Norse Mythology Book For Adults: Stories of Courage and Cycles | Paperback Book

This book presents a collection of Norse myths retold from the original sources, including the Poetic Edda and Prose Edda. It covers the major stories of the Norse pantheon in clear, modern English while remaining faithful to the traditional texts.

Key Myths Included:

• The creation from Ginnungagap and the world tree Yggdrasil
• Odin’s sacrifice for wisdom and discovery of the runes
• Loki’s shape-shifting and role in key events (including Sleipnir’s birth)
• Freya’s practice of seiðr and her search for Óðr
• The death of Baldr and its consequences
• Thor’s recovery of Mjölnir from Þrymr
• The binding of Fenrir and Loki’s punishment
• Valkyries and the selection of the slain
• Idun and the apples of youth
• Ragnarök and the final battle

Book Features:

• Faithful retellings based on the Eddas and related sources
• Intended Audience: Readers interested in Norse mythology and Scandinavian literature

Reader Feedback Example: "This book presents the original Norse myths in an accessible way." – Dr. Erik Magnusson (Old Norse Literature, University of Oslo)

A straightforward collection of authentic Norse myths retold for adult readers – perfect for anyone who wants the original stories without modern adaptations or added commentary.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO THE ANCIENT WORLD OF THE NORSE

• Who Were the Norse People and Their Environment
• The Role of Myths in Daily Life
• Early Culture, Oral Tradition, and Society

CHAPTER 2: BELIEFS BEFORE THE VIKING AGE

• Germanic Roots and Shifting Migrations
• Common Themes in Pre-Viking Beliefs
• Archaeological Clues of Early Worship

CHAPTER 3: THE CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE: GINNUNGAGAP

• Ginnungagap, Niflheim, and Muspelheim
• Ymir and Auðhumla: The First Beings
• Odin and His Brothers Shaping the World

CHAPTER 4: YGGDRASIL AND THE NINE REALMS

• The World Tree’s Branches and Roots
• Key Realms: Asgard, Midgard, Jotunheim, and More
• Creatures and the Role of the Norns

CHAPTER 5: THE RISE OF THE AESIR: ODIN AND HIS FAMILY

• Odin’s Many Names and His Quest for Wisdom
• Frigg, Thor, and Other Prominent Aesir
• Maintaining Order Among Gods and Giants

CHAPTER 6: THE VANIR: FREYA, FREYR, AND NJORD

• The Aesir–Vanir War and Its Aftermath
• Powers of Fertility and Prosperity
• Blending of Magic and Peace in Asgard

CHAPTER 7: GIANTS OF ICE AND FIRE

• Frost Giants in Jotunheim
• Surtr and the Fire Giants of Muspelheim
• Key Giants: Skadi, Hrungnir, and Thrym

CHAPTER 8: THE DWARVES, ELVES, AND OTHER HIDDEN FOLK

• Masters of the Forge and Magical Artisans
• Light Elves and Dark Elves (Dwarves?)
• Huldra, Land Spirits, and Folklore Connections

CHAPTER 9: THOR: THE CHAMPION OF THE AESIR

• Thor’s Personality, Mjölnir, and Goat-Drawn Chariot
• Battles with Giants and Serpents
• Relationship with Mortals and the Common Folk

CHAPTER 10: LOKI: THE TRICKSTER’S PATH

• Origins, Shape-Shifting, and Half-Giant Nature
• Early Pranks vs. Darker Betrayals
• Role in Balder’s Death and Binding

CHAPTER 11: THE VALKYRIES AND THE CHOSEN WARRIORS

• Choosers of the Slain on the Battlefield
• Valhalla and the Einherjar
• Notable Valkyries and Their Tales

CHAPTER 12: FREYA’S MAGIC AND THE SEIDR

• Freya as a Vanir Goddess of Love and Beauty
• Seidr: The Shaping of Fate and Prophecy
• Influence on Odin and Mortal Völur

CHAPTER 13: GREAT HEROES AND MORTAL LEGENDS

• Sigurd and the Dragon Fafnir
• Hrolf Kraki, Helgi, and Other Heroic Sagas
• Interplay Between Human Feuds and Divine Plans

CHAPTER 14: BALDER: THE SHINING GOD

• Beloved Son of Odin and Frigg
• Prophetic Dreams and the Mistletoe Dart
• Impact of Balder’s Death on Asgard

CHAPTER 15: IDUN AND THE APPLES OF YOUTH

• Guardian of the Immortality-Giving Apples
• Kidnapped by Giants, Threat to the Gods’ Youth
• Rescue by Loki and Restoration of Vitality

CHAPTER 16: HEL AND THE UNDERWORLD

• Domain of the Dead Who Do Not Die in Battle
• Hel (the Goddess) and Her Cold Realm
• Journey of Souls and Balder’s Sojourn

CHAPTER 17: IMPORTANT MYTHS AND TALES OF CONFLICT

• Thor’s Duel with Hrungnir
• The Builder of Asgard’s Wall
• Famous Feuds Setting the Stage for Ragnarok

CHAPTER 18: RAGNAROK: THE LAST BATTLE

• Signs and Omens (Fimbulwinter, Wolves Devouring the Sun)
• Cosmic Showdown: Odin vs. Fenrir, Thor vs. Jormungandr
• Surtr’s Flames and the Fall of the Nine Realms

CHAPTER 19: THE AFTERMATH OF RAGNAROK

• Survivors: Balder, Hod, Vidar, Vali, Magni, Modi
• New World Rising from the Seas
• Lif and Lifthrasir’s Role in Renewing Humanity

CHAPTER 20: LEGACY OF THE NORSE GODS

• Cultural Impact and Moral Guidance
• Preservation Through Poetry and Sagas
• Cycle of Endings and Renewals, Enduring Lessons

Product Details

Dimensions: 5.8 × 8.3 inches / 15.24 x 22.86 cm
Cover: Paperback