Myths of the Norsemen: From the Eddas and Sagas Paperback – December 21, 1992

Myths of the Norsemen: From the Eddas and Sagasby H. A. GuerberThe errors in this work are fairly typical for the period that it was written. Romanticizing the Norse and Arthurian Myths seemed to be a very legitimate pastime for numerous Victorian era authors. While most of the book is in clearly and well written prose, at best it should be consider along the lines of a, "Historical Novel", or as a semi-serious children's text on Norse mythology. There are just too many errors and outright fabrications for serious study. Additionally, while there might be a small amount of justification for an academic and scholarly comparison between Norse Mythology and Greek Mythology, what is presented in the last chapter of this book is not one. Guerber's unsupported and exceptionally vague reference's to non-identifiable ethereal sources is very frustrating. Let's face it, there are not an infinite number of sources for this information, different translations are one thing but changing the myths and alluding to, "other", unspecified sources of wisdom is quite unacceptable. I am of the opinion that many of these sources were contemporaries of Guerber's and she was sighting them in this work. It would be like me using Harrison's, "The Hammer and The Cross", as a validation for what I thought the true meaning of the Edda's were and then publishing it as a fact.O.K., now that I've slammed this work and author fairly hard let me lay out two or three reasons why I think anyone interested in the Norse and Germanic Myths should own a copy, or in my case two copies, (one paperback and one hardback). Firstly, the illustrations are very well done. Granted that they are seldom historically accurate and very Victorian or Wagner like, but well done none the less. Surprisingly, to me anyway, the illustrations in my 1992 paperback are sharper and clearer than those in my 1993 hard cover edition. Unfortunately, the illustrations in both copies are a bit on the dark side, I am attempting to obtain an early 1900's copy to compare the differences.Secondly, if you are interested in other non-historical writings on the Norse Myths this book is a treasure trove of quotes and poetry . The vast majority of the authors listed may have been fairly well known a century ago, today however, many border on the obscure. It's an interesting and informative look into the past to see how these authors perceived the Norse Myths and makes me wonder how today's modern works will be viewed in another hundred years. Another thing I liked about the paperback edition was the larger type face used, it's probably about 14 pt., much easier to read than the hardback edition.Because of these reasons I have rated this book with two stars, after all it was much better than, "Rites of Odin".In Frith,Spence The Elder"Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc"M. Addams

Had this book years ago and read the living crap out of it. Loaned it out and that was the last time I seen it. Finally decided to stock up my Germanic folk tale section of my personal library and had to have it again. While there is some minor variations with her telling and others, I still love it and it takes me back to the time spent earlier in life learning about my ancestors beliefs!

If you are new to Asatru or the heathen faiths, or just want to learn more about the Norse and Viking gods, this is required reading. Easily understood with little or no outside understanding required, this book tells the stories of my ancestors in simple words, causing no frantic dashes to a dictionary. Entertaining and comedic at times, and it will even bring a tear to your eye once or twice.

Bought this book for my husband. We are Odinist's and this book is an amazing addition to our little growing library.

A cousin had done a number of the illustrations in the book which I found interesting. The text is written in the typical 19th c style and is abit of a struggle.

I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS BOOK AFTER SEEING THE NEW MOVIE "THOR". MY GRANDFATHER READ THIS BOOK TO ME EVERY NIGHT DURING THE SUMMER OF 1963. I AM READING IT NOW, I CAN SEE MY GRANDFATHER WITH ME IN THE ROOM. THE BOOK HAS BROUGHT WITH IT A FLOOD OF FOND MEMORIES OF MY GRANDFATHER AND THE STORIES OF THE NORSEMEN.

FIRST BOOK I READ 4 YEARS AGO WHEN I HAD MY AWAKENING, SO I BOUGHT IT TO GIFT A FRIEND, SO THEY MAY EMBRACE THE KNOWLEDGE AND KNOW THE GODS ARE REAL

This is another book that I will rate as "required reading" for anyone interested in Wotanism/Odinism/Heathenry. A good, solid grounding in the beliefs of our ancestors is really a must for anyone following the Path, and this book is one of the best at providing that grounding.

Super book.

This book makes Norse Mythology easy to understand and captivating to read. I especially appreciated the larger font, and the many gorgeous illustrations throughout. Well done!

Best book on Norse Mythology. I love it.