Norse Mythology
by Neil Gaiman
Fantasy, Mythology, Fiction, Short-Stories, Historical-Fiction, Classics
Neil Gaiman, long inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction, presents a bravura rendition of the Norse gods and their world from their origin though their upheaval in Ragnarok. In Norse Mythology, Gaiman stays true to the myths in envisioning the major Norse pantheon: Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin’s son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki—son of a giant—blood brother to Odin and a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator. Gaiman fashions these primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds and delves into the exploits of deities, dwarfs, and giants. Through Gaiman’s deft and witty prose, these gods emerge with their fiercely competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to duping others, and their tendency to let passion ignite their actions, making these long-ago myths breathe pungent life again.
Recommendations from Common Sense Media
Age Recommendation: 13+
What Parents Need to Know:
Parents need to know that Norse Mythology is a novelistic account of ancient Scandinavian myths, retold by Neil Gaiman, author of The Graveyard Book and many other award-winning titles. The book is set from the birth of the universe to Ragnarok, the Twilight of the Gods. The Norse gods go on adventures and engage in great contests. Things often turn violent — Thor kills enemies (usually giants) with his magic hammer — but the descriptions of the mayhem are not likely to disturb most readers. There’s little sexual content (Loki somehow gives birth to a magic horse), and only a little drinking, mostly of mead.
Educational Value: 5/5
Norse Mythology retells ancient legends and serves as a compelling introduction to Thor, Loki, Odin, Freya, and other Nordic deities.
Positive Messages: 3/5
Promises should be kept, and those who break an oath will live to regret it.
Positive Role Models: 4/5
Each of the Norse gods is powerful yet fallible: Thor is strong and brave but rather thick. Odin is wise but capable of foolishness. Most complex of all is Loki, who can’t help but sow discord that will come back to haunt him.
Violence & Scariness: 4/5
The Norse gods fight powerful giants, ogres, and dragons. Thor kills giants and other enemies with his magic hammer. Beloved Balder dies from a wound from a mistletoe dart. All the gods die at Ragnarok: by sword, poison, and other painful fates.
Sex, Romance & Nudity: 2/5
Various men want to make Freya their wife, but she usually eludes them. Loki somehow manages to give birth to a magical horse.
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Drinking, Drugs & Smoking: 3/5
The gods drink mead, a liquor made from honey, some of which flows from Odin’s rectum.
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