This is a great beginner-level introduction to Norse mythology, as the stories are somewhat simplified, but clear and entertaining. ( )

I, like many of the other reviewers, loved this book as a child. It's the softly countoured illustrations in the very large format, and all the wild adventures with the monster's and the fighting and the wierd magic of, e.g., the hammer.

The Norse myths are so imperfect, but these renditions of them are just wonderful. ( )

the Norse were fucking insane, man ( )

Once you’ve set eyes upon the cover there’s no turning back. Your curiosity has been piqued and your invitation to Norse Mythology accepted. The illustrations, color and black and white, dare you to look away. Some are ethereal, some are folksy, and some are creep-inducing. Either way, they keep your attention and are a stiff competitor for the story. But then the reader gets a taste of Norse creationism and shortly behind, frost giants. There’s a reason the D’Aulaires’ are Caldecott winners. They expertly intertwine fascinating tales and images of Odin, Thor, Loki, and more – no movie needed. The book is 154 pages of fascination appropriate for ages 10+. ( )

Good book that covers all the Norse myths I've heard before (and a few I hadn't). The illustrations are a lot of fun as well. ( )

This is the book that shifted me from Greek mythology to Norse. I was probably about 10 or 12 at the time.

Illustrated in what might be pencil crayon (which, to the 10-year-old me, implied that I or my friends could draw something similar), this collection of Norse myths showed me the wonder and the tragedy at the heart of mythology. ( )

My favorite book as a child - I'd check it out of the library over and over again. I loved the weird and dark myths, along with the comedic ones (Thor in drag!). The illustrations were great, and I still remember them vividly many years later. It marks the beginning of my long-standing love affair with mythology, fantasy, and the oddness of reality. ( )

Breathtaking illustrations that pull the reader immediately into the Norse myths they are retelling. A must for any history/english lesson.

I loved reading Norse myths as a kid (as well as a variety of folktales from all over the world), so it was a pleasure to revisit the Norse gods in this excellent collection by the D'Aulaires. The myths combine wonderful tales of the origins of natural things and people with creepy stories of monsters, frost giants and huge world-ending wolf beasts. I enjoy how the Norse gods are capable of human-like anger, jealousy and deceit, especially Loki the former frost giant.

I love how Ingri D'Aulaire's art combines motifs and influences from ancient Norse art, and how she draws hairy trolls and mythical beasts. Her colors, especially in her depictions of Asgard, are incredibly rich and vibrant. Her work is full of knots and roots and animals hiding in small spaces.

I also recommend their excellent and funny "Book of Trolls." ( )

I took this book out of the local library so much, my mother gave it to me as a childhood birthday present. Flat out, the illustrations (as well as overall artistic style), and the narration is spellbinding. I love it. ( )

The Norse myths are some of the greatest stories of all time. Weird monsters, thoroughly human gods, elves and sprites and gnomes, with grim giants nursing ancient grudges lurking behind—the mysterious and entrancing world of Norse myth comes alive in these pages thanks to the spellbinding storytelling and spectacular pictures of the incomparable d'Aulairse. In this classic book, the art of the Caldecott Award—winning authors of d'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths, a longtime favorite of children and parent, reaches one of its pinnacles. It offers a way into a world of fantasy and struggle and charm that has served as inspiration for Marvel Comics and the Lord of the Rings. ( )

This book was a collection of several Norse myths and legends. As with most mythology stories, D'Aulaires Book of Norse Myth's told the exciting tales of the Norse gods and goddesses, particularly Odin, Thor, and Loki. It also included many stories of famous Norse heroes, including the viking Ragnar. Suitable for children ages 5-9, this book is exciting and engages children in the myths and legends of old.

I love this one and the Greek one. so good. ( )

(UPDATE: I'm pretty sure I wrote this review around the time the awesome Loki movies started being released. Way too much focus on his boring blond brother in those, am I right?)

It took me a long time to come around to the idea that the Norse myths could be compelling. Even dating a guy who was crazy about them didn't help. They just seemed so solemn and manly, especially compared to the Greek gods. I could imagine falling into their world. But the Norse names were weird, and the women were utterly unmemorable. (Okay, except for Hel.)

Now I can see the appeal. I especially appreciate the poignancy of gods who know their days are numbered. Ragnarök is a brilliantly devastating idea. Oh, and the world tree with a dragon gnawing at its roots.

I read this D'Aulaires' book with my son, but I'm going to find another collection and read it on my own if he's not interested in going along for the ride. Turns out those Norse myths are pretty cool. ( )

This Loki, he interests me. ( )

The illustrations in this book are detailed and colorful and I think are a great portrayal of the creatures and gods of Norse mythology. They accompany the thirty myths and descriptions of some of the Norse gods.

The nine Norse worlds and their locations are shown in a map on the front endpaper. With a reader's companion, or glossary and explanation of names, at the end. ( )

When I was a kid, one of my favourite books to check out of the library was "D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths", but until recently I had never had the opportunity to read their book of Norse mythology. Happy to report it was worth the wait.
The whole fascinating pantheon of Norse Gods is vividly brought to life by the many colourul lithographs, from sly Loki, to austere Odin to an amusingly fierce rendition of Thor. The stories maintain the darkness and violence of the original myths, but are told in a simple, matter-of-fact prose style that renders them appropriate for younger readers. A series of tales relating Thor's adventures among the Frost-Giants (or "Jotuns")are particularly amusing.
This edition also includes an introduction by Pulitzer Prize winning author Michael Chabon that helps give some background on the D'Aulaires and their achievement.
I recommend this book highly, as an introduction to the rich world of Norse mythology or simply as an entertaining read for imaginative children. ( )

Well-loved books from my past

Rating: 4* of five

Ingri and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire were a married couple of Euro-origin, he Swiss and she Norwegian, who came to the US in the 1920s to pursue fame and fortune. Edgar was an illustrator for books, magazines, and the like, while Ingri painted rich guys' portraits. Came the Depression, oh dearie me...everything got harder...so the two collaborated on writing and illustrating kids' books together. For forty-plus years, the couple turned out beautiful, beautiful books.

This book, published in 1967, was a gift from my dad to me. I haven't got a lot of fond memories of my parents, and oddly most of them center around books in one shape or another. This is no exception. Dad read the book to me, even though by 1967 I was reading on my own, and we both loved the experience. He's a hambone and a half, my dad, funny and quick and full of wordplay. This book launched him on trajectories of mythmashing that, had I known then what I know now, I'd've written down or memorized or tape-recorded or something. He was abso-bloody-lutely riotous doing Odin as a doddering old fuffertut and Thor as a lisping faggot (my sides are already hurting remembering the way that made me laugh...still does...) and the Valkyries as whining misery-guts.

P.C. he was, and is, not.

The last time we spoke on the phone, before deafness and vascular dementia made it pointless to speak at all, I reminded Dad of this book. He laughed like he had when he was 40. He lit up as he did the voices again. It was a good last conversation to have with him, and it's all down to being a great big kid as he always was, and appreciating his kidliness left me feeling a lot less angry for his adult failings.

So this book holds my special and dear gratitude for being a bridge to a man I never loved, but always felt impatient with and annoyed by and hurt by. Books are magic, and myths are real, and don't ever, ever, ever forget that. ( )

This book contains many myths that involve several gods, goddesses, giants, and other characters. The myths are made up of many battles and in the end, the word is made new and the stories and memories are shared from then on.

D'Aulaires' book of Norse Myths is a picture book containing an adaptation of Norse myth. It begins with the creation of the world an chronicles the conflicts the Norse Gods and humans have with one another. I enjoyed this book, especially the pictures. They were created with limestone tablets prints using only four colors. The effect is unique and striking. I think this would be an excellent book for reading during a unit on mythology or independent reading. The D'Aulaires do an incredible job making the myths accessible. ( )

D'Aulaire's "Norse Gods and Giants" is an excellent book for a child. It is a simplified retelling of the stories and adventures of the Norse pantheon. All of the gods are here: Odin, Thor, Loki, Heimdall, Balder, Freya, and all the rest. Along with the descriptions and anecdotes of the gods and goddesses are stories about the creation of the earth, the evil jotuns, and Ragnorrak (the end the world). All of the stories explain earthly phenomena, such as planting, writing, death, fertility, war, and love.

I am a huge fan of the d'Aulaire mythology collections. My kids and I love their collection of Greek myths, and have read through them more than once. The Norse myths are by nature a little harsher and a little colder, but I think they inspired more questions and discussion between my daughters and myself than the Greek myths did--always a good thing!

The d'Aulaire retelling of the Norse myths is clear, kid-friendly and just the right length to keep their attention, but it does all of this without losing the underlying feeling and meaning behind these often harsh and bloody histories. The illustrations are wonderful, and complement the stories perfectly. They myths can be read individually, or in order like a novel, to tell the story of the Norse pantheon from its inception to its demise at Ragnarokk.

There is so much reference to Norse myth in our culture and our literature, it really gives kids (and let's be honest, adults as well) a head start to have some familiarity with the stories and the history. This book has sparked plenty of interesting discussion, and I know we'll end up reading and enjoying it again and again over the years. ( )

Like the Book of Greek myths, this is a collection of myths retold and re-illustrated. With a "reader's companion," this book has a lot of information for readers looking to explore Norse myths.

A lovely book of Norse myths, combined with beautiful illustrations.

This is an amazing collection of stories that show us the myths of the Norse people. I loved the artwork that beautifully illustrates the magical myths and brings the imagination to life. Would be great to use in the classroom for teaching mythology or even about the many different believes that different cultures have.