Norse Mythology - A Review

Author: Neil Gaiman

Genre: Mythology / Short Story

Format: E-book

Pages: 304

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 giants, a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator. From Gaiman’s deft and witty prose emerges 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.

I've always had a fascination for all kind of mythology and legend. As a kid it started out with Greek and Egyptian, but because my parents always supportive in inquisitive nature it expanded from there.  Norse Mythology quickly became my favorite. It pops up in the weirdest places, and of let it had sort of taking off like wild fire things to TV and Movies. So when Neil Gaiman published this bad boy, I needed to read it.

Like all books, it took me a minute to pick up. But, here we are. This isn't my first work by Gaiman, that was The Sandman. However, this is my first actual book of his that I've sat down to read. Even though these stories aren't originally his, they are his version of them. Told in his voice and throughout the book there isn't a doubt to that.

I really enjoyed this book and way that Gaiman told each story. Normally with short stories there is usually one that just drags me away from the book. Sitting here I can't think of one that made me stop reading. Issues on my bus did, but never story. In fact I came home a lot, set my stuff down, fed the cats, and finished reading whatever story I was on. I didn't have time wait until the next afternoon when I was the bus.

So my bus book, sort of became a bus and whenever I'm in the middle of a story book.

Despite knowing it's unwise, Loki is still my favorite. Even though Thor has the line about always blaming Loki when things go wrong. He's still my favorite. Because despite knowing he's a terrible being, the Gods do nothing to put an end to him. Maybe because they know they need him for balance. Maybe because he occasionally entertains them and gets them out of tight spots. Like when one loses one's hammer.

Also, I really like that the book started with the story of how Thor got his hammer. Because thanks to Marvel everyone knows about Thor hammers, but also because in a moment of clarity I know one would wear the hammer around their neck. I mean besides being a Hippster, but that is neither here nor there. I also like it because it starts off leaving no doubt in your mind that Loki is never going to be the good guy.

Oh! Up until this book I don't think I realized how kind of cowardly the other gods were. Like I know they would all stand and fight given the choice, bu they rely on Thor and that hammer a lot. So there's that as well.

So yeah, I really liked the book as a cohesive unit. It was more than just Thor and Loki, other gods had a few stories as well. And, in the end it told one continuous story leading toward Ragnarok.

Buy, Borrow, or Skip:  I saw buy or borrow. It's a fun read, and Gaiman is a master story teller. Whatever gets you to pick it up and enjoy it, I say go for it. Recommend it all around!

HAPPY READING!!