Norse Mythology (book)

• 1. Gaiman's Mythological Retelling

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  Neil Gaiman published Norse Mythology in 2017. The book retells several stories from ancient Norse mythology. In the introduction, Gaiman describes where his fondness for the source material comes from. Each chapter introduces some mythological figures like gods or giants. These figures are glossed by Gaiman as "giants" to distinguish them from the Aesir and Vanir. The three most common gods to feature in the stories are Odin, Thor, and Loki. Critics generally received the work well. Kirkus Reviews said that Gaiman's description is rich and atmospheric. Michael Dirda of The Washington Post noted that although Gaiman's short, clipped sentences usually seem better suited to children's fiction, his retellings were gripping and strongly characterised. Peter Fields of Midwestern State University wrote positively about the simplicity and clarity of Gaiman's language. He indicated that the book's thematic material demonstrated his growth as a writer.

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• 2. Cosmology And Creation Myths

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  From Ginnungagap, the primordial space between the Niflheim and the Muspelheim, two living beings are created: Ymir and the cow Auðumbla. Ymir serves as the ancestor of all giants. The milk of Auðumbla feeds Ymir. In turn, Audhumbla creates Búri, who becomes the ancestor of all gods. His grandchildren Odin, Vili, and Vé eventually kill Ymir. Using the various parts of his enormous body, they create the current world. They also create the first humans, Ask and Embla, to populate Midgard. The world tree Yggdrasil binds together the various worlds of Norse cosmology. These include Ásgarð, Vanaheim, and Jötunheimr. These realms belong to the Aesir gods, the Vanir gods, and the giants respectively.

• 3. The Gods And Their Treasures

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  Loki cuts the hair of Sif, Thor's wife. In order to make up for the damage, he makes a wager between two groups of dwarf smiths. The Sons of Ivaldi compete against the brothers Brokkr and Eitri. They create many treasures for the gods, including Mjölnir, which is Thor's hammer. A mysterious builder offers to build a giant wall around Asgard alone and at an extremely fast speed. He asks for an exaggerated price: the sun, the moon, and the goddess Freya. Loki convinces the gods to accept the wager. He thinks the builder will never make it in time. After they realise that the wall is almost built, Loki tricks the builder's horse by taking the form of a mare. This prevents him from completing the wall in time and denies the payment. The builder, revealed to be a giant in disguise, is killed by Thor. While Loki remains in mare form, she gives birth to Sleipnir.

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• 4. Fate And The End Of Days

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  Balder has recurring nightmares that he will die soon. His mother Frigg makes sure that he becomes almost invulnerable. Loki discovers his only weakness and tricks Höðr into killing his brother. After a flyting with the gods, Loki escapes but he is chased and brought to justice. Váli, son of Loki, is turned into a wolf and made to kill his brother Narfi. Loki is then bound with Narfi's entrails with a snake dripping venom on his face. His wife Sigyn remains by his side and uses a bowl to catch the venom. Loki and Fenrir are freed and fight the gods in a final battle. Jörmungandr, Hel's legions, and others join this conflict. The battle destroys most of the world and kills almost every participant. The only gods to survive are Módi and Magni, sons of Thor, and Váli and Vidar, sons of Odin. Balder and Hod manage to return from the Underworld. Two humans, Lif and Lifthrasir, survive the destruction and will eventually give rise to a new generation.

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• 5. Critical Reception And Praise

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  Norse Mythology was generally well received by critics. Some cited the prose as a strength. Writing for The Guardian, classicist Natalie Haynes described the work as egalitarian. She noted that it makes space for the popular and lesser known aspects of the mythology. Peter Fields said that Norse Mythology drew attention to eccentric aspects of the folklore often neglected from other popular adaptations. He specifically mentioned Marvel Comics' depiction of Thor as an example of what was overlooked. The book demonstrates Gaiman's growth as a writer through its thematic material. Critics praised the simplicity and clarity of his language throughout the text.

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• 6. Multimedia Adaptations And Legacy

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  A ninety-minute audio adaptation was broadcast by BBC Radio 4 on Boxing Day 2018. Derek Jacobi played Odin while Colin Morgan portrayed Loki. Natalie Dormer appeared as Freya and Nathaniel Martello-White voiced Thor. Diana Rigg narrated the stories in the guise of an unexpected visitor named Mrs. Njordsdottir. She keeps an inquisitive young boy company in hospital during a blizzard. Neil Gaiman himself was heard in a cameo role as a radio announcement. An audiobook version was released in February 2017, narrated by Gaiman. The New York Times described his narration as seductive. Dark Horse Comics released an adaptation of the book as an eighteen-issue series. P. Craig Russell provided the scripts, layouts, and covers for each issue. Art and colors came from a variety of artists including Mike Mignola, Jerry Ordway, and Dave Stewart. To mark the release of the first issue, a special edition cover by Bill Sienkiewicz was released along with a signed variant. Variant covers were created by David Mack.

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