Additional Reading and Sources

mrferrell

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Norse Mythology

by Neil Gaiman (2017)

The latest hotness in the Norse Mythology world. I’ve read you some stories from this one in class, and you loved them. (If you haven’t had Mythology yet, I’ll read you some stories from this one in class, and you’ll love them.)

Very much a story book, Gaiman focuses solely on telling good tales. His style is spare, but lyrical. If you’ve got some time on your hands, here he is talking to Stephen Fry about it (Fry has just released a book of Greek myths, himself) and reading a selection about Fenris the wolf. Oh, Fry reads a myth about King Midas, too, and a guy draws pictures the whole time. 🤣

We used to have this one in the RCHS library, but it’s evidently gone missing, or something? They might get another one, though, so keep your eyes peeled. You can also find it at Amazon, or Barnes & Noble in the mall or wherever.

mrferrell

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Myths of the Norsemen

by Roger Lancelyn Green (1960)

This is one of the books that Neil Gaiman says impressed him as a youth, and it’s one I’ve read as well. Good solid storytelling here. If you’re not interested in Gaiman’s, this one will do nicely.

mrferrell

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The Norse Myths

by Kevin Crossley-Holland (1980)

Another book that Neil Gaiman namechecks, and one that’s also on my shelf. Quite readable and rather contemporary, Crossley-Holland’s book also includes quite a few notes about the stories and culture around them, as well as a helpful glossary!

mrferrell

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Byzantium

by Stephen Lawhead

I mentioned this one in class, probably, and we ought to have a copy in our library. It’s an epic story (about 900 pages worth!) about a young Irish monk who’s chosen to travel with an embassy to the emperor in Byzantium, but runs afoul of viking raiders, leading to a cascading series of adventures and encounters he never could have dreamed of. If you’re in the mood for a super-chunky historical novel, check it out!

mrferrell

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The Apples of Idunn

by Matt Larkin

The first in a nine-book series of “dark fantasy” novels based on Norse mythology, Larkin’s books are gritty and violent, but picture an Odin so obsessed with his visions of Ragnarok that he’s willing to go to any lengths to try to prevent it—and there, probably, lies his downfall. I’m not sure. I’ve only read four, I think, but I have the fifth on my Kindle. I may try to jump back in someday—they weren’t bad, I just got kind of tired.

mrferrell

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Votan and Other Novels

by John James

I read this last year, recommended by (and with an introduction from) Neil Gaiman, of course. The first novel, Votan, is about a Greek nobleman named Photinus who, through a bizarre set of circumstances, is mistaken for the god Odin while traveling in Germany in the 2nd century. Once you know some Norse mythology, it’s relatively easy to follow along with the fun. A wild mix of history, mythology and imagination, it’s a book I will definitely read again sometime. If you check this one out, be sure to read through the introductory material for some helpful context!