Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
I have always been a fan of mythology and the tales of Odin, Thor and Loki have always been especially entertaining. When I saw that Neil Gaiman was rewriting some of these famous tales, I knew I had to read it. And I'm so glad I did, because just like Gaiman's other work, the writing for these short stories was compelling and had me turning page after page until I was suddenly finished.
Gaiman recreates these Norse myths with his signature style; a bit of humor, charm and a lot of complex characters. Even though you are reading myths from thousands of years ago, you still feel like you are reading modern and easily accessible short stories. Each short story was informative and entertaining and continuously enthralling.
You read about Odin, the allfather, conniving and powerful. Then Thor, strong and honorable. And also Loki, cunning and ingenious with his own complex intentions. These three characters do battle with each other in such complex ways. And there are so many wonderful secondary gods and demigods we learn about that add layers to Odin, Thor and Loki and give insight into this world that passed down these stories from generation to generation.
Gaiman doesn't stop there. He takes the time to provide you with background of how these gods came to be; with Yggdrasil, the children born from her and nine worlds that take root from her. The novel ends with a short story about Ragnarok, the final destiny of the Gods and the battle of all battles. Many of the Gods will die and there will be a rebirth of the world of the Gods when the surviving offspring take on these new duties.
It was funny and enjoyable, a quick-read full of action and definitely a book I'd recommend.
Synopsis: Neil Gaiman has long been inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction. 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.