Handbook of Norse Mythology (World Mythology) [Library Binding]

John Lindow (Author)

Book Description

Series: World Mythology | Publication Date: June 1, 2001

The book describes the pagan origins of Scandinavia, the interaction between the Vikings and other Europeans, and the concept of time in Norse mythology, and gives a dictionary of deities, themes, and concepts. With 200 entries of up to four pages each, the dictionary includes both well-known characters like Thor and minor figures such as Gleipnir, the "fetter with which the wolf Fenrir was finally bound." It also includes further references about Viking and medieval Scandinavia, archaeology, etymology, the conversion of Iceland, other encyclopedias, and more.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

This thorough survey examines the myths and legends of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Greenland, Iceland, and other parts of Scandinavia, ranging from prehistoric tales to beliefs that remain embedded in contemporary culture. Lindow (Scandinavian studies, Univ. of California, Berkeley; coeditor of Medieval Folklore: An Encyclopedia) evaluates this rich treasury through a series of 302 comprehensive entries that consider the folk figures, deities, and concepts typically found in this literature. Arranged alphabetically after a 38-page introduction and a shorter essay on time, these discursive entries include abundant explanatory text and exhaustive references to dates, locales, and previous writings. Norse words, names, gods, and phrases are italicized throughout, and the reader's appreciation is enhanced by See and See also references and suggested readings. A reliable reference for the large range of published material addressing Nordic mythology, this scholarly volume is recommended for academic libraries. Richard K. Burns, MSLS, Hatboro, PA
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

This thorough survey examines the myths and legends of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Greenland, Iceland, and other parts of Scandinavia, ranging from prehistoric tales to beliefs that remain embedded in contemporary culture. Lindow (Scandinavian studies, Univ. of California, Berkeley; coeditor of Medieval Folklore: An Encyclopedia) evaluates this rich treasury through a series of 302 comprehensive entries that consider the folk figures, deities, and concepts typically found in this literature. Arranged alphabetically after a 38-page introduction and a shorter essay on time, these discursive entries include abundant explanatory text and exhaustive references to dates, locales, and previous writings. Norse words, names, gods, and phrases are italicized throughout, and the reader's appreciation is enhanced by See and See also references and suggested readings. A reliable reference for the large range of published material addressing Nordic mythology, this scholarly volume is recommended for academic libraries. Richard K. Burns, MSLS, Hatboro, PA

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Library Binding: 365 pages
• Publisher: ABC-CLIO (June 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576072177
• ISBN-13: 978-1576072172
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #775,935 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

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitive, March 8, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Handbook of Norse Mythology (World Mythology) (Library Binding)

The scholarship here is solid as Thor's magic hammer; no doubt about that. I probably won't have to buy another book on Norse mythology. Well, maybe a picture book! The writing style is not "scholarly"; it's quite good prose, really. So buy this book and relive the days when gods and frost giants roamed Midgard, Nifelheim, Asgard, Jotunheim...