Norse Mythology: A Guide to Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs

I feel that this book should be read by anyone that is researching Norse/Germanic Paganism, Asatru, or whichever title choosen to label the practice. The author explains the racist and fascist roots that are entwined with early development of the reconstruction of what we now have today as Asatru/Norse Paganism. Even today these twisted and bigoted concepts are projected by some groups that are active within the community that blend their White Supremacy into their practice claiming they are only protecting their "European heritage" aka their whiteness and false feelings of superiority. Two of such groups are not that far away from where I live. This, not so prestigious, part of the Norse Pagan reconstruction history needs to be not forgotten as it is important that it does not continue to grow. Being educated and aware of this past is the best way in which to be able to notice if it is being projected within your own environment and local community. Anyone that says this book has nothing to do with Asatru/Norse Paganism need to go back and reeducate themselves on our community's history, enlarge. It is not something to sweep under the carpet. As it states in the first stanza of the Havamal, "At every doorway before you enter, you should look around, you should take a good look around -- for you never know where your enemies might be seated within." (Page 24 , The Poetic Edda, 2nd Edition, Jackson Crawford) There were many things in this book I was already aware of, and a lot of dots that I had not connected yet. I appreciate the directness of this work. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is looking to the modern Norse Pagan faith, as well as Jennifer Snook's "American Heathens: The Politics of Identity in a Pagan Religious Movement". Both of these books, I feel, are essential in developing one's spiritual identity within modern Heathenry.

I am writing this review as of reading the introduction which has sparked a great deal of needed thought. The author approaches a lot of subject matter from a historically accurate perspective that gives the reader a great amount of real information to chew on. I identify a Heathen/Asatru and do my best to build everything in my religion from a historically accurate base. The introduction alone has put together a wonderful collection of ideas to help ensure this direction is maintained. A good amount of research has gone into this book and I greatly appreciate the approach the author has taken in delivering. The rest of the book is like a dictionary of our lore and puts things together beautifully. I will no doubt have my nose in this one for reference after reading it cover to cover for the rest of my life, or until I have it all memorized. There are a lot of choices out there for Heathen/Asatru books and some of them are down right terrible. Many authors do their best to mask personal beliefs as historical fact. There is a great responsibility to not do this and few books I have read these days respect this boundary. If you are looking for a great collection of definitions with an introduction worthy of tons of note taking give this book a read. I am sure you will find it to be a wonderful source of reference as well.

Along with Dictionary of Northern Mythology by Rudolf Simek this is an excellent reference to Norse myth and I would recommend that any serious student of Norse myth have both books around. This work provide a dictionary-type approach to introducing the various individuals, themes, and places of Norse myth. These are particularly useful when addressing more obscure topics (like the Disir) in the myths because the the discussion tends to be a scholar's digest of what is known. When I reviewed Simek's work I thought it was exceptional as far as dictionaries of mythology went. Now I am beginning to understand that it is not unique in that regard. This book belongs on the bookshelf right next to it. Like Simek's work, this book draws from textual studies archaeology, and etymology to provide a fairly substantial, though not comprehensive, reference to the Norse myths. In particular, each entry has a "further reading" section so it is perfect as a place to start research. I have to further agree with Ian Miles Slater on the quality of the illustrations. These contribute greatly to the book.

Really detailed and informative. Definitely reads more like an encyclopedia, but if you're looking to find out about your ancestors gods and what the teachings of the Norse were, this is the book for you.

The title of Lindow's book on Norse mythology fits exactly what this book is about. It is a great resource for people who want to have a more in-depth knowledge about this subject, scholarly and well-written, and even enjoyable to read. The reviewer "Valkyrie Mist" mentioned that there were a few things missing that were covered in Simek and Orchard, but these are more obscure facts and I feel that Lindow is more than adequate. I found that this is a great reference and very readable and highly recommend it to anyone who wants in-depth knowledge of this fascinating subject matter.

This is a great book that starts off with a nice scholarly introduction, then goes in to an extensive encyclopedia-style list of everything mentioned in the mythology. It doesn't have a feeling of "christians looking at heathenry from an outside perspective" and it doesn't have a really pagan feel to it either. Just non-biased information, which is refreshing in this genre of nonfiction.

Very well written and educational opening. Then it turns into an encyclopedia...Which is great, I suppose. Love this author though.

Love it!

Great book

El contenido es maravilloso, de eso no cabe duda, pero no entiendo como una multinacional como Amazon edita tan mal los libros. La calidad de la portada es pésima, los bordes vienen descorchados y el material es malísimo. No puntúo mal el libro porque el autor no tiene culpa, pero como lector y coleccionista, la calidad me parece horrenda.

Muy recomendable

I am halfway through this book. Fascinating read even for a historian.