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 fashions primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds; delves into the exploits of the deities, dwarves, and giants; and culminates in Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods and the rebirth of a new time and people. Gaiman stays true to the myths while vividly reincarnating Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin’s son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki, the son of a giant, a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator.
From Gaiman’s deft and witty prose emerge the gods with their fiercely competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to dupe others, and their tendency to let passion ignite their actions, making these long-ago myths breathe pungent life again.
Industry Reviews
It's virtually impossible to read more than ten words by Neil Gaiman and not wish he would tell you the rest of the story ... The halls of Valhalla have been crying out for Gaiman to tell their stories to a new audience. Hopefully this collection will be just the beginning * Natalie Haynes, Observer *
Brilliant ... Somehow he brings us close to this world of mountains and cataracts, monsters and elves * Sunday Times Book of the Week *
There have been countless retellings of the Norse myths, but few that give them the everyday immediacy of Neil Gaiman's wry, punchy phrasing and delivery. You feel that bumbling Thor, wise Odin, fabulous Freya and the wily Loki are part of him * The Times *
Gaiman retells the Norse sagas in his own lucid, laid-back style, teasing out the humour and absurdity inherent in the source material ... An honest retelling that betrays an abiding personal passion for the exploits of dim-witted Thor, mercurial Loki, bombastic Odin and the rest * Financial Times *
Beautifully told and a lot of fun * Mail on Sunday *
A bold undertaking ... An excellent introduction to the stories that wield such great cultural significance * Economist *
Gaiman's voice is engaging; often quirkily humorous ... The author's affection for the characters shines out from every page, and the narrative, always crisp and direct, combines an adult's insight with a childlike sense of wonder at the magic of it all * Joanne Harris, Spectator *
Gaiman's characteristically limpid, quick-running prose keeps the dramatic impetus of the medieval texts ... His telling of the tales is for children and adults alike, and this is both right and wise, it being the property of genuine myth on many levels * Ursula K Le Guin, Guardian *
It's the perfect moment to become acquainted with Gaiman's eerie, fantastical writing. In his latest book, he recasts the Nordic sagas as gripping human dramas, putting flesh and blood on the slippery Loki, the hard-charging Odin and others * Irish Independent *
His work draws you in and eats you up with new worlds and ideas * Metro *
