The Norse Myths
A Guide to the Gods and Heroes
(Author) Carolyne LarringtonThe Norse Myths presents the infamous Viking gods, from the mighty Asyr, led by Ódin, and the mysterious Vanir, to Thor and the mythological cosmos they inhabit. Passages translated from Old Norse bring this legendary world to life, from the myths of creation to ragnarök, the prophesied end of the world at the hands of Loki’s army of monsters and giants, and everything that comes in between: the long and problematic relationship between the gods and the giants, the (mis)adventures of human heroes and heroines, with their family feuds, revenges, marriages, and murders; and the interaction between the gods and mortals. Photographs and drawings show a range of Norse sites, objects, and characters, from Viking ship burials to dragons on runestones. Dr. Carolyne Larrington describes the Norse myths’ origins in pre-Christian Scandinavia and Iceland, and their survival in archaeological artifacts and written sources, from Old Norse sagas and poems to the less-approving accounts of medieval Christian writers. She traces their influences into the work of Wagner, William Morris, and J. R. R. Tolkien, and even Game of Thrones in the resurrection of the Fimbulvetr, or “Mighty Winter."
Carolyne Larrington
Carolyne Larrington is a British scholar and professor of medieval European literature at the University of Oxford. She is known for her expertise in Old Norse literature and mythology, particularly in the areas of saga literature and medieval romance. Larrington's most notable works include "The Poetic Edda" and "The Norse Myths," which have become seminal texts in the field of Norse mythology and literature. Her writing style is characterized by its clarity and accessibility, making complex medieval texts understandable to a wider audience. Larrington's contributions to literature include her insightful analysis of Norse mythology and its impact on modern literature and culture. Her work has had a significant influence on the study of medieval literature and continues to be widely read and respected in academic circles.
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