A Handbook of Norse Mythology

by Karl Mortensen

Overview

This text is considered the ultimate guide to understanding the major deities, characters, themes, rituals and beliefs of Norse mythology. It examines the folklore of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Greenland, Iceland and other parts of Scandinavia, from prehistoric tales to contemporary beliefs and practices. The work was originally written in Danish, and has been a staple in high schools and universities in Scandinavian countries since its publication in 1898. It contains four sections: the first describes the pagan origins of Scandinavia and various deities; the second begins to explore lower mythology and the myths of the gods; the third focuses on religion; and the fourth section contains "The Hero Sagas," "The Volsungs," "The Helgi Sagas," "Volund the Smith," "The Hjathningar" and finally, "Beowulf." This book is the perfect supplementary text to any study of Norse Mythology, particularly the Elder Eddas, which can often be confusing.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781420943764
Publisher:	Digireads.com Publishing
Publication date:	10/04/2011
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	2 MB

Table of Contents

	General Introduction	1
Section 1
Chapter I.	How the World Was Created	21
Chapter II.	The Gods and Their Life	27
Chapter III.	Ragnarok	38
Section 2
Chapter I.	Common Popular Belief	42
Chapter II.	Chief Gods and Myths of the Gods	52
	Thor	52
	Odin	62
	Frey and Njorth	69
	Heimdall and Baldur	72
	Loki	78
Section 3
	Forms of Worship and Religious Life	82
Section 4
	Hero Sagas	88
	The Volsungs	89
	The Helgi Sagas	93
	Volund the Smith	98
	The Hjathningar	100
	Beowulf	103
	Conclusion	105
	Index	110