Customer Reviews

Gods and Myths of the Viking Age

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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.