Book Reviews, Five Stars

Norse Mythology – Book Review

Rosie Wylor-Owen

Title: Norse Mythology

Author: Neil Gaiman

Genre: Mythology

Rating: Five stars

“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.”

* * *

My Review

Was the five star rating really a surprise?

I went into reading this book a bit unsure as to whether this would be a work of original fiction on the part of Neil Gaiman but Norse Mythology is a retelling of ancient Norse myths. I’ve always wanted to learn more about Norse mythology beyond the vague articles on the internet.

Norse Mythology takes all the best myths and enhances them to showcase their truly bizarre yet entertaining nature. This book is how I found out that Odin loses his eye by taking it out and putting into a fountain of knowledge so that he can know more. Also, Loki turns into a mare, goes gallivanting off with a stallion and comes back with a foal. *ahem* OK then.

There’s one myth per chapter and each myth reads like an old fable yet told with Gaiman’s unique flair. If I can make a recommendation, this book should be read with a hot chocolate (and whipped cream and sprinkles) at night time, ideally wrapped up in a blanket by the fire.

I totally recommend this book, especially if you’re looking for some gentle storytelling with some absurdist elements. It was a nice, relaxing deviation from mainstream fiction to some super old stories retold by a fantasy master.

Norse Mythology has definitely earned The Secret Library Recommended Reads seal!

If you want to get a copy of Norse Mythology, it’s available in e-book, paperback, hardback and audiobook formats on Amazon, a-right here.

Thanks for reading!

Published by Rosie Wylor-Owen

Rosie Wylor-Owen was born in Worcester, England at the height of baggy jeans and boy-band popularity. Her work has been featured in the literary magazines The Fiction Pool, Anti-Heroin Chic and Ariel Chart. In March 2018, she self-published her first urban fantasy short story “The Witch’s Touch.” In addition to her short stories and upcoming novel, Rosie regularly contributes to the millennial lifestyle magazine Unwritten.

4 thoughts on “Norse Mythology – Book Review”

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