The Norse Myths: A Guide To The Gods And Heroes

Beskrivelse

Dive into the world of Norse mythology, where gods and heroes clash in epic tales. This book explores the lives of the Æsyr and Vanir gods, their universe, and the legendary stories that define them.

An engaging journey through the myths, gods, and heroes of ancient Norse culture.

Meet the fierce and often quarrelsome Norse gods, led by Óðinn, alongside the mysterious Vanir. This guide brings their mythological cosmos vividly to life through translated passages from Old Norse texts.

From the creation myths to the dramatic ragnarok-the foretold destruction of the world by Loki’s monstrous army-this book covers it all. Discover the complex and often tricky relationships between gods and giants, filled with rivalry, cunning, marriages, and seductions.

Explore the adventures and struggles of human heroes and heroines, marked by family conflicts, revenge, marriages, and murders. Witness how the gods interact with mortals, especially Óðinn, the All-father, who sometimes betrays his human followers to recruit fallen warriors for his army.

Carolyne Larrington delves into the origins of these myths in pre-Christian Scandinavia and Iceland and traces their survival through artifacts, sagas, and poems. She also examines how medieval Christian writers viewed these stories.

The book highlights the lasting impact of Norse myths on cultural works, from Wagner and William Morris to J. R. R. Tolkien, and even modern shows like Game of Thrones, which echoes themes like the Fimbulvetr, the 'Mighty Winter.'

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