Yggdrasill, the World Tree: A Green Myth -- The Valhöll Complex: The Myth of Undying Fame -- Óðinn: The Myth of the Wanderer in Search of Wisdom -- Þórr: The Myth of the Superhero -- Loki and his Children: The Myth of the Monstrous Brood -- Vikings and Berserkers: Myths of Masculinity -- Sigurðr the Dragon-Slayer: The Myth of the Monster-Killer -- Ragnarr Shaggy-Breeches: The Myth of Viking Conquest -- Vinland the Good: the myth of American colonization -- Ragna Rōk: the myth of the end.
Summary:
"The heroes and villains of Norse mythology have endured for centuries, infiltrating art, opera, film, television and books, shape-shifting--like the trickster Loki--to suit the cultures that encountered them. Through careful analysis of the literature and archaeology of the Norse world, Carolyne Larrington takes us deep into the realm described in the Icelandic sagas, from the gloomy halls of Hel to the dazzling heights of Asgard. She expertly examines the myths--many modern-day reimaginings, revealing the guises that have been worn by the figures of Norse myth, including Marvel's muscled, golden-haired Thor and George R.R Martin's White Walkers, who march inexorably southwards, bringing their eternal winter with them. This guide explores how these powerful stories have inspired our cultural landscape, from fueling the creative genius of Wagner to the construction of the Nazi's nationalist ideology. Larrington's elegantly written retellings capture the essence of the original myths while also delving into the history of their meanings. The myths continue to speak to such modern concerns as masculinity and environmental disaster--after the inevitable, apocalyptic ragna rök, renewal comes from the roots of Yggdrasill, the World Tree."-- Front jacket flap.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.