[Review] Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

Rating: 4 stars

Published: February 7th 2017

Goodreads Synopsis:

Neil Gaiman, long inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction, presents a bravura rendition of the Norse gods and their world from their origin though their upheaval in Ragnarok. 
In Norse Mythology, Gaiman stays true to the myths in envisioning the major Norse pantheon: Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin’s son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki—son of a giant—blood brother to Odin and a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator.
Gaiman fashions these primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds and delves into the exploits of deities, dwarfs, and giants. Through Gaiman’s deft and witty prose, these gods emerge with their fiercely competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to duping others, and their tendency to let passion ignite their actions, making these long-ago myths breathe pungent life again.

I watched Thor: Ragnarok before I read this book, and every time I read about Loki I died a little more inside. Because I absolutely adore Tom Hiddleston as the Norse trickster god.

Anyhow, Norse Mythology is a collection of short stories that people may or may not be familiar with on Norse gods. There's a Gaiman twist to these stories, and the gods come to life as he weaves their tales. The tales of Asgard were all wonderful to read, and I wish the Marvel universe somehow incorporated all the other gods.


Especially Loki's stories.

So now you know: that is how the gods got their greatest treasures. It was Loki's fault. Even Thor's hammer was Loki's fault. That was the thing about Loki. You resented him even when you were at your most grateful, and you were grateful to him even when you hated him the most. 

Also just picturing Chris Hemsworth as Thor makes Thor all the more funnier.


"I have persuaded him to return it to you, but he demands a price."
"Fair enough," said Thor. "What's the price?"
"Freya's hand in marriage."
"He just wants her hand?" asked Thor hopefully. She had two hands, after all, and might be persuaded to give up one of them without too much of an argument. Tyr had, after all.
"All of her," said Loki. "He wants to marry her."
"Oh," said Thor.

The two of them and their dynamic was so great - the love-hate relationship of brothers really shined through.

"I may be old now," he said, "but if you do not return, ancient as I am, I will hunt you down, wherever you hide, and I and my hammer will be your death. For I am still Thor! And I am still strong!"
"You are still extremely irritating," said Loki. 

It's not the most original work, but it brings in lovers of mythology and Neil Gaiman fans into the circle with ease.