Book Review: Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

Rating: 4 stars of 5

Neil Gaiman retells some of the Norse myths in this collection of stories. I found a beautiful hard copy at a library book sale but ended up listening to the audiobook as I was running errands last week. Neil is a wonderful narrator, and it was nice to hear him tell the stories in his own voice.

I found this collection fascinating for a couple of reasons. First, the elements of the stories that are shared with myths and legends from other places and cultures. Second, the way the gods themselves are portrayed. They have limitations and weaknesses; they get themselves into scrapes; they have magical (or mythical) but ordinary foes who can actually harm and defeat them – who are unaffected by their strengths or powers. What an intriguing notion! We tend to hear stories about gods who are powerful and limitless in ability in western culture, yet these stories paint a picture of gods who are much more human-like.

This was such an interesting read. I enjoyed the chapter on Ragnarok best of all.   

Content advisory: violence, gore

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