Gods and Myths of the Viking Age [Hardcover]

Hilda Davidson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1982

Excerpt from book: The mythology of a people is far more than a collection of pretty or terrifying fables...We can learn much from the mythologies of earlier peoples if we have the humility to respect ways of thought widely differing from our own. In certain respects we may be far cleverer than they, but not necessarily wiser.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 250 pages
• Publisher: Crown Pub (January 1982)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0517336448
• ISBN-13: 978-0517336441
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #635,791 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Same book as "Gods and Myths of Northern Europe", April 5, 2008

By 

happydogpotatohead "happydogpotatohead" (New Orleans, LA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Gods and Myths of the Viking Age (Hardcover)

This is an excellent book for any student of mythology, and in particular Northern mythology. But it should be said here that this is simply "Gods and Myths of Northern Europe," retitled and in hardback instead of paperback.

The book, of course, is fascinating. Davidson was very knowledgeable, but more than this she was a good writer, and this is not a dry text. It is not simply a retelling of the Norse myths, either; Davidson explores the possible meanings and purposes of the Northern beliefs, comparing what was known at the time from archaeological studies with the rare written materials which have come down to us. She notes wisely that much of what we have on the Northern religions comes from those who were observers or from those who were hostile to the "heathen" religions, and carefully pares out what can be known from speculation or romanticization.

In its time this was a very influential text, and unlike many older historical reviews it still conveys a lot of good information in a very readable manner. It is highly recomomended for any student of mythology and the Northern mysteries.