Review: D’Aulaires’ Book of Norse Myths

All of the books my son is currently reading are based on mythology.  Whether it is one of Rick Riordan’s series or the Lord of the Rings;  Greek mythology, Norse Mythology, Egyptian mythology, they’re all refernced in some form or oanother, so we (well I)  thought it would be good to explore the original myths an not just adaptations.  Reading the original myths led to some great discussions about early beliefs, modern adapations and sources of inspiration for writing. He kept reading ahead, wanting to discuss the stories that I had forgotten about how the world was formed and while I didn’t read under the blackets with a flashlight to catch up, it did cross my mind… D’Aulaires’ Books on Norse and Greek myths are both excellent choices for children’s books on mytho9logy.  The book of Norse Myths begins with the Frost Giants at a time when there was no earth, no sun, no moon, and no stars.  The first gods, Odin, Hoenir and Lodur set the sun and moon to moving and the earth grew out of the bones of the old Frost giant they had vanquished.  The only thing they did not have was someone who would worship them, so they created man. Each chapter tells the story of a different god or goddess, from the more well-known Odin, Thor, Loki, to Sif, Loki’s children, Odin’s children, Balder the God of light, the world of the Vanir gods who controlled the mild and gentle winds, Freya the goddess of love and beauty, the Valkeyries, Frigg-Odin’s favorite wife, and of course Skade, the ski-goddess! Someone we definitely should know more about!  The gods were full of mischief and always getting into entertaining trouble or losing their favorite possessions like Thor’s hammer and Freya’s necklace, ruling until they were defeated by Christianity.   D’Aulaires’ Book of Norse Myths is a great start to learning Norse mythology and it’s been fun sharing the stories my parents read to me as a child.  If you’re interested in adding D’Aulaires’ Book of Norse Myths to your child’s library and sharing the stories you grew up knowing, click...