Tales of the Norse Gods

by Barbara Leonie Picard

Book Overview

A classic collection of stories by one of the best-known and most esteemed retellers of the last fifty years. Enter a world of cunning, trickery, and revenge. Encounter bold warriors, courageous women, strength in battle and bravery against the odds. These are the stories of the Viking gods. Drama and action abound as legendary heroes struggle against mighty giants, loathsome beasts, and sinister dwarves--even as they fight amongst themselves. (reissue...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0192751166
• ISBN13: 9780192751164
• Release Date: March 2001
• Publisher: OUP Oxford
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.1" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

A book for the ages

Without a doubt, this is easily one of the best retellings of Norse Mythology I've come across (and I've read quite a few!). By accident, I discovered this book in my elementary school library when I was a child and never forgot the profound influence it had on my life. This is the book that cemented my love of mythology! The Norse myths are some of the greatest collection of tales and legends ever written by man. Where the Greek Gods are cruel and remote, the gods populating Norse mythology are more akin to the human race than their Mediterranean counterparts. I find it much easier to believe in the nobility of a god like Thor who simply loves to drink and fight than let's say Zeus who goes around in the form of animals seducing the wives of both men and gods. Or how about Odin who cares so deeply for the welfare of humanity that he gives up an eye in order to discover the means to protect them from a coming Apocalypse? Compare that to Athena who cruelly transformed a young girl into a spider simply because she challenged her to a weaving contest? The imagination of the ancient Norse skalds was as impressive as any of the Greek Poets, if not more so. In Tales of the Norse Gods one can expect to read about the feats of mighty gods who waged war against the powerful Frost giants as well as all the passions and jealousies that drove them. Tales of the Norse Gods is a terrific book and highly recommended. It is definitely a book for the ages.

Fun to read

After reading the mythos of several different countries, to include Egypt, China, and Japan, I've come to the conclusion that the Mythos of the Norsemen is perhaps, the most fun and enjoyable to read. I especially enjoyed the tale of why there are so many bad poets in the world. Irony, you got it. Symbolism, that too. Recommend to anyone who is just interested or who is interested in myth. The stories have a life on to themselves. Cheers!