I picked this text up in order to start digging into Norse
mythology for a work of fiction I am/was working on. Instead of diving into the
source text without a background, I was able to use D'Aulaire's Norse Gods & Giants. While
dated, the book presents a detailed, well researched account of Norse myth. Beginning
with the creation of the cosmos, using the concrete terminology from the medieval
texts, the D’Aulaires follow the path of the birth of giant Ymir all the way
through to the aftermath of Ragnarok. We are thus walked through the full
breadth of the pantheon of Scandinavian mythos and few details are left unturned.
Written in plain text and complete with illustrations, the D’Aulaires
dig into the depths of the famed Poetic
Edda. In doing so, they create a brilliant tale, intended for children yes,
but also crafted in a manner in which all ages can and will be entertained. Beyond
information and enjoyment, the text serves academic purposes as well as a plain
text, relatable instrument that you can present to students to introduce them
to Norse topics before contrasting with the source text. While not available
for new purchase, there are plenty of sellers out there who make the text
available for purchase for an affordable price.
