book the penguin book of norse myths: gods of the vikings

the penguin book of norse myths: gods of the vikings book by kevin crossley-holland

embark on an epic journey into the heart of ancient scandinavia with the penguin book of norse myths: gods of the vikings. this captivating retelling invites readers to explore a world brimming with powerful deities, fearsome giants, brave heroes, and intricate sagas that have shaped the course of history and literature. if you are seeking an accessible yet profound dive into the core myths of viking culture, this book offers an unparalleled experience, bringing the raw passion, courage, and intricate destiny of the norse gods to life for a modern audience.

the penguin book of norse myths: gods of the vikings summary

kevin crossley-holland masterfully transports readers to a realm where gods and mortals intertwine, where creation is born from chaos, and where the shadow of ragnarök looms large. the book delves deep into the rich tapestry of scandinavian mythology, beginning with the very origins of the cosmos from the primordial void. it vividly portrays the nine worlds connected by the mighty yggdrasil, the world tree, detailing the majestic realm of asgard, home to the æsir gods, and midgard, the domain of humankind. central to the narrative are the exploits of the principal deities: odin, the wise and all-seeing allfather, who sacrificed an eye for knowledge and hung on yggdrasil to discover the runes; thor, the thunderous warrior with his iconic hammer mjölnir; and the cunning, shape-shifting trickster loki. the stories unfold with a captivating blend of epic battles between gods and giants, the creation of legendary artifacts, the intricate relationships and betrayals within the pantheon, and the ultimate, inevitable twilight of the gods, ragnarök, which paradoxically holds the promise of renewal. crossley-holland’s narrative skillfully captures the spirit of the norse people – their confidence, ruthlessness, generosity, and enduring quest for meaning – making these ancient tales resonate with timeless themes of fate, courage, and the human condition.

1. full book name: the penguin book of norse myths: gods of the vikings
2. author name: kevin crossley-holland
3. genre: mythology, folklore, legends
4. page count: 320 pages
5. isbn: 9780241982075 (note: isbns can vary by edition, 0140258698 is also listed)
6. asin: not specified in search results for this specific edition.
7. edition language: english
8. date of publication: 1980 (original publication of the norse myths), with later editions including 1993, 1996, 2018, and a pantheon edition from 1981. the penguin edition mentioned is often dated around 2018.

about the author kevin crossley-holland

kevin crossley-holland was a highly respected english poet, translator, and an award-winning author, particularly known for his work with myths, legends, and childrens literature. his deep fascination with medieval history and anglo-saxon poetry profoundly influenced his writing. crossley-holland possessed a remarkable talent for retelling ancient stories in a way that was both scholarly and deeply engaging, making complex narratives accessible to a wide audience. his notable works include a celebrated king arthur trilogy, which achieved international acclaim and was translated into numerous languages, and his insightful retellings of british and irish folk tales.

the penguin book of norse myths: gods of the vikings faq

1. is this book suitable for beginners interested in norse mythology?

   absolutely. kevin crossley-holland is renowned for his accessible yet rich retellings. this book serves as an excellent introduction, providing clear prose, insightful notes, and a glossary that offer mythological and historical context without overwhelming the reader. it captures the core narratives and major figures of norse mythology in an engaging manner.

2. what makes kevin crossley-hollands retelling stand out?

   crossley-holland brings his unique skill as a poet and translator to his work, infusing the ancient myths with vivid language, emotional depth, and a keen understanding of cultural context. he manages to reveal the dynamic culture behind the myths, reflecting the norsemens spirit, confidence, and even their ruthlessness and generosity, making the stories feel alive and relevant.

3. what are the main themes explored in the penguin book of norse myths: gods of the vikings?

   the book explores profound themes inherent in norse mythology, including cosmology and the interconnectedness of all realms through yggdrasil, the world tree. it delves into concepts of fate versus will, the cyclical nature of creation and destruction (culminating in ragnarök), the interplay between gods, humans, and giants, and the enduring human spirit marked by courage, passion, and resilience in the face of inevitable challenges.

4. is this book a literal translation or a retelling?

   while rooted in ancient sources like the poetic and prose eddas, the penguin book of norse myths is primarily a masterful retelling rather than a direct translation. crossley-hollands strength lies in his ability to adapt these complex sagas into compelling prose for contemporary readers, capturing their spirit and drama while remaining faithful to their core narratives.

5. besides the gods, which other beings or concepts are central to the book?

   beyond the primary gods like odin, thor, and loki, the book vividly portrays other key elements of norse mythology. this includes the giants (jötnar), who are often adversaries of the gods, as well as other mythical beings. the narrative also frequently touches upon the importance of fate, the concept of valhalla for fallen warriors, the dramatic events leading up to ragnarök, and the underlying cultural values that shaped the norse worldview.