Authoritative, comprehensive reference incorporating the latest research on tales, literary and oral sources, and the broad-reaching cultural legacy of Norse mythology. The book describes the pagan origins of Scandinavia, the interaction between the Vikings and other Europeans, and the concept of time in Norse mythology, and gives a dictionary of deities, themes, and concepts. With 200 entries of up to four pages each, the dictionary includes both well-known characters like Thor and minor figures such as Gleipnir, the "fetter with which the wolf Fenrir was finally bound." It also includes further references about Viking and medieval Scandinavia, archaeology, etymology, the conversion of Iceland, other encyclopedias, and more.

Alphabetically listed entries identify and explain the characters, events, important places, and other aspects of Norse mythology.

Are you looking for • A Scandinavian name for your baby? • The names of Norse gods and heroes? • The history and meaning of Scandinavian first names? • Variations and alternate spellings for common Scandinavian names? • Naming traditions and customs in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark? A Handbook of Scandinavian Names includes a dictionary of more than fifteen hundred given names from Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, plus some from Iceland and Finland. Each entry provides a guide to pronunciation and the origin and meaning of the name. Many entries also include variations and usage in the Scandinavian countries and famous bearers of the name. Adding engaging context to the dictionary section is an extensive comparative guide to naming practices. The authors discuss immigration to North America from Scandinavia and the ways given names and surnames were adapted in the New World. Also included in the book is a history of Scandinavian names, information on “Name Days,” and discussion of significant names from mythology and history, including naming traditions in royal families. Winner, Reference Book of the Year, Midwest Book Awards Finalist, USA Best Books Award for Parenting/Family Reference

A Handbook of Norse Mythology by Karl Andreas Mortensen is a compendium of Norse myth and mystery. This volume explores how Norse myths have been presented historically. The author also explores how these myths have taken shape in northern European countries as they establish a common foundation for all people who speak a Gothic-Germanic language (Norwegian, Danish, Swedish, Icelandic, etc.). Mortensen looks at Norse myth's most famous tales, such as the origin myth or the story of how the world was created and examines popular mythological heroes and villains such as Thor, Odin, and Loki. In addition to exploring the stories in mythology, he also explores the relationship individuals have with the myths, the spiritual constructs, and the forms of worship utilized when honoring the Norse gods. Lastly, Mortensen explores some literature epics based in Norse Mythology. The epic poems he examines also go to show the origin of Norse mythology and the reaches of Norse mythology through other Germanic language speaking groups. The epic poems include: The Volsungs: a legendary saga about the origin and decline of the Volsung clan, written in a late 13th century Icelandic prose. The Helgi Sagas: about the Norse hero, Helgi Hundingsbane. Volund the Smith: detailing the legend of the master blacksmith. Beowulf: and Old English heroic epic poem set in Scandinavia. Mortensen explains that there is a "rich variety of half-mythological, half-historical hero sagas" and the reader of this book should not limit themselves to only the sagas he explores, but should invest in other books to learn more about Norse Mythology. While he touches on many features of Norse mythology, A Handbook of Norse Mythology is meant to be a jumping off point in one's search for a better understanding of the historic myths from this part of the world. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

Artfully retelling the fascinating sagas and stories from the depths of Norse culture. This insightful book explores the wonders of Norse paganism and mythology, recounting the old legends and magic that continues to capture the imagination of scholars and historians to this day. Ranging from Pagan cosmology to Viking deities and heroes, Norse Paganism provides you with a window into a bygone era, rediscovering the runes, magic, rituals, and beliefs of Viking culture. This Book will cover the topics including · Introduction to Norse Mythology · Origins and Creation Myths · Pantheon of Norse Gods · Norse Goddesses and Female Figures · The Nine Worlds · The Creation of the Universe · Day, Night, Sun, and Month in Norse Myths · Alone in Search of Wisdom This guide you through a discovery of stories of powerful gods and goddesses, scary beasts, and lessons on how to live in the tough wilderness the Norse called home, and how Norse mythology impacts our world today.

Dive into the spellbinding world of Ancient Norse Gods and Viking Myths, a masterful exploration of Scandinavian mythology that uncovers the profound tales of deities, heroes, and the cosmic forces that shaped Viking culture. From the icy mists of Niflheim to the fiery realms of Muspelheim, this book journeys through the myths that illuminate the Norse understanding of creation, destruction, and renewal. Meet legendary figures like Óðinn, the All-Father who sacrificed for wisdom; Thórr, the thunderous protector of mankind; and Loki, the cunning trickster whose schemes paved the way for Ragnarök. Explore the poetic depth of the Eddas, where cosmic battles, prophetic visions, and timeless truths echo through tales of gods, giants, and heroic mortals. Delve into the intricate symbolism of Yggdrasil, the World Tree, and the Nine Realms, unraveling the profound philosophy and resilience of the Norse worldview. Perfect for enthusiasts of mythology, history, or fantasy, this book bridges the ancient and modern, showcasing how these tales continue to inspire literature, art, and popular culture. Ancient Norse Gods and Viking Myths is a celebration of the enduring legacy of a culture where the smallest deeds of courage shine brightest against the shadow of despair. Embark on this journey and let the stories of the North ignite your imagination.

In recent years, the field of Memory Studies has emerged as a key approach in the Humanities and Social Sciences, and has increasingly shown its ability to open new windows on Nordic Studies as well. The entries in this book document the work-to-date of this approach on the pre-modern Nordic world (mainly the Viking Age and the Middle Ages, but including as well both earlier and later periods). Given that Memory Studies is an ever expanding critical strategy, the approximately eighty contributors in this volume also discuss the potential for future research in this area. Topics covered range from texts to performance to visual and other aspects of material culture, all approached from within an interdisciplinary framework. International specialists, coming from such relevant fields as archaeology, mythology, history of religion, folklore, history, law, art, literature, philology, language, and mediality, offer assessments on the relevance of Memory Studies to their disciplines and show it at work in case studies. Finally, this handbook demonstrates the various levels of culture where memory had a critical impact in the pre-modern North and how deeply embedded the role of memory is in the material itself.