHS THAT SHAPE THE WAY WE THINKĪ fresh look at the stories at the heart of Norse mythology, exploring their cultural impact right up to the present day.

The Norse Myths by Carolyne Larrington