Norse Mythology

<p> The Norsemen of old Scandinavia were a tough and hardy people, best known today for their prowess in bloody combat and storytelling. Because they had no writing, the frightening reputation of warriors survives, but Norse mythology -- all storytelling -- is less known. This book documents the Norse myths that were sources of entertainment, comfort and explanations of the universe -- from animals to the seasons to the afterlife. </p><p> Given that there are no surviving texts, the remaining myths have been changed through hundreds of years of oral tradition. <i>Norse Mythology</i> draws on Prose Edda and Poetic Edda, the two earliest and most faithful recordings of Norse myths. The chapters include: </p><ul> <li> An introduction to Norse history and culture -- Vikings, long ships, and raiding</li> <li> Cyclical time: Runes, the creation of the Cosmos, First Gods</li> <li> Yggdrasil and the Nine Realms</li> <li> The Aesir Gods (Odin, Thor, Loki, Sif, Baldur, Idun)</li> <li> The Vanir Gods (Njord, Freyr, Freyja, The Mighty Thor)</li> <li> The Jotnar (Hela, Skadi, Skoll and Hati)</li> <li> Monsters and other creatures (Dwarves, light elves Sleipnir, Odin''s eight-legged horse, Kraken, trolls)</li> <li> Other myths (why is the sea salty?)</li> <li> Ragnarok and the Rebirth of the World.</li> </ul><p> Illustrated in color throughout and accompanied by maps and photos of archaeological treasures, this is a highly entertaining and informative read as the world of entertainment draws more stories from Norse mythology. </p>