LITERATURE

Norse Mythology

Norton. Feb. 2017. 304p. ISBN 9780393609097. $25.95; ebk. ISBN 9780393609103. LIT
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OrangeReviewStarIn his fiction, Gaiman (American Gods; Sandman) frequently explores the themes and tropes of mythology from around the world. Here, he operates within narrower confines, retelling the classic stories of Norse mythology but with no less humor, sense of adventure, and imagination than when he's playing in worlds of his own making. Here the adventures and misadventures of the Norse gods and goddesses function as short stories that, together, build an arc that leads the reader onward to Ragnarök, the twilight of the gods. Giants, ogres, dwarves, fantastical beasts, and the occasional human freely mingle with Thor, Odin, Loki, Freya, and other, less well-known gods and goddesses, all of whom are passionate, flawed, weird, and divinely entertaining.
VERDICT A spectacularly entertaining and elucidating collection of stories with wide crossover appeal. Essential for all collections.
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