Myths of northern lands : $b Narrated with special reference to literature and art

This companion presents the ancient stories of the North in clear, engaging language, making the world of Odin, Thor, Freya and the heroic sagas accessible to modern readers. It ties each myth to the poems, paintings and folk traditions that have kept them alive, offering a handy glossary and index for students and curious listeners alike. The volume also showcases striking period illustrations that bring the icy landscapes and fierce battles to vivid life.

The author highlights the distinctive blend of grim humor and tragic depth that sets northern mythology apart from its Mediterranean counterparts, showing how harsh climates forged tales of fire and ice, daylight and darkness. Readers will encounter the perpetual struggle between beneficent forces of nature and the malevolent spirits of cold, as reflected in legends of creation, valkyries and cursed treasures. Across its pages, the book invites listeners to glimpse the cultural roots that still echo in today’s literature and art.