Book of Norse Myths: Gods of the Vikings
I have always been interested in mythology and have read widely, especially Greek myths, as well as some Egyptian. But I have always had a soft spot for the Norse myths. Reading the Norse myths brings us to a whole other world.
I recently read the Penguin Book of Norse Myths: Gods of the Vikings by Kevin Crossley-Holland. He presents the myths in a very readable way, giving us a taste of the ancient style but also accessible to a modern audience. The notes on each myth really help the reader to understand.
If all you know about Thor and Loki come from the Marvel comics/movies, then you are in for a shock. For example, Thor’s hair is read and not blonde. And Hela is not a sister of Thor and Loki but rather Loki’s daughter.
More than that, the myths are very earthy. There is a lot of sex and killing and stealing. Sort of what you would expect from the myths of the vikings.
I share this here because these myths were extremely influential on both C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Lewis has shared that the reading of Norse myths were the beginning of a feeling that he eventual described as joy and which eventually led him to Christianity.
It will not take a literature scholar to see the connections between Tolkien and the Norse myths. The most noticeable thing is that of the names. Many of the names that Tolkien used in the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings come straight from the Norse myths, including Gandalf, Thror, and Gimli.
But there are other things. There is the delaying of the creature until sunrise so it will turn to stone. There is the forging of mighty weapons infused with magic. But it is deeper than that. There is a general feel to the Norse myths that is of the same “stuff” as what we find in Middle-earth (actually the term Middle-earth is also found in these myths.
If you are interested in really understanding the mindset and the background inspiration for Tolkien, the Penguin Book of Norse Myths: Gods of the Vikings would be a great place too start.
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