norse mythology by Neil Gaiman

14th. book of 2021

Reading period: Feb 11th 2021 – Feb 13th 2021

Summary

Introducing an instant classic—master storyteller Neil Gaiman presents a dazzling version of the great Norse myths.

Neil Gaiman has long been inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction. Now he turns his attention back to the source, presenting a bravura rendition of the great northern tales. In Norse Mythology, Gaiman fashions primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds; delves into the exploits of the deities, dwarves, and giants; and culminates in Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods and the rebirth of a new time and people. Gaiman stays true to the myths while vividly reincarnating Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin’s son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki, the son of giants, a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator. From Gaiman’s deft and witty prose emerges the gods with their fiercely competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to dupe others, and their tendency to let passion ignite their actions, making these long-ago myths breathe pungent life again.

Rating

NO RATING

Review

I will not give any rating as this book is a collection of short stories.

I am, since a young age, a big fan of mythologies. However, the only one that I don’t know a lot about is Norse mythology.

This book is an excellent start to understand this mythology. You started with the beginning by the creation of the world and finished with the end of the world (or Ragnarok.)

The number of characters and sometimes lost me as much as the different objects which have a name, but it’s the same for all the mythologies. It’s hard to understand initially, but the more you read about it, the better you are to master it.

Overall, it was a quick and easy read which gave the basics to the Norse mythology.

Liz.