This was my first time reading these myths! I’ve loved D’Aulaire’s Greek Myths since childhood, & was excited to know they’d done Norse Myths as well. What’d you think about Norse Myths? I now know I’m definitely partial to Greek myths, but knowing that C.S. Lewis loved Norse mythology kept me interested.
We do love some good Norse Myths at the Hartley house. Possibly influenced by Thor in the Marvel movies (which my literary self is ashamed to say lol).
I think what I liked the most about them was their novelty to me! I had become familiar with Greek myths in childhood but this was my first time reading in the Norse tradition. It’s just interesting how they worked everything out. I don’t think the Greeks for example had a similar god of goodness like Balder. I enjoyed the story of how Thor demonstrated his strength against all the forces of nature like old age. The image of the Valkyries coming to call the warriors away to Valhalla gives me chills just to think about it. Loved the imagery of Frigg surrounded by the other goddesses. (I think it was Frigg? Not Freya? Don’t remember) And maybe most interesting of all was how they bridged the gap from the Norse gods to the Christian God with Ragnarokk. Just so rich and enthralling!
Oh, one more thing! The imagery of Odin sacrificing himself to himself by hanging on a tree for days!!!!!! Perfect example of shards of the Christian narrative showing up in other cultures!
No way, I just finished the D'Aulaire's Norse Myths this month too! Heard about it at the Literary Life Podcast!
This was my first time reading these myths! I’ve loved D’Aulaire’s Greek Myths since childhood, & was excited to know they’d done Norse Myths as well. What’d you think about Norse Myths? I now know I’m definitely partial to Greek myths, but knowing that C.S. Lewis loved Norse mythology kept me interested.
We do love some good Norse Myths at the Hartley house. Possibly influenced by Thor in the Marvel movies (which my literary self is ashamed to say lol).
I think what I liked the most about them was their novelty to me! I had become familiar with Greek myths in childhood but this was my first time reading in the Norse tradition. It’s just interesting how they worked everything out. I don’t think the Greeks for example had a similar god of goodness like Balder. I enjoyed the story of how Thor demonstrated his strength against all the forces of nature like old age. The image of the Valkyries coming to call the warriors away to Valhalla gives me chills just to think about it. Loved the imagery of Frigg surrounded by the other goddesses. (I think it was Frigg? Not Freya? Don’t remember) And maybe most interesting of all was how they bridged the gap from the Norse gods to the Christian God with Ragnarokk. Just so rich and enthralling!
Oh, one more thing! The imagery of Odin sacrificing himself to himself by hanging on a tree for days!!!!!! Perfect example of shards of the Christian narrative showing up in other cultures!
You just listed all my highlights as well :) If I were to say what stood out to me, I’d just be reiterating you!
This makes me want to go reread this!!!
Which Literary Life episode did they mention it? Do you remember?!
https://www.theliterary.life/060/
On the docket, can't wait.
This is a GREAT episode!