Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman brilliantly retells the famous Norse mythology, which has influenced so much modern literature. Stories about dwarves and ice giants, about magic and treasure, and about Asgard, the realm of the gods The Aesir are comprised of Odin, the all-father and oldest of the Aesir, his powerful son Thor, whose hammer Mjollnir causes the mountain giants to quake, Loki, a cunning and attractive man who is consistently unreliable in his lusts, and Freya, who is more beautiful than the sun and moon and who rejects those who attempt to control her.
This is a gripping, vivid reimagining of Norse mythology from the acclaimed, award-winning author Neil Gaiman, from the start of the world to the twilight of the gods. Norse mythology is one of those lesser-known treasures that hasn’t been fully explored and discussed as much as Greek or Egyptian myths. Norse Mythology is a body of tales that thoroughly explains key ideas and precepts of the North Germanic people. Even if most of the literature and scriptures were destroyed with the rise of Christianity, some passed-down works have persisted thanks to the disguise of the Gods as monarchs and princes in order to placate Christian rule. By using a touch of his own invented magic, Neil Gaiman has taken the tales from the poem Edda and brought them to life.
Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
Amazon.com
He continues by outlining how Norsemen perceived the universe and how the usage of pagan symbols and practices gradually gave rise to a full-fledged religion. The world tree, known as Yggdrasil, is significant because it stands in the centre of the Norse universe, from which nine realms branch forth. A giant named Ymir gave birth to the Gods, and it was his sons Odin, Vili, and Vè who subsequently killed him to construct the rest of the universe, including Asgard and Midgard. The beginning also announces Ragnarok, the beginning of the end. The Norse Universe is based on the idea that one day the fire demon Surtr will destroy the entire Norse Cosmos with his blazing sword by slicing through both gods and humans alike.
Through tales and narratives, the mythology of Thor, Loki, Balder, Heimdall, and other gods are recounted, emphasising all the significant events, such as Odin becoming an All-Father, how Mjollnir came to be Thor’s sword, the creation of creatures, Hell, and Valhalla, among others. Although Loki is often referred to as Thor’s adoptive brother in the Marvel universe, he is actually Odin’s blood relative.
While Hela is portrayed as a lovely being who governs the night and is the firstborn of Odin, she is actually one of Loki’s offspring from the giantess Angrboda and is actually half-dead and half-alive. She is sent by Odin to rule the underworld, where she is in charge of all the souls that did not pass away in valour and combat and proceed to Valhalla, the Norse Heaven.
Thor has a nice heart despite being impulsive, attractive, well-built, and strong. Nevertheless, he is also, to put it generously, dimwitted, unlike the slick Chris Hemsworth. Fenris the wolf is one of the three monster children of Loki and Angrboda, not a pet that Hela/Hel has adopted.
