Goodreads – Norse Mythology
Author – Neil Gaiman
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. – Goodreads Synopsis
Mythology has always captivated me for as long as I can remember. I mean it makes sense right? Fantasy and mythology go hand in hand. Grandpa Tolkien has said that he was inspired by these same stories that Neil Gaiman has masterfully covered in his take on Norse Mythology. (Who better to captivate you than Neil Gaiman himself?!) Mythology has been inspiring authors for quite some time now, and had helped born my favorite genre of books. (paranormal fetish erotica)
If you have read The Prose Edda, you already know the stories that are going to be in this collection, but somehow, Neil Gaiman is just able to make it flow better. The man is a master story-teller, and you can tell he really loves his craft. He is also a great orator! I really just wish Neil Gaiman could read me a book to sleep every night. (Just kidding…but not really…) If you have not heard him before, go check out the Norse Mythology audiobook, or look up some of his speeches. (Those are quite good as well.)
The stories themselves are just so wholesome that you can not help but smile when you are reading through them. You can just picture how these were originally told around a campfire to a captivated audience. There are morals to learn and good times to be had by reading through each of the Norse tales. Everyone knows Thor and Loki’s relationship together, which only proves how magical these stories are. They have stood the test of time already. That is also the reason why Thanos Thor is my favorite Avenger! (If you follow me on any social media you probably know that I have a somewhat creepy questionable attachment to Thanos…)
The magic of mythology never goes away. That magic has seeped into some of my favorite forms of art. Obviously it helped spawn Fantasy novels, but there is also music, video-games, and beautiful works of art. It’s easy to see how the Norse tales can inspire such beautiful representations, and it is easy to see how beautiful these representations are. For years I have been telling myself if I ever get a tattoo, it is going to be mythology based, with all of the gods from every pantheon fighting it out in my own version of Ragnarok. (And hopefully look something like this.)
If you like mythology at all, or are just interested in just reading some good stories, you need to check out Norse Mythology. Neil Gaiman has really done something quite special with his adaption.
(Also check out this speech that he gave)
I just read Tales of Valhalla, a new book on Norse mythology, but I haven’t read Gaiman’s book yet. I see I will have to get to it. Thanks for the review.
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Fantastic book! Might I recommend, The Iron Druid Chronicles; a series of excellent books by Kevin Hearne.
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Great piece =) My adult son is mad on Norse Mythology, but also Japanese Mythology (there’s probably another word, other than mythology, which I’ve got wrong, because I’m older!) I am fascinated by Mr Gaiman but have not yet read any of his books, (although read his blog, since watching American Gods) they’re on my Christmas list every year but none have materialised yet, and if you read my blog you’ll know I have a constant bed-high pile to work through -it never shrinks! I may get the audio book as there’s always some time where I imagine lying back, being fed peeled grapes….btw those tattoo sleeves are great!
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Great article! I love Neil Gaiman. Eagerly waiting for American Gods to arrive so I can read it! Gaiman said (paraphrased) that mythology must be re-imagined or else it dies. The quote sums up the Avengers universe pretty nicely.
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Great review! That speech he made at the University of the Arts is one of my favorites.
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Yup. Incidentally, if you haven’t got it, and you can possibly find it, get hold of a copy of ‘the larousse encyclopedia of world mythology. Hours and hours of happy dipping in.
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Great review! I’ve always loved Greek and Roman mythology, but ever since watching the Marvel movies, I’ve become more and more interested in Norse mythology as well. Guess I’ll have to check this book out now!
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Mythology is not my favorite, but Neil can make anything spectacular. Norse Mythology was no exception. it was brilliant. I even went to far as to seek out some other variations. Highly recommend.
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I’m on that.. right now 😂📖
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I keep seeing this come up and I know i should read it . But part of me is saying that I should not.. because then I may be accused of plagiarism or thought theft. Because I have my own ideas and knowledge and shit about the gods and their shenanigans. Because… It’s life. My life. So… I have no idea how he’s expressed it.. But… it know I should at least be started on my shit first first.. But I’ve never written before… nothing sustained. I’m reactive and volatile and responsive… I don’t think too long and hard about stuff because them I’m like “It’s all bullshit! Don’t write the thing! It is ugly and lame and the sad and loathsome synonyms!”
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I’ve just got this from the library to read next! I love Neil Gaiman!
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I remember reading an AWFUL book on Norse Mythology in high school. If my English teacher had assigned this book, however…
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Thank you for the review as it now has my interest. I have never read from him, but I will definitely look him up.
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I have an interest in all types of mythology, so this looks like something that could interest me.
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Hmm it appears like your blog ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to the whole thing. Do you have any tips and hints for newbie blog writers? I’d genuinely appreciate it.
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I have read 30% of it and admire it. It worth reading for the remarkable narrative and the incredible tales of the Norse Gods; it produced me to suspect Marvel has portrayed Thor very well (minus the flaming red hair).
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Somehow, I didn’t know this book existed. So thanks for liking my post, since it made me explore your page and find out about it. It’ll be here Monday.
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My mother used to tell me these stories, especially the story of Balder, how when he died, his mother wished for everyone in the world to cry for him, but Loke refused. I don’t remember the details anymore, and my mother has passed away, so this book will be a great addition to my audible library. This was such a well written piece, an enjoyable read, thank you!
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I’m dating with The Ocean at the End of the Lane, again, for sleeping🤗😉
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I’ve read and enjoyed a lot of Gaiman, but had missed Norse Mythology. Thanks for the nudge.
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Currently reading this one and loving it!
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