Legends of Norse Mythology - (Legends of the Past) by Tom Birkett (Hardcover)

About the Book

"With this book, readers can take an adventure through time to a realm of ice and fire, magic and mischief. They'll meet a cast of characters from Norse folklore and be swept up in their epic deeds and fates. Inside, there are more than 30 profiles of Norse figures - from gods and goddesses, to giants, elves, monsters and other mythical beings. Each profile introduces the figure, including their defining attributes and a new retelling of their story, along with sidelights of extra facts and details. Figures include familiar gods like Thor to lesser-known legends such as giant sisters Gájlp and Greip."

Book Synopsis

Legends of Norse Mythology is an illustrated anthology of Norse gods, giants, monsters, and heroes retold anew.

Featuring beautiful and otherworldly portraits of mythological characters from Isabella Mazzanti and enchanting text from Old English scholar and Norse mythology expert Dr Thomas Birkett, this collection of timeless tales is the perfect gift for lovers of Viking myths as well as readers looking for an introduction to this epic world ofmystical power, battles, quests and intrigue.

With this book, readers can take an adventure through time to a realm of ice and fire, magic and mischief. They'll meet a cast of characters from Norse folklore and be swept up in their epic deeds and fates.

Inside, there are more than 30 profiles of Norse figures - from gods and goddesses, to giants, elves, monsters and other mythical beings. Each profile introduces the figure, including their defining attributes and a new retelling of their story, along with sidelights of extra facts and details. Figures include familiar gods like Thor to lesser-known legends such as giant sisters Gjálp and Greip.

A captivating visual portrayal of each figure helps crystallize these beings in readers' imaginations. Isabella Mazzanti's evocative artwork perfectly express the fantastic traits and powers of the mythical figures within.

Interspersed with the profiles are summaries of four famous Norse tales and events:

• The story of Ymir and the Nine Worlds
• How Thor's Hammer Was Made
• The Mead of Poetry
• The Tale of Ragnarök

A visual feast and a journey to another world this book is perfect for the whole family to explore and enjoy. From the trickster god Loki and his mischievous ways to the powerful Norns - the three women who weaved the destinies of all living beings - discover why these incredible stories are still a part of our culture today.

Review Quotes

"Illustrated anthology of Norse heroes and legends retold for a new generation."--The Bookseller

About the Author

Dr. Tom Birkett is a lecturer in Old English and Old Norse at University College Cork, Ireland. He spent a lot of time running round castles as a child, moved to Norway for a year in pursuit of the Vikings, and hasn't looked back since. He is author of Reading the Runes (Routledge, 2017), and editor of Translating Early Medieval Poetry (Boydell, 2017) and Reimagining the Vikings (MIP, forthcoming) and runs the World-Tree teaching archive. He teaches courses on Norse myth, medieval literature and Old English language at UCC and occasionally takes time out to sail with the crew of a reconstructed Viking ship.

Isabella Mazzanti is an illustrator from Rome. She has worked as an art director, concept artist, illustrator and comic book artist for clients in Italy, the USA and France.