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.
Cosmology And Creation Myths
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.The Gods And Their Treasures
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.