“Remarkable.… Gaiman has provided an enchanting contemporary interpretation of the Viking ethos.”—Lisa L. Hannett, AtlanticNeil 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 … 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.
Gaiman fashions these primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds and delves into the exploits of deities, dwarfs, and giants. Through Gaiman’s deft and witty prose, these gods emerge with their fiercely competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to duping others, and their tendency to let passion ignite their actions, making these long-ago myths breathe pungent life again.
more
I’ve always found Neil Gaiman’s best work to be his short stories. Perhaps this is why I enjoyed Norse Mythology so much. His takes on these well-known stories were vivid and delightful, and his narration of the audiobook was a great bonus.
This book was an amazing surprise. I had an Audible credit available, and having loved Neil Gaiman’s books on audio in the past, I picked this one up. My experience with Norse mythology was very limited, and I went into this not knowing what to expect, aside from a great audiobook narrated by Neil Gaiman himself. These stories were so well told, and Neil Gaiman reading them just took them to an entirely new level.
Learning how Thor got his hammer, listening to Loki’s antics, and just getting immersed in the world of Asgard was such a great experience, I could not wait until I could listen again. This is definitely also not a one and done read. I think all of Gaiman’s audiobooks are great to listen to again and again, as they are so relaxing and atmospheric.
If you’re not into mythology generally, or all you know about Thor and Loki comes from Marvel movies like me, I would still recommend this one! I’ve heard equally great things about the physical book, but definitely recommend the audio here.
So I LOVE Neil Gaiman – I’m even willing to read his short stories, and generally speaking I don’t like shorts… This one is really a set of them – the characters are largely consistent throughout, and taken as a whole they represent the canon of Norse mythology. Normally that’s not my favorite genre – I like characters to be more in-depth than shorts generally allow for, which is why it’s not a format I typically choose to read. BUT, in the hands of someone immensely talented (like Neil Gaiman), the characters come to life even when they’re presented in short versions… I hadn’t done a lot of reading about the Norse gods before this but was generally familiar with Odin and Thor and Loki and with the concepts of Valhalla and Ragnarok, and had some ancillary knowledge of the other major players, but there was a lot of new material in here for me. I found it interesting – I was hoping for a little more Gaiman in the retellings though… This felt like a well-written anthology of myths – which it was. What it didn’t feel like was a Neil Gaiman-written anthology of myths. It was worth the read, but for the information about the myths rather than for the Gaimanesque (a word of my own invention) storytelling I so enjoy – I would have liked (and expected) to see a little more of his particular flavor of storytelling and a little more interpretation rather than this more traditional and straightforward collection of tales…
Gaiman is already well known for his love of mythos as any reader of American Gods can readily attest. This newest jaunt into the Nine Realms may leave any who read it if there’s any resemblance between the two. There is not. Whereas American Gods was told from the viewpoint of Shadow Moon? This felt more like an old elder telling a story by the fireplace. In short? I as much read as heard someone describe Norse mythology and even though you’re lost at the first of it? You’re begging for it not to end, because what you want to know should properly be answered in a sequel: what happened after the first move? Very minor spoiler with that last statement, but now you’re as intrigued as I was and probably desperate for an answer.
Even better than reading this, is listening to Neil’s narration. I suddenly enjoy listening to the quibbling of old Norse gods so much more.
If you enjoy Norse Mythology give this book a try. Neil Gaiman has a way of retelling the old stories in an entertaining way. Better yet give the audiobook a listen as Mr. Gaiman reads it himself with wonderful inflections.
I just finished this wonderful collection of Norse myths as retold by Neil Gaiman. This is a truly amazing collection of stories about the Norse gods. From Odin and Thor, to Loki, Freya, and all the other gods, this collection covers the broad swath of the Norse mythology from the creation of the universe to the end of days, Ragnarok.
If your only experience with the Norse gods has been the reinterpretations of Thor, Loki, and Odin from the Marvel Cinematic Universe then do yourself a favor and pick up this book. These are not Stan Lee’s gods of Asgard. Did you know that Sif is married to Thor? Did you know that Hel is the daughter of Loki, or how Loki plays an important role in Ragnarok? All of these legends are brought to life in the amazing way that only Neil Gaiman can do it.
Through Gaiman’s retelling of the old legends (he did a lot of research on the stories and blended some of the legends together to make his own interpretations) I learned a lot about the Norse gods. I learned how Loki, trying to save his own skin, caused the greatest treasures of the gods – including Mjolnir – to be created. I learned about the adventures of Thor and Loki, and how Thor created the tides as part of a drinking contest. One of the biggest things I learned – and it really shouldn’t have surprised me – was how much the gods of Asgard were really a bunch of a-holes. They really were. They were bullies and thugs on a good day, and generally did whatever they wanted, slew anybody who ticked them off, and generally acted like they owned the place. Which they did, in a sense. But it is a hard juxtaposition when your only frame of reference for the gods of Asgard has been what the MCU has churned out.
I highly recommend this book to anybody with an interest in mythology, old tales, or just a really good story. And I very much recommend that you get it as an audiobook. (I checked the book out from my local library.) Neil Gaiman, as usual, does a wonderful job of narrating the stories he has crafted. I really can’t think of actually “reading” a Gaiman story anymore as having him read to me is so much better.
A delightful retelling of old Norse myths
Gaiman uses his delightful language to retell the classic stories from Norse mythology. These stories were particularly nostalgic for me, because they took me back to the time when I first discovered Thor, Odin, Loki, Frey and the indefatigable characters as a child.
Absolutely well written and an easy read for both adults and children’s audiences.
I listened to the audiobook version of this title, and I’m so glad I did for a number of reasons:
• Reminded me very much of the Thor Ragnarok movie. Honestly, the movie makes a lot more sense to me now. Haha!
• I never would have been able to pronounce the majority of the names in this book on my own.
It was awesome listening to them be narrated with such ease! Neil Gaiman, the author, narrates the book himself, and let me tell you his accent is PERFECT for the storyline. You couldn’t get any more perfect! All audiobooks without this blessed voice and accent are now falling short for me, that’s how well the audio and narration was done. There was a PDF included along with the audiobook that acted as a guide to the Norse God’s names and their associations. I thought this was a neat little bonus. I wasn’t expecting anything but the sound-bite. Which brings me to my next bullet…
• The narration of this book is a MUST LISTEN! Loki’s sniveling, trickster’s voice is spot on, while Thor’s short temper and strong demeanor carry through in a booming way, one I might add, that wasn’t done over the top. The back and forth between Thor and Loki had me laughing consistently throughout. The humor was my favorite part. I also enjoyed the other gods and goddesses joining in on the fun, playing tricks on one another.
Action is what Norse Mythology is all about. It was great! The stories are a little gruesome, oftentimes, there being scenes of blood and death. I liked all of the chapters until it came to the last one, Ragnarok. The end chapter was told in future tense, because it is a prophecy, while the rest of the book FELT like present tense, even though they are tales told of old.
If you like mythology, the audible experience of this was fun, engaging, and I didn’t want the storytelling to end. I’m not sure if I would enjoy the read as much as I loved the audiobook experience.
I used an audiobook credit on Audible for this title. All reviews are of my own opinion, honest and voluntary.
My only contact with Norse mythology to date had been the movie Thor. Chris Hemsworth was the big draw, I’m sure you understand. Tom Hiddleston didn’t hurt either. The movie did peak my interest in the subject matter so I picked up Neil Gaiman’s Norse Mythology. Imagine my surprise to discover that the movie only used the parts of the myths that suited their movie. Now I scream at the television screen “that’s not how it happened!”. It’s been a double edged sword. The book is a must have for those interested in the myths that inspired a franchise. I still can’t pronounce 80% of the words used in the book but I just make up my own pronouncement & continue on. It’s been worth my time to find the myth behind the story.
I listened to NORSE MYTHOLOGY on Audible. Neil Gaiman read the book himself, and it was positively delightful. The author’s narration made me feel as if I was getting the book exactly the way he intended for me to hear it. The fact that Gaiman’s voices are so lively and fun made the listening experience all the better. He’s not just a great author. He’s a great voice actor too.
I’ve read Norse myths from other sources before, so I had some background to begin with, but I think even if I had no experience with Norse mythology, I would’ve understood these stories just fine. The myths ranged from raucously funny to intense and even sad. Gaiman’s retelling also gives the reader a taste of the times in which these stories were born. There’s history here, and readers can learn a lot about the cultures of Scandinavian countries as well as their myths.
Something important stood out for me as I listened, and this is coming from the perspective of an author, not a reader. Gaiman’s writing does everything “They” tell you not to do. He uses passive voice a lot, there are adverbs galore, gobs of repetition, and plenty of other things writers aren’t “supposed” to do. But … it works. He writes in a simple style without any grandiose gestures or flourishes, and it works. I’m awed by his talent for presenting clean, compact stories that pack a mighty punch, and I honestly can’t think of a single other author who does what Gaiman does and can get away with it. Just goes to show that rules are made to be broken.
I recommend NORSE MYTHOLOGY to readers who enjoy myths powered by fantastic storytelling. If possible, you should listen to the author’s narration. I think Gaiman’s voice adds an important dimension to the stories. You won’t be disappointed.
I loved reading this book to gain a better understanding of Norse myths and gods, and it cleared up my questions about how Ragnarok was described in the myths. Neil Gaiman is such a great writer and he treated these myths with respect and just the right amount of humor. It’s a great readable introduction.
I wasn’t expecting much from this, just maybe a recitation of old myths. Instead, it turned out to be a fabulous re-telling of old stories by THE master of storytelling (I know, why did I expect any less? Stupid me).
If you can, find the audiobook (read by Gaiman himself). It’s makes this great collection utterly fabulous.
I listened to this after reading Rick Riordian’s Magnus Chase series and it was fascinating hearing the myths that inspired to the story. I listened to it on audible and loved hearing Neil Gaiman read. It was like listening to a bedtime story.
I don’t usually like short stories, but I do love mythology. This series of shorts about Norse gods and myth was wonderfully written. True to the legends, but with a wonderful retelling. Loki, Thor they are all here. Recommend.
Confession: this was my introduction to mythology o.o
Kind of.
I’ve read bits and pieces here and there from mythologies and creation myths all over the world, but this was the first time I sat down to read a whole book dedicated to one specific pantheon! Gaiman retold the Norse mythologies beautifully, and I loved the whimsical take – like he was telling me about his favourite stories in his own words.
The thing I love the most about mythology is that most stories have this *blinks to make sure she read it properly*-only-in-mythology moment, and this book is full of those. There’s one in particular I guarantee you won’t find anywhere else. Who cares how it works? It’s mythology! Deal with it. I love that about this genre. It’s unapologetic in the stories it tells, and it doesn’t try to explain things only gods are supposed to understand. It shrugs and says, ‘It’s just a story; it just is. Don’t think too hard about it.’
I also had no idea Thor was such a whiny brat.
But I digress, so I’ll just finish by saying that I loved this and will be reading more mythology from now on.
I’m not a big mythology person. It doesn’t hold a lot of interest for me. However, after finishing the Neil Gaiman MasterClass on writing, I wanted more Gaiman.
My author gods are Atwood and Gaiman. Atwood is whom I wish to emulate. Gaiman is who I want to drink with.
Norse Mythology was Gaiman’s own take on the classic stories, and it was very entertaining. It’s a great listen for mythology fans or not.
If you’ve read the title and author, you know what to expect from this book. It’s the main mythic stories straight out of Snorri Sturluson’s Poetic and Prose Eddas, retold by Neil Gaiman in characteristically Neil Gaiman tone and with characteristic Neil Gaiman prose style.
A very big part of your ability to enjoy this book will depend on whether you like Gaiman’s writing, and I like it a great deal. It only really comes in one flavour, but conveniently it’s my favourite flavour. His prose has that quality Morgan Freeman’s voice has, in that you could listen to it do just about anything and enjoy it.
I’ve found the stories short, pithy, and delightfully fascinated with the names of things, which are sometimes translated: Draupnir, “the dripper,” is explained and translated, but Sleipneir (“the slipper”) and others are left unexplained in the naming.
Thor and Loki figure centrally, as you’d expect, in many of these tales, and are beautifully rendered and a reverent alternative to the way Marvel’s come to depict them to a generation. Gaiman’s Thor, like the original, is red-bearded, short-tempered and brutish; his Loki is possessed of an uncommon cruelty (especially in the slaying of Baldr) but his unwitting role in the wonders and joys of the Gods is well explored too.
I wish Snorri had been given more mention as the collector and originator of some of these stories, but of the stories themselves there can be no criticism. You know before you pick this book up whether you should read it or not. If you read it and adore it, as I did (or if you are lucky enough to hear Gaiman read his own audiobook, like a kindly father complete with his own charming “voices” for the characters), you will not be surprised by your reaction. Likewise, if for some reason you don’t like Gaiman’s style or the way he turns a phrase about magic, it’s still a great book, but it’s not for you. The person who picks up this book and doesn’t like it is like a dissatisfied customer who hates the colour red and then buys a red car.
If you’ve read and liked anything of Gaiman’s before, he’s applied his personal lens and tone to these wonderfully bleak old myths and brought them to life, farts and all. I recommend it if you like wither Neil Gaiman or Norse mythology, and I strongly recommend it if you like both. But then, that’s something you could’ve gleaned from the cover without my help.
If you’re into mythology, whether Greek, Roman, Norse, etc., this is a book worth reading. It does a great job of explaining the players in Norse lore and then gives great tales to exemplify these characters.
Wonderful adaptations of Norse Myths. I recommend this for all ages.