The myths and legends of the ancient world are not dead. They echo and re-echo in our own stories, in our media, in our everyday language, and in places that we might never expect. From the exploits of the heroic Thor on the big screen to the influence of Richard Wagner’s Ring Cycle on J. R. R. Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings, Norse mythology has played a massive role in shaping and influencing much of our culture.
However, our direct knowledge of it is somewhat limited, trying to parse stories from ancient sagas often written in Old Norse. That’s where these 8 books come in. Approaching Norse mythology from a variety of different vantage points, these authors help to bring classic stories to life in ways that will make them vibrant and dynamic for modern audiences, and teach you a thing or two in the process.
Myths of the Norsemen
Much of what we know of Norse mythology in the modern day comes from a handful of sources written in Old Norse during the 13th century. However, not many people today read Old Norse, so it falls to translators and curators to present these early stories and legends in modern, comprehensible forms. Such is the goal of Myths of the Norsemen, which provides a convenient and approachable overview of Norse mythology as drawn from the Eddas and sagas of Old Norse, including familiar stories of figures such as Odin, Thor, and Loki, as well as tales and legends that are less well-known.
Odin
Revered since the Viking Age, Odin is one of the chief figures of the Norse pantheon. Despite the countless pages devoted to writing about him over the years, he also remains one of the most enigmatic figures of mythology. Now, acclaimed writer in the fields of paganism and heathenism Diana Paxson “provides songs, rituals, magical exercises, and practical advice to help you develop your own personal relationship with the Lord of Runes” in this “highly recommended” book that explores Odin’s origins, influence on subsequent media, and potential relevance to modern audiences (Judika Illes, author of Encyclopedia of Spirits).
Loki and Sigyn
Most modern readers are probably familiar with Loki—thanks to the Marvel character, if for no other reason. But fewer are likely aware of Loki’s devoted wife, Sigyn. In this “interesting examination of a controversial figure,” Lea Svendsen brings a lifetime of experience to the subject, with prose that is “familiar, easy to understand, and occasionally hilarious” (Patricia Lafayllve, author of A Practical Heathen’s Guide to Asatru). Drawing from historical sources mixed with modern interpretations and practices, “Loki and Sigyn offers a comprehensive and sincere look at Loki, Sigyn, and their presence within inclusive Heathenry” (Bat Collazo, editor of Blood Unbound: A Loki Devotional).
The Saga of the Jomsvikings
In 986 CE, Earl Hakon of Norway won a great naval victory against an invading fleet. Among those he commanded were several Icelandic skalds, who kept alive the stories of that battle for years to come. Eventually, these were recorded by an anonymous 12th-century author into a “famous tale of derring-do” that has become one of the most memorable and liveliest of all the Icelandic sagas. Now, translator Lee M. Hollander has accomplished the difficult task of “faithfully rendering one text into English with complete loyalty to the style and spirit of his original” (Speculum: A Journal of Medieval Studies) so that Anglophone readers can enjoy the scope and scale of this fantastic story.
Song of the Vikings
In this “important undertaking” (Kirkus Reviews), Nancy Marie Brown breathes life into not only medieval Iceland, but also the “most influential writer of the Middle Ages” (Wall Street Journal), the “Homer of the North”: Snorri Sturluson, the nexus point for much of our knowledge of Norse mythology. Part primer on Sturluson’s contributions to Western letters, part biography, this exciting account “raises some interesting questions about the literary canon and shines light on an author whose history could easily have been lost” (Portland Book Review).
Norse Divination
Guiding users through the steps of creating their own 36-piece divination set based around the Nordic pantheon, this how-to guide is a “breath of fresh air in what has become a largely stagnant field” (Cat Heath, author of Elves, Witches & Gods). The result is a new way to explore and interact with the figures of Norse mythology, with concise analyses of the members of the Norse pantheon and their relationships with one another, all configured to guide users through an innovative divination system that will help them to “unlock answers to your deepest questions and find more happiness and success”—or, at least, learn a little more about Norse mythology in the process.
Loki: The Mischief Behind the Legend
Newbery Honor-winning author and folklorist Padraic Colum is back with a guide to the stories that helped to shape the characters of Loki, Thor, Odin and others in Marvel comics and on cinema screens. Boasting an introduction from legendary Marvel scribe Peter David, this approachable book of stories concerning Odin’s children tells some of the wildest, weirdest tales from Norse mythology, many of them centered on the bizarre tricks played by Loki—often to save the gods themselves!
Introduction to Norse Mythology for Kids
It’s never too early to start learning, and that includes learning about Norse mythology! In this approachable guide to Norse myth, Viking history, and more, kids of all ages can learn about everything from the Norse pantheon to Loki’s unpredictable children to what daily life was like for Vikings, and much more. Whether your kids are fans of the Marvel movies or just love to learn about history, mythology, and gods and monsters, this is a perfect introductory text to get them started!
