The Norse Myths That Shape the Way We Think

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The heroes and villains of Norse mythology have endured for centuries, infiltrating art, opera, film, television and books, shape-shifting – like the trickster Loki – to suit the cultures that encountered them

The heroes and villains of Norse mythology have endured for centuries, infiltrating art, opera, film, television and books, shape-shifting – like the trickster Loki – to suit the cultures that encountered them. Through careful analysis of the literature and archaeology of the Norse world, Carolyne Larrington takes us deep into the realm described in the Icelandic sagas, from the gloomy halls of Hel to the dazzling heights of Asgard. She expertly examines the myths’ many modern-day reimaginings, revealing the guises that have been worn by the figures of Norse myth, including Marvel’s muscled, golden-haired Thor and George R.R Martin’s White Walkers, who march inexorably southwards, bringing their eternal winter with them.

This sophisticated yet accessible guide explores how these powerful stories have inspired our cultural landscape, from fuelling the creative genius of Wagner to the construction of the Nazi’s nationalist ideology. Larrington’s elegantly written retellings capture the essence of the original myths while also delving into the history of their meanings. The myths continue to speak to such modern concerns as masculinity and environmental disaster – after the inevitable, apocalyptic ragna rök, renewal comes from the roots of Yggdrasill, the World Tree.
Extent: 320 pp
Format: Hardback
Illustrations: 99
Publication date: 2023-03-02
Size: 23.4 x 15.3 cm
ISBN: 9780500252345
Introduction
1. Yggdrasill, the World Tree: A Green Myth
2. The Valhöll Complex: The Myth of Undying Fame
3. Óðinn: The Myth of the Wanderer in Search of Wisdom
4. Þórr: The Myth of the Superhero
5. Loki and his Children: The Myth of the Monstrous Brood
6. Vikings and Berserkers: Myths of Masculinity
7. Sigurðr the Dragon-Slayer: The Myth of the Monster-Killer
8. Ragnarr Shaggy-Breeches: The Myth of Viking Conquest
9. Vínland the Good: The Myth of American Colonization
10. Ragna Rök: The Myth of the End
Postscript
Note on Names and Pronunciation

Press Reviews

A marvellous book, erudite and well-written, proving once more how relevant Norse myth remains to the modern reader
Joanne Harris, author of 'The Gospel of Loki' and 'Chocolat

We’ve all heard of the Norse myths, but here Carolyne Larrington takes us deeper to explore their influence on myths of our own – the stories and stereotypes that have built up around the people arguably known as the Vikings. Urgently corrective, occasionally controversial, but always insightful and entertaining, one could not hope for a better guide
Professor Neil Price, author of 'The Children of Ash and Elm

A compelling examination of the power and influence of these ancient legends and the continuing effect they have on contemporary society and culture. Touching on a surprisingly wide array of topics, Larrington manages to present her arguments in an intelligent yet accessible manner
All About History


About the Author

Carolyne Larrington is Professor of Medieval European Literature at the University of Oxford. Her previous books include The Norse Myths, The Poetic Edda and All Men Must Die: Power and Passion in Game of Thrones.

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