Neil Gaiman’s “Norse Mythology”

This week I’m reviewing a book I’ve been eagerly awaiting: Neil Gaiman’s Norse Mythology. It’s no secret that I’m a fan of Gaiman’s work. Naturally, I was interested when I heard he was working on an adaption of Norse myths. Most everybody has heard the absolute basics of Norse mythology: Thor, his trickster brother Loki, Odin, Ragnarok, ect. Despite the recent rise in popularity (thanks, Marvel), Norse mythology is somewhat less accessible than, say, Greek. Gaiman’s newest book is the newest and best chance for these myths to explode into public consumption.

I’m extremely impressed with Norse Mythology. Gaiman has already shown his prowess with making myth feel fantastically new in books like American Gods and Good Omens. Although the collection isn’t a Gaiman original, Norse Mythology still has a distinct flair in its presentation that will absolutely please fans of Gaiman’s work. Norse myths are particularly grandiose, featuring larger-than-life characters who engage in acts of heroism, or stupidity, that truly deserve the title of legend. That sense of wonder is precisely what makes Norse Mythology such a good read. The magic of the tales are largely lost when you look up excerpts or summaries online. Here, Gaiman arranges and presents the stories of the Norse gods and goddesses in their most impacting form… as stories, with the attitude and prose to match. If you love learning about other religions or cultures, or just want to read tales of magic and heroism, then Neil Gaiman’s Norse Mythology is an absolute must-buy. The book isn’t particularly large, and can easily be ingested in small increments over time.