Scandinavian legends of gods and heroes

Author: Yu. Svetlanov
Publisher: Melik-Pashaev
Series: Interesting Reading
Cover Type: Hardcover
ISBN 978-5-00041-465-1
Number of Pages: 288
Paper Type: Offset
Publication Format: 145x200
Reader Age: 11-14 years, 15+ years

Drawing on the best-known sources of the Norse epics—the Elder Edda, the Younger Edda, the Völsunga Saga, skaldic poems, and other literary sources—Yu. Svetlanov has retold the most compelling tales of gods and heroes. His retelling remains very close to the originals, though in certain cases he has delicately softened the episodes of barbaric ferocity characteristic of the Scandinavian sagas. From a wide range of literary versions, he has selected the most poetic and socially significant. Despite the abundance of difficult-to-pronounce names, the text is clear and captivating from the very first lines.

The book is also interesting because it allows readers to trace how Norse mythology has directly entered modern culture today, retaining names and titles, and has even inspired pantheons of gods and universes in cinema, anime, manga, fantasy, and computer games.

The ease of the narrative, the poetic nature of many episodes, and the remarkable charm of the mighty heroes—Odin, the father of the gods; Thor, the red-bearded warrior; Loki, the cunning trickster; and other vivid characters—will appeal to teenagers aged 10-14, as well as to anyone with a serious interest in the mythology of the peoples of Scandinavia.