Norse Mythology
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 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. Once, when Thor’s hammer is stolen, Thor must disguise himself as a woman - difficult with his beard and huge appetite - to steal it back. More poignant is the tale in which the blood of Kvasir - the most sagacious of gods - is turned into a mead that infuses drinkers with poetry. The work culminates in Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods and rebirth of a new time and people.
Through Gaiman’s deft and witty prose emerge these gods 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.
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Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman is a storyteller whose work effortlessly bridges the realms of mythology, fantasy, and reality. Known for his uniquely poetic prose and his ability to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, Gaiman’s books have captivated readers of all ages. With a career spanning novels, short stories, graphic novels, and even television, his writing is celebrated for its dark yet whimsical tone, its profound insight into human nature, and its masterful weaving of mythological and fantastical elements.

