An illustrated history of the gods, heroes, monsters and legends of Viking culture encapsulated in prose and verse myths passed on through hundreds of years of oral tradition.

The Norsemen of old Scandinavia were a tough and hardy people, best known today for their prowess in bloody combat and storytelling. Because they had no writing, the frightening reputation of warriors survives, but Norse mythology -- all storytelling -- is less known. This book documents the Norse myths that were sources of entertainment, comfort and explanations of the universe -- from animals to the seasons to the afterlife.

Given that there are no surviving texts, the remaining myths have been changed through hundreds of years of oral tradition. Norse Mythology draws on Prose Edda and Poetic Edda, the two earliest and most faithful recordings of Norse myths. The chapters include:

• An introduction to Norse history and culture -- Vikings, long ships, and raiding
• Cyclical time: Runes, the creation of the Cosmos, First Gods
• Yggdrasil and the Nine Realms
• The Aesir Gods (Odin, Thor, Loki, Sif, Baldur, Idun)
• The Vanir Gods (Njord, Freyr, Freyja, The Mighty Thor)
• The Jotnar (Hela, Skadi, Skoll and Hati)
• Monsters and other creatures (Dwarves, light elves Sleipnir, Odin's eight-legged horse, Kraken, trolls)
• Other myths (why is the sea salty?)
• Ragnarok and the Rebirth of the World.

Illustrated in color throughout and accompanied by maps and photos of archaeological treasures, this is a highly entertaining and informative read as the world of entertainment draws more stories from Norse mythology.