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rebeccajane's review against another edition
4.0
This was so interesting to read. I really didn't know much about Norse Mythology and I loved learning about it. It got a bit confusing at times, but I'm not sure if it was the books fault or the fact that I knew so little about Norse Mythology.
lisa_setepenre's review against another edition
5.0
The Norse Myths: A Guide to Viking and Scandinavian Gods and Heroes has quickly become one of my favourite books on Norse mythology. It is a basic introduction to the mythology, so individuals wanting more analysis or discussion, or those already very familiar with Norse myths may not find this book that insightful or interesting.
I’m by no means an expert on Norse mythology, though it is a topic I’m interested in – and as such, I’ve read a few retellings, such as those by Neil Gaiman, Joanne Harris and Mike Vasich. While author Carolyne Larrington does retell the myths, her approach is a scholarly one. Thus, her retellings are more like summaries that allow for her to provide commentary on the myths – their sources, the historical and cultural context they were written in (such as the impact of the spread of Christianity), the themes and depictions of heroic qualities found in them.
It’s not something I’ve previously come across, and Larrington’s approach is very beginner friendly. Additionally, Larrington’s writing style is clear and accessible, and sometimes (but not too often) humorous.
I can’t claim that The Norse Myths is a ground-breaking work – I simply haven’t read enough to know. But I do think this is a great introduction to those who want to know more about the myths.
I’m by no means an expert on Norse mythology, though it is a topic I’m interested in – and as such, I’ve read a few retellings, such as those by Neil Gaiman, Joanne Harris and Mike Vasich. While author Carolyne Larrington does retell the myths, her approach is a scholarly one. Thus, her retellings are more like summaries that allow for her to provide commentary on the myths – their sources, the historical and cultural context they were written in (such as the impact of the spread of Christianity), the themes and depictions of heroic qualities found in them.
It’s not something I’ve previously come across, and Larrington’s approach is very beginner friendly. Additionally, Larrington’s writing style is clear and accessible, and sometimes (but not too often) humorous.
I can’t claim that The Norse Myths is a ground-breaking work – I simply haven’t read enough to know. But I do think this is a great introduction to those who want to know more about the myths.
spiritismus's review
4.0
Een duidelijk informatief boek over de goden en helden uit het oude Scandinavië. Echt een aanrader als je interesse daar ligt! Ik heb voorheen al eens de Edda gelezen en dit boek geeft een verdiepende uitleg over de mythen omtrent de liederen. Het boek is aangevuld met informatie over archeologische vondsten, historische afbeeldingen en verwijzingen naar latere gebruiken van de Noorse mythen, zoals de opera’s van Richard Wagner en de boeken van Tolkien.
wexlyz's review
5.0
I knew very little about Norse mythology beforehand, and I thought this book was an excellent introduction. It gave me a good overview of the characters and myths, and it left me intrigued enough to go looking for more.
The book is gorgeous with nice illustrative pictures, and very readable. Maybe the only issue is that there are a lot of names to keep track of, especially in the sections about heroes. Otherwise I thought it was solid.
The book is gorgeous with nice illustrative pictures, and very readable. Maybe the only issue is that there are a lot of names to keep track of, especially in the sections about heroes. Otherwise I thought it was solid.
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