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Norse Mythology Kindle Edition

by Neil Gaiman (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 34,823 ratings
Editors' pick Best Science Fiction & Fantasy
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From the #1 New York Times bestselling author and “one of the modern masters of fantasy writing,” (Huffington Post) a dazzling, witty telling of the Norse myths.


"A lively, funny, and very human rendition of Thor the thunder god, his father Odin, and the dark-hearted trickster Loki (plus countless other gods and monsters)." — Petra Mayer, NPR


Neil 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 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.

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  1. Print length
    232 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publisher
    W. W. Norton & Company
  5. Publication date
    February 7, 2017
  6. File size
    7446 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
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  9. Enhanced typesetting
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  1. Loki makes the world more interesting but less safe. He is the father of monsters, the author of woes, the sly god.
    Highlighted by 2,453 Kindle readers
  2. And there is the place named after its ruler: Hel, where the dead go who did not die bravely in battle.
    Highlighted by 2,037 Kindle readers
  3. He has two ravens, whom he calls Huginn and Muninn, which mean “thought” and “memory.”
    Highlighted by 1,958 Kindle readers
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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

An Amazon Best Book of February 2017: Neil Gaiman putting his own fingerprints on the Norse myths? Cue the hyperventilation of delighted readers. That reaction is genuinely earned in this tight retelling, as Gaiman darts between a Tolkienesque tone in the epic origin stories and his own bright wit in the tales centering on the adventures of Thor, Loki, and Odin. Those new to Norse mythology might be astonished by how bizarre some details are. (For example, the ship made of the fingernails and toenails of the dead might make you wonder how much the Vikings genuinely enjoying sailing.) The doomsday of Ragnarok will cause a jolt of disquiet among those who are used to Hollywood endings, and Thor himself will be a surprise for those who are familiar with Hollywood Thor—but those surprises are often where the fun lies. Fans more well-versed in Norse myths should still appreciate the humor and spark that Gaiman infuses into the stories he has selected to retell, adding to the existing rich literature. Many who read Norse Mythology will make this volume their joyful leaping-off point into a strange and mesmerizing world of gods, giants, undead goats, betrayals, a slanderous squirrel, elves, dwarves, and Valkyries. And don't forget that ship made of the finger- and toenails of the dead. —Adrian Liang, The Amazon Book Review

Review

"A clear, continuous narrative, with big scenes the same as they always were but with emotional pointers added."
― Tom Shippey, The Wall Street Journal

"Gaiman has such a profound understanding of the conflicts of Odin, Thor, Loki, and other gods that he revitalizes them through his imaginative depictions. His interpretation of major Norse myths will draw readers into a strange realm that will dazzle and baffle and lead to a new appreciation of Norse mythology."
― Jack Zipes, editor of The Norton Anthology of Children’s Literature

"In these accessible, retold tales, fantasy is odd, and real, and dire."
― Ethan Gilsdorf, Boston Globe

"Evocative and lyrical.… It is quite simply a breathtaking novel that is as matchless as the Norse gods themselves."
― Alex Brown, Tor

"Weaving together ancient Norse mythology with 21st-century sensibility, Gaiman's storytelling once again recreates an entire genre for the modern reader."
― Chelsea Hassler, Newsweek

"In Norse Mythology, Gaiman brings voice to the old myths so viscerally that listening to the audiobook every night for a week, I thought my bedroom might explode into Valhalla. The entire Norse pantheon, including dwarves and giants and demons, plays out as vividly as a novel or film. Honestly I may have to order a breastplate of some sort. As Gaiman puts it in the introduction, the stories feel like a journey from the ice and fire that created the world to the fire and ice that end it."
― Lidia Yuknavitch, New York Times Book Review

"Who else but Neil Gaiman could become an accomplice of the gods, using the sorcery of words to make their stories new? The author of American Gods transforms Norse myths into addictive reading for young and old, with high-wattage retellings that preserve the monumental grandeur of the Nordic universe but also turn it into a world that is up close and personal, full of antic wit and dark intrigue."
― Maria Tatar, translator and editor of The Annotated Brothers Grimm

"A lively, funny, and very human rendition of Thor the thunder god, his father Odin, and the dark-hearted trickster Loki (plus countless other gods and monsters)."
― Petra Mayer, NPR

"Gaiman’s prose is bright and fluid, his storytelling clear and cogent.… Norse Mythology ably captures the essence of a myth cycle that deserves to be better known, in an edition likely to speak to readers of all ages."
― Michael Berry, San Francisco Chronicle

"Norse Mythology introduces readers to a deeper world, rooted in the traditions of northern story telling. And what most of us know of Norse mythology only scratches the surface.… Gaiman’s book serves as a welcome point of entry to a new generation of readers."
― Bill Jones, A.V. Club

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01HQA6EOC
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ W. W. Norton & Company; Reprint edition (February 7, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 7, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 7446 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 232 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 34,823 ratings

About the author

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Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman

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Neil Gaiman is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty books, including Norse Mythology, Neverwhere, and The Graveyard Book. Among his numerous literary awards are the Newbery and Carnegie medals, and the Hugo, Nebula, World Fantasy, and Will Eisner awards. He is a Professor in the Arts at Bard College.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
34,823 global ratings
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Top reviews from the United States

Sam B
5.0 out of 5 stars Great selection of Norse myths
Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2024
Verified Purchase
This book is utterly fantastic for a beginner wanting to get into Norse mythology. It doesn't say everything, of course, but carefully selects tales from the whole body of Norse myth, including the most essential tales such as of the beginning and the end. Neil Gaiman's prose is simple and elegant, and is readable for most ages!

Just a warning before you purchase: According to most if not all reviews, the paperback version of this book comes with deckled edges. If you're not a fan of this, like me, then get the hardcover. Despite being a smaller book which would be perfect for paperback, the hardcover has normal pages and is definitely worth it.
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The Casual Nerd
4.0 out of 5 stars I find it unnecessary to remind many of you of the standards to ...
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2017
Verified Purchase
The title alone is self-explanatory. This is a collection of Norse Mythology that is presented to us by Neil Gaiman. I find it unnecessary to remind many of you of the standards to which I happen to hold this particular author to. He is an auto-buy. He has proven his worth and earned that respect. He tirelessly prevails and exceeds. So I had no doubts that this beautifully and so aptly covered book would meet these high expectations.

What is presented to us is a masterfully crafted interpretation of myths that are easily engaging equally for readers with a solid background in Norse mythology to those with little to no previously working knowledge. I admit that I fall into this latter category. In fact, I believe most of my learned mythology was derived from comics and video games. My high school and college studies tend to have leaned more heavily towards Greek mythology. So I can claim not true intellectual comprehension, I speak only of what I took away from this reading.

This was an experience that read more of a worthy and fascinating history than simply fiction. We are given a clear concept of the events that unfolded during the lives of Odin, Thor and Loki. The stories are delivered in an almost simplistic yet impactful and memorable manner that has made the entire event flawlessly engrossing and informative. Gaiman has taken something older and complex at times and made it approachable for every individual.

After a welcoming introduction, we are immediately introduced to the key players and some familiar Gods for many of you:

Odin – He is oldest of all gods and the all-father, he is known by many names.
Thor – He is known for his strength and his legendary hammer Mjollnir, he is a son of Odin.
Loki – He is known for his wit and looks. He is a constant thorn in the sides of the other gods and Odin’s blood brother.

Don’t fret, Gaiman has left no stone unturned including many other gods and characters that are familiar to Norse mythology, including dear Freya.

I attribute part of the successful execution of Norse Mythology to just how well Gaiman has managed to divide each story and narration appropriately. He has even so kindly inserted a thorough glossary for those who find themselves in need. The reading process is fluid and effortless. This is a title that could easily be consumed within a few hours.

We are graciously gifted 15 stories within this beautiful title. My favorites would include:

Mimir’s Head and Odin’s Eye
Freya’s Unusual Wedding
Hymir and Thor’s Fishing Expedition
The Last Days of Loki
If I had to choose an absolute favorite god, it would be Loki. For all of his mischief and arrogance, there was a great amount of entertainment to be found within his exploits and adventures. He truly is cunning.

“Because,” said Thor, “when something goes wrong, the first thing I always think is, it is Loki’s fault. It saves a lot of time.”

“He is tolerated by the gods, perhaps because his stratagems and plans save them as often as they get them into trouble.
Loki makes the world more interesting but less safe. He is the father of monsters, the author of woes, the sly god.”

Gaiman has vividly painted the worlds of Asgard and beyond with great clarity. This fascinating history of mythology unfolds in a way that only he could make happen. His ability to weave endlessly enchanting stories full of magic and promise carry you effortlessly on a journey from the very birth of Odin to Ragnarök. Even those with zero comprehension of Norse mythology will walk away feeling knowledgeable and satisfied.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
55 people found this helpful
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Michael Valdivielso
5.0 out of 5 stars Why Are You Not Reading This?!?!?
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2024
Verified Purchase
Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman, first published in paperback in 2018, really needs no review. But I am going to try, without spoilers, anyway.
First off there is an wonderful introduction why he explains how he got into Norse myths in the first place. Then a small section dealing with the major players of the tales. Odin, Thor, and Loki.
After that are fifteen chapters that are each a tale from the mythology. Mr. Gaiman did his best to take the many versions and combine them in a way that made sense but was also delightful to read and respective. In the back of the book are notes detailing the sources of each tale and there is also a glossary. In case you don’t know what the Bifrost is or need more information about Ullr. Thor’s stepson by the way.
The author does a good job of showing us the good, the bad, and the ugly. Because while Loki is self-centered, greedy, cruel, and sometimes does REALLY evil stuff the others are just barely better. Not as bad as the Greek Gods. Almost. But, yeah, Odin should not be trusted as he follows the letter of any oath he takes. But will still use loopholes to get out of them. And Thor…kills people when he gets upset. Like, bystanders. Just anybody in the room when he goes nuts. He has a hammer and he likes to use it to solve all problems.
Are there other version of the tales out there? Yes. Does it take away my joy from reading his versions of the myths? No.
This is Neil Gaiman and Norse Myths. Five out of five. Duh.
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Top reviews from other countries

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Grant Leard
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect!
Reviewed in Canada on September 3, 2023
Verified Purchase
This book is great! Gaiman’s novel is perfect if you’re interested in Old Norse mythology, and if you’re looking to have a few laughs along the way. It’s a lovely read!
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Katharina
5.0 out of 5 stars sehrgut
Reviewed in Germany on April 16, 2024
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The Doctor
5.0 out of 5 stars Sublime
Reviewed in Italy on December 14, 2023
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Da studioso della materia approvo e apprezzo il tocco di Gaiman. Sarebbe bello che sottoponesse anche altre storie della mitologia Norrena al trattamento Gaiman.
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Paz Blanco
5.0 out of 5 stars Muy recomendable
Reviewed in Spain on November 29, 2023
Verified Purchase
Un poco corto para mí gusto, eso o que se me ha quedado corto. Me ha gustado mucho, he leído por ahí que es para los que empiezan con la mitología nórdica y estoy de acuerdo. Muy bueno, la verdad.
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The Fantasy Review
5.0 out of 5 stars I'd Recommend the novel to anyone with an interest in these deities and accompanying stories
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 27, 2023
Verified Purchase
This Norse Mythology book review is for those who want to learn more about the legends of the Norse Gods. Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman is a fantastic start.

I have always been fascinated by myths and legends. Whether it was the Ancient Greek and Roman gods and goddesses or Celtic folklore, there is just something so brilliant about reading and exploring these fantasy stories.

I have read the Poetic Edda, so I had an awareness of the stories already, but Norse Mythology was a fantastic read. If you know little to nothing of these myths, this book is a fantastic place to begin.

Accessible Writing Style
The only other book written by Neil Gaiman that I have read is American Gods. In my review of that book, I talk about how easy the writing style makes it to read.

Learning Norse mythology from scratch by beginning with the Prose Edda or Poetic Edda can put some people off. This book, however picks some of the most important, relevant and entertains takes from those older texts and makes them accessible to a wide audience.

Whether it is Loki tying his testicles which are then yanked by an animal to make someone laugh, or Thor dressing as a bride to recover his hammer from a thief, the stories are brought to life and often very funny.

Additional Storytelling
Rather than reading like a dry encyclopaedia, Norse Mythology is written as a collection of fantastic story stories. Neil Gaiman really brings the characters and tales to life.

Yes, the overall stories are the same as those from the Poetic Edda and Prose Edda, but they are rewritten almost to be quirky fantasy short stories. Adding dialogue, travelogue and extra scenes enhances the characterisation of the gods, goddesses and other beings and creatures.

Although from older texts it is clear that Thor is a little… slow, Neil Gaiman’s depiction of the god of thunder through dialogue makes that aspect of this character funnier. It also adds a little nuance as Thor also has other aspect to his personality that are essential to understanding him.

In conclusion to this Norse Mythology book review I would certainly recommend the novel to anyone with an interest in these deities and accompanying stories. Additionally, if you like fantasy in general this is a fantastic read, as well as a quick and easy one too.
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