The Worlds of the New Norse

You could say we are fans of Norse mythology. We've watched both Thor and Thor: The Dark World, and we checked out the gender-bending Thor: Vol. 1, The Goddess of Thunder! But there are many other tales of Thor in the library catalog that we haven't read, because he's not our favorite Norse deity. Want to learn more about the Norse pantheon? Try Edith Hamilton's Mythology or, for kids of all ages, Treasury of Norse Mythology: Stories of Intrigue, Trickery, Love, and Revenge.

We have enjoyed Neil Gaiman's most entertaining Norse Mythology. Neil's pleasant narrative style and witty turn of phrase made this a fun read which discusses more of the Norse pantheon. We'd like to recommend the eAudiobook which is read by the author - Gaiman is a great reader. Consider giving his Odd and the Frost Giants a try, too, though it's technically a children's book, and of course American Gods. The library catalog also features Snorri Sturluson's Prose Edda, which was a primary source for Gaiman.

Want to see more of the Norse gods and goddesses explored, besides the ones touched on by Gaiman? One of our favorite television series is New Zealand's The Almighty Johnsons, wherein 4 brothers (and other relatives and various people they meet) discover on their 21st birthdays that they are the living incarnations of Norse deities. It's a great way to learn the stories behind Norse mythology (though this series is aimed at an adult audience), and features goddesses more prominently than some other tales - we were completely smitten with Iðunn,the keeper of the magic apples of immortality, and happy to learn to pronounce Sjöfn and Snotra.The library catalog features Season One.


Still want to immerse yourself in more Nordic culture? Here's a mixed bag of some other items you might enjoy - as refreshing as dipping your toe into the waters of a fjord, but definitely not  hygge, for those of you following Scanditrends. 

Fiction

Ragnarok: The End of the Gods by A.S. Byatt

Iron Axe by Steven Harper

Valkyrie Rising by Ingrid Paulson [YA eBook] 

Runemarks by Joanne Harris [YA] 

Triple Moon : Summer on East End by Melissa De la Cruz [YA]

Hammered by Kevin Hearne 

Vikings: The Complete First Season  [DVD]  

Valhalla Prophecy by Andy Mcdermott

Troll: A Love Story by Johanna Sinisalo   

Northmen: A Viking Saga  [DVD]

Non-Fiction 

Gods of Asgard: A Graphic Novel Interpretation of the Norse Myths adapted and illustrated by Erik Evensen

Vikings [DVD]

Exploring the Northern Tradition: A Guide to the Gods, Lore, Rites, and Celebrations From the Norse, German, and Anglo-Saxon Traditions by Galina Krasskova 

Nordic Gods and Heroes by Padraic Colum

The Volsunga Saga translated by William Morris and Eirikr Magnusson [eBook]

Bulfinch's Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch  [eBook]

Viking Knits and Ancient Ornaments: Interlace Patterns From Around the World in Modern Knitwear by Elsebeth Lavold 

An Illustrated Viking Voyage: Retracing Leif Eriksson's Journey in an Authentic Viking Knarr photographs by Russell Kaye; text by W. Hodding Carter 

Beyond the Northlands : Viking Voyages and the Old Norse Sagas by Eleanor Rosamund Barraclough 

The Book of Runes: A Handbook For the Use of an Ancient Oracle, the Viking Runes commentary by Ralph H. Blum

D'Aulaires' Book of Trolls by Ingri and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire [J]

Viking War: The Last Battle of the Vikings [DVD]

Ivory Vikings: The Mystery of the Most Famous Chessmen in the World and the Woman Who Made Them by Nancy Marie Brown