The Children of Odin: The Book of Northern Myths [Paperback]

Padraic Colum (Author), Willy Pogany (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1984

A retelling of the Norse sagas about Odin, Freya, Thor, Loki and the other gods and goddesses who lived in Asgard before the dawn of history.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Padraic Colum (8 December 1881 to 11 January 1972) was an Irish poet, novelist, dramatist, biographer and collector of folklore. He was one of the leading figures of the Celtic Revival. He is perhaps best known today for his outstanding books for children. He was awarded the Regina Medal in 1961 for his "distinguished contribution to children's literature," honoring works like The Children's Homer, The Golden Fleece (a Newbery Honor Book), The Arabian Nights, The King of Ireland's Son and Roofs of Gold. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 271 pages
• Publisher: Simon Pulse; 1st Collier Books ed edition (November 1, 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0020421001
• ISBN-13: 978-0020421009
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,986,186 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Odin's BEST, May 5, 2004

By 

GixxxerKim (Long Island, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Children of Odin (Hardcover)

You will find not only Norse myths in this book, but Teutonic tales as well. The drawings are incredible, as in all children's books. Adults will not be disappointed with this one, and children will be pleased to hear the exciting stories within. A MUST have for Norse mythology book collectors. An oldie but GOODIE! Classic and captivating. What else can I say? . . . I'm buying another one incase I lose my present copy-THAT IS HOW GOOD IT IS! I also reccomend My Viking Book by Ruth Harshaw. Hard to find and quite old, but it is THE best children's book EVER! Don't miss either of them.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lively, entertaining, December 28, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Children of Odin: The Book of Northern Myths (Paperback)

This book is different than many mythology texts, it is a good read. The stories are more like stories, and they carry on from one story or chapter to the next. It holds the attention.

51 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Buyer Beware !!!!!!, January 20, 2008

By 

einar (Grand Rapids, MI) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Children of Odin: The Book of Northern Myths (Paperback)

Buyer beware ! This Alladin Publication is the same as the Dover Publication Nordic Gods and Heroes. However, it is lacking much of the original artwork, especially that which introduces each of the four parts.

The first 3 parts are Norse mythology and the 4th is the Teutonic Ring of the Nibelungs. This book was written for children and young adults and gives only a bare bones telling of the myths. Be prepared for some archaic language : "dost", "spake", "knowst", etc.

Why Amazon chooses to sell these two books as a pair is beyond me as they are essentially identical. I recommend the Dover edition because of the extra artwork.