Literature & Fiction

Norse Mythology

10/12/2024 / Books, Genre Fiction, Historical, Literature & Fiction

Introducing an instant classic – master storyteller Neil Gaiman presents a dazzling version of the great Norse myths.

Neil Gaiman has long been inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction. Now he turns his attention back to the source, presenting a bravura rendition of the great northern tales. 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 a giant, a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator. From Gaiman’s deft and witty prose emerge the gods 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.

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Norse Mythology: The Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes Handbook: From Vikings to Valkyries, an Epic Who’s Who in Old Norse Mythology (World Mythology and Folklore Series)

10/12/2024 / Books, History & Criticism, Literature & Fiction

Discover the gods, goddesses, and heroes from Norse mythology with this beautiful handbook that captures the ancient stories that captivated the Vikings.

Learn more about your favorite Norse gods, goddesses, and heroes with this collection of profiles that share the real stories behind the characters.

With characters from Norse myths coming to life on the big and small screens, and in the pages of new and exciting fiction, this guide can give you all the details you need to understand your favorite heroes, villains, and powerful deities. With comprehensive entries that outline each character’s names, roles, related symbols, and foundational myths, you can get to know the roots of these personas, and better understand the new stories we tell about them today.

From the Publisher

Discover the gods, goddesses, and heroes from Norse Mythology with this illustrated handbook!

Pore over comprehensive entries detailing the folklore, myths, and legends of the Vikings.

Become an expert on Loki, Odin, Thor, his beloved mjolnir, valkyrie, ragnarok, Valhalla, and more!

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Adams Media (October 3, 2023)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1507220529
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1507220528
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.8 x 8 inches

Norse Mythology: The Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes Handbook: From Vikings to Valkyries, an Epic Who’s Who in Old Norse Mythology (World Mythology and Folklore Series) Read More »

Saint Magnus, The Last Viking (God’s Forgotten Friends)

10/12/2024 / Books, Literature & Fiction, Teen & Young Adult

Come back in time 900 years, to the fierce and desolate Northern lands, where Norsemen ruled with ax and sword. A dying king, a shocking death-wish, his heirs divided with an oath of blood . . .In this fast-paced new novel by the highly popular Susan Peek, the conflict unfolds between Magnus Erlendson, a heroic young prince aflame with the love of God, and his outlawed cousin Hakon, who blames Magnus for his banishment from their kingdom. What follows is a tale of betrayal and revenge, bravery and forgiveness, as Magnus seeks to restore his father’s vanquished kingdom to its rightful hands.Entertaining and inspiring from start to finish, a must-read for all those who thrill to learn the life of a saint we never knew existed!

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Seven Swords Publications (November 16, 2015)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 244 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0997000503
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0997000504
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 14 – 18 years
Grade level ‏ : ‎ 2 – 7
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.1 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.55 x 8.5 inches

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Norse Mythology, Vikings, Magic & Runes: Stories, Legends & Timeless Tales From Norse & Viking Folklore + A Guide To The Rituals, Spells & Meanings of … Elder Futhark Runes: 3 books (3 books in 1)

10/12/2024 / Books, Literature & Fiction, Mythology & Folk Tales

Explore The World of Norse Mythology, Vikings, Magic & Runes

Join us on a discovery to the Marvels, Magic, Runes & Wonders of Norse Mythology, and learn from one of the most interesting civilizations ever known – The Vikings.

Included in this Captivating 3 Book Collection are:

Norse Mythology Captivating Stories & Timeless Tales of Norse Folklore. The Myths, Sagas & Legends of the Gods, Immortals, Magical Creatures, Vikings & MoreThe Vikings: Who Were The Vikings? Enter The Viking Age & Discover The Facts, Sagas, Norse Mythology, Legends, Battles & MoreNorse Magic & Runes: A Guide To The Magic, Rituals, Spells & Meanings of Norse Magick, Mythology & Reading The Elder Futhark Runes

The Tales are Epic, The Battles are Fierce & The Drama is Plentiful!

As you journey through this book collection, we will help you peel back the layers of history that surround these fascinating stories to take a peek at the myths, beliefs, customs, and traditions as they actually were.

Also in this book you will find:

Norse Magic & Runes: A Guide To The Magic, Rituals, Spells & Meanings of Norse Magick, Mythology & Reading The Elder Futhark Runes

Nowadays, Runes & Norse Magic are used as a method of connecting to one’s higher self. Or as a way of foretelling what the future may hold. Now don’t worry because you don’t have to be of Norse ancestry to use them. However you’ll have a far better understanding of their history, mythology, meanings and more through reading this book.

All This & Much More In This 3 Book Collection, including:

Stunningly Elaborate Mythologies, Stories & FolktalesFamous Viking Battles including The Legendary Battle of Stamford BridgeRunes, Symbols, Divination, Sacred Numbers, Casting, Elder Futhark & The Powers They WieldOld Norse Magic, Including The Magic Arts of: Seiðr, Spá and GaldrGods & Goddesses – Loki The Trickster, Thor God of Thunder & MoreWhat Happened to The Vikings & Why did They Disappear?How Norse Mythology Influenced Modern Pop Culture – Marvel, Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, Viking Metal & MoreThe Source of Norse Mythology, The Poetic Edda or ‘Royal Book’.Virtues and Values From The Vikings – Honor, Courage, Trust & MoreAnd much, much more..

Whether you are simply hungry for the history and mythology of the Norse and The Vikings, or if you are beginning to master the magic arts, then you will receive valuable information from this precious book collection.

So without any further ado, Read This Book

From the Publisher

norse mythology vikings runes

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09LB3PCZP
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (November 8, 2021)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 426 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8762363853
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.16 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.96 x 9 inches

Norse Mythology, Vikings, Magic & Runes: Stories, Legends & Timeless Tales From Norse & Viking Folklore + A Guide To The Rituals, Spells & Meanings of … Elder Futhark Runes: 3 books (3 books in 1) Read More »

Gods and Myths of the Viking Age

09/12/2024 / Books, Literature & Fiction, Mythology & Folk Tales

Barnes & Noble Pub 2006 New York Edition. Hilda Roderick Ellis Davidson was an English antiquarian and academic, writing in particular on Germanic paganism and Celtic paganism. Davidson used literary, historical and archaeological evidence to discuss the stories and customs of Northern Europe. Gods and Myths of Northern Europe is considered one of the most thorough and reputable sources on Germanic mythology. Like many of her publications, it was credited under the name H. R. Ellis Davidson. Davidson was a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, and was president of the Council of the Folklore Society from 1974 to 1976, and served on the council from 1956 to 1986. Davidson has been cited as having “contributed greatly” to the study of Norse mythology.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Barnes & Noble (January 1, 2006)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 250 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0760700354
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0760700358
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.6 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.75 x 0.51 x 8.43 inches

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Odin’s Game: The Whale Road Chronicles, Book 1

09/12/2024 / Ancient, Books, Genre Fiction, Historical, Literature & Fiction

Bloomsbury presents Odin’s Game by Tim Hodkinson, read by Rycharde Everley.

FAST-PACED, DETAILED AND BRILLIANTLY WRITTEN [FOR] FANS OF BERNARD CORNWELL, GEORGE R.R. MARTIN AND THEODORE BRUN’ HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY.
Not everyone will survive, but who will conquer all in Odin’s game?

AD 916.

In the Orkney Isles, a young woman flees her home to save the life of her unborn child. Eighteen years later, a witch foretells that evil from her past is reaching out again to threaten her son.

Outlawed from his home in Iceland, Einar Unnsson is thrown on the mercy of his Uncle, the infamous Jarl Thorfinn ‘Skull Cleaver’ of Orkney. He joins forces with a Norse-Irish princess and a company of wolfskin-clad warriors to become a player in a deadly game for control of the Irish sea, where warriors are the pawns of kings and Jarls and the powerful are themselves mere game pieces on the tafl board of the Gods.

Together they embark on a quest where Einar must fight unimaginable foes, forge new friendships, and discover what it truly means to be a warrior. As the clouds of war gather, betrayal follows betrayal and Einar realises the only person he can really trust is himself.
Praise for Tim Hodkinson:
‘An excellently written page-turner, with a feel for the period which invites you into the era and keeps you there’ Historical Writers Association.

‘A gripping action adventure like the sagas of old; and once finished, you just want to go back and read it all over again’ Melisende’s Library.

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The Lies of Loki (War of the Nine)

09/12/2024 / Books, Fantasy, Science Fiction & Fantasy

Across space, in the vast expanse between the realms, Odin and the Gods of Asgard do battle with the Jotunn.

The Jotunn have managed to destroy one planet already, forcing the realms to unite against them, beating them back.

Now, in this brief lull in the conflict, Odin has returned from a meeting with Mimir, minus an eye and with more questions than ever before. To make matters worse, Asgard’s defense system, the Thurisaz, has been compromised, leaving the realm open to invasion by the Jotunn. The only way Odin can fortify Asgard again is with the help of the man who broke it in the first place.

This is where Loki comes into play. Together, he and the Asgardian gods hatch a scheme. They are about to play a dangerous game, one where the fate of the realm, and perhaps the entire world, hangs in the balance. Loki must do what he does best. He cannot break the rules, but he will certainly bend them. He will do everything in his power to ensure the safety of his people.

But as fate would have it, Loki has no idea the extent to which his loyalty is about to be tested, or that he may find more common ground with the opposing players than with his own Asgardian brethren. If he only knew his future actions, well-intentioned as they might be, are doomed to bring the realms one step closer to complete and utter ruin.

War of the Nine is a series of short tales re-imagining various Norse Myths in a Sc-Fi, Star Wars-like setting. They are linear. They are all connected. Each one is another step toward the immutable fate of the Nine Realms, one that not even the Gods can prevent: Ragnarok itself.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DM62WFLF
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Yugo Publishing (November 5, 2024)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 75 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8985475890
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.89 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.06 x 0.17 x 7.81 inches

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Ragnarok: The Origins and History of the Apocalypse in Norse Mythology

09/12/2024 / Kindle eBooks, Kindle Store, Literature & Fiction

*Includes pictures

*Includes medieval accounts

*Includes online resources and a bibliography for further reading

*Includes a table of contents

One of the most fascinating elements of Norse cosmology is the fact that its end is foretold in crushing detail. This end of times will come about in a mighty battle called “Ragnarök”, an event translated as either “the Fate of the Gods” or (in Richard Wagner’s re-imagining) “the Twilight of the Gods.” Moreover, not only is the event foretold, but the characters of this drama seem to know of its coming. This is in line with the Germanic faith in the concept of “fate.” For the German pagans, fate or destiny was an integral part of human existence; while people may not know them ahead of time, their stories are written before they are born, and this was true of the gods as well. Although the gods seem to accept their fates, this concept was not the same as that of “destiny” in Christianity (especially Calvinist pre-destination), because the Norse believed that fate could perhaps be warped and shifted.

According to historian Rudolph Simek, Ragnarök, the “Final Destiny of the Gods,” was comprised of four principal cataclysmic events: the Fimbulwinter, a mighty winter that lasted three years; Surtr’s “world fire” that consumed everything; the sinking of the earth beneath the waves whipped up by the “Midgard Serpent;” and the darkening/disappearance of the sun after Fenris-Wolf devoured it. Afterwards, there is also a resurrection of humanity and the gods that is often forgotten but gives a fascinating insight into the socio-political mindset of the Norse storytellers.

The actual description of Ragnarök appears best in the medieval prose text, the Gylfaginning, and the prophetic poem the Völuspá, but Ragnarök’s antecedents are equally fascinating and present a catalog of crimes and errors that led to the fated “twilight” of the gods. This idea of “destiny,” of fate, is key to understanding the culture behind these strange tales.

Many of the allusions to characters, objects, and events in the sources available today are still mysterious to historians. Much has been lost to the abyss of time, but, although these references and connections often bemuse people, there is still enough poetic majesty in the sources that have survived to captivate readers and give a sense of what the medieval Scandinavian mindset was. A lot can be learned about people by probing how they envisaged the end of their world. Many people today believe that the Ragnarök is the tale of where all good fails, ushering in a future devoid of hope in which the gods, the supposed progenitors of “goodness,” ultimately lose. However, an analysis of the legend and its origins make this viewpoint less tenable.

Ragnarök: The Origins and History of the Apocalypse in Norse Mythology looks at the story and the legendary Norse mythology behind it. Along with pictures depicting important people, places, and events, you will learn about Ragnarök like never before.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B076XNX6S3
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Charles River Editors (October 26, 2017)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 26, 2017
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 2455 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 93 pages

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The Shadow of the Gods

09/12/2024 / Action & Adventure, Books, Fantasy, Literature & Fiction

From acclaimed fantasy author John Gwynne comes the first in the Bloodsworn trilogy, an epic of wild lands and wilder magic, where not all monsters fight with tooth and claw…and the treasures of the gods come at a price.

This is the age of storm and murder.

After the old gods warred and drove themselves to extinction, the cataclysm of their fall shattered the land of Vigrio.

Now, power-hungry jarls carve out petty kingdoms, and monsters stalk the shadow-haunted woods and mountains. A world where the bones of the dead gods still hold great power, promising fame, and fortune for those brave – or desperate – enough to seek them out.

As whispers of war echo over the plains and across the fjords, fate follows the footsteps of three people: a huntress searching for her missing son, a jarl’s daughter who has rejected privilege in pursuit of battle fame, and a thrall who has cast off his chains and now fights alongside the famed mercenaries known as the Bloodsworn.

All three will shape the fate of the world, as it once more teeters on the edge of chaos.

For more from John Gwynne, check out:

Of Blood and Bone series: A Time of Dread, A Time of Blood, and A Time of Courage

The Faithful and the Fallen series: Malice, Valor, Ruin, and Wrath

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Norse Mythology: The Prose Edda and The Poetic Edda Complete and Unabridged Collection: Also including Even More Myths of the Norsemen and Told by the Northmen (Stories from the Eddas and Sagas)

09/12/2024 / Books, Family Saga, Genre Fiction, Literature & Fiction

Titles in this Collection:

The Elder or Poetic Edda of Saemund Sigfusson by Henry Adam BellowsThe Younger or Prose Edda of Snorri Sturlson by Arthur Gilchrist BrodeurMyths of The Norsemen by H.A GuerberTold by the Northmen: Stories from the Eddas and Sagas By E.M Wilmot-Buxton(Annotated) with A Historical Introduction to the Age of the Vikings

The Eddas and Sagas are important historical texts in Old Norse literature, often referenced to understand the culture, beliefs, and practices of the Norse people, including their mythology and heroic legends.

There are two Eddas – the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda.

The Poetic Edda, also known as the Elder Edda, is a collection of Old Norse poems primarily preserved in the Icelandic mediaeval manuscript Codex Regius. These poems tell stories about the Norse gods (like Odin, Thor, and Loki) and heroes. They provide a rich source of information about Norse mythology and Germanic heroic legends. Experience the Poetic Edda through the esteemed lens of Henry Adams Bellows. His rendition elegantly captures the poetic cadence and profound essence of the original Old Norse verses.

The Prose Edda, also known as the Younger Edda, was written by Snorri Sturluson, an Icelandic historian, poet, and politician, in the 13th century. This work is structured as a guide for aspiring poets, teaching the craft of Old Norse skaldic poetry, but its value extends beyond this. It is a critical source of information on Norse mythology and heroic legends, as it provides detailed narratives of many stories merely alluded to in the Poetic Edda. Arthur Gilchrist’s version beautifully captures the essence and nuances of the original, making it a must-have for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

“Myths of the Norsemen” by H.A. Guerber is an extensive retelling of the legends and myths of the Norse pantheon. Published in the early 20th century, Guerber’s work is one of the most comprehensive and accessible English renditions of the stories of the Norse gods, goddesses, heroes, and the world they inhabit.

Finally, E. M. Wilmot-Buxton’s “Told by the Northmen: Stories from the Eddas and Sagas” is a collection of tales adapted from the ancient Norse sources, specifically the Eddas and Sagas. The aim of the book, much like similar collections from its time, was to make the rich tapestry of Norse mythology and history more accessible to a general audience, especially young readers.

Wilmot-Buxton’s retellings are crafted to be engaging, with a narrative style suitable for younger readers or those new to Norse mythology. While the book might not dive deep into academic analysis, it offers an approachable introduction to the rich world of Norse tales.

Buy this definitive anthology that brings together four of the most revered works on Norse mythology today and embark on an unparalleled voyage into the mythical North, where gods and mortals weave tales of heroism, fate, and cosmic mysteries.

Norse Mythology: The Prose Edda and The Poetic Edda Complete and Unabridged Collection: Also including Even More Myths of the Norsemen and Told by the Northmen (Stories from the Eddas and Sagas) Read More »