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 Marvels muscled, golden-haired Thor and George R.R Martins 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 Nazis nationalist ideology. Larringtons 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.
- 320 pages
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
eBook - ePub
The Norse Myths that Shape the Way We Think
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Subtopic
European HistoryIndex
HistoryTable of contents
- Cover
- Title Page
- About the author
- Other titles of interest
- Contents
- 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
- Plates 1
- 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
- Plates 2
- 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
- Pronunciation Guide
- Further Reading
- Sources of Illustrations
- Acknowledgments
- Index
- Copyright
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Yes, you can access The Norse Myths that Shape the Way We Think by Carolyne Larrington in PDF and/or ePUB format, as well as other popular books in History & European History. We have over 1.5 million books available in our catalogue for you to explore.