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

John Lindow's "Norse Mythology: A Guide to the Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs" is one of three important reference works on the subject currently or recently available, following Rudolf Simek's heavily linguistic "Dictionary of Northern Mythology" (German edition 1984, translated by Angela Hall, 1993) and Andy Orchard's "Cassell's Dictionary of Norse Myth & Legend" (and slightly variant titles, 1997). Each of the three takes a different approach, and I have found them nicely complementary.

Lindow's coverage, which is well-described in the subtitle, is not as complete in some areas. He does not try to match Simek on, say, Roman-era inscriptions, or Orchard on individual Icelandic sagas. In what he does cover, he is generally more comprehensive, and sometimes, I think, clearer (as on, say, the limited evidence for Norse religious practices). Lindow's discussions of methodologies and theories are informative, useful, and at times even entertaining. On this basis, it might well be a better book than the other two for beginners, although it should appeal to a more advanced readership as well. There is, of course, a trade-off, and some will prefer Orchard's more extensive coverage. (Where beginners in Norse mythology are concerned, Simek might be left to those approaching from a fairly advanced linguistic-oriented background, anyway.)

The black and white illustrations are well-chosen, and most of them are clearly reproduced. Bibliographic notes to the articles are supplemented by a section of bibliographic essays (including Internet resources). Again, he provides less raw information than Simek and Orchard, but his presentation is better, and, once again, probably much more useful to a novice. (Mind you, I've been reading in the field since the middle 1960s, and took several relevant courses at UCLA in the 1970s, so I'm using a little imagination; but he tends to suggest books I then found helpful, and many I have wished had been available when I needed them.)

Those already familiar with some earlier popular works on Norse mythology will probably recognize the cover art (part of a reconstructed medieval tapestry), which, most notably, has long been used on the cover of H.R. Ellis Davidson's "Gods and Myths of Northern Europe" (Penguin). Ironically, as Lindow informs the reader (see caption, page 251), the consensus that it was intended to portray Odin, Thor, and Frey has been challenged in recent scholarship.

A great scholarly reference book of Norse Mythology and Legends written by Professor John Lindow at U.C. Berkley who specializes in Scandinavian Medieval Studies and Folklore. Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, and Greenland regions are covered in this text. I have a felling I will be referring to this book fairly often.
Chapters include:
1. Introduction (p. 2-36)
2. Time (p. 39-45)
3. Deities, Themes, and Concepts (p. 47-326)
4. Print and Nonprint Resources (p. 327-339)

I wasn't all that versed in Norse myth *until* I purchased and read this book. You get everything you need to fully understand Norse myth. You get geography, socioeconomic issues, religious history, and linguistics. Unusual concepts, such as "kennings", were clearly explained with examples. I also liked the encyclopedic entries for major and minor characters and traditions (ex. Mead of Poetry). Each entry included related entries and outside sources.

Before I read this book, I couldn't weave together a basic outline of Norse mythology. (Be very careful of internet websites!) I finally feel *confident enough* to pursue further readings in Norse mythology. Thanks, Dr. Lindlow!

I had expected that this book would be more narrative. Really, it functions as a very thorough encyclopedia of Norse Mythology. It was very helpful in reading some histories and stories, but on its own, it is okay.

I love Norse mythology and this book is definitely a go-to-book for me on the subject... one usually thinks of only Vikings when talking about Norse mythology, but keep in mind that Norsemen were around 3,000 years before Vikings came on the scene... these proud people put their name and family first... a life is short but a name lives on and your family is judged by the name you make and leave behind, therefore it is the most sacred thing about you... they believed this and they lived it!... I recommend this book to anyone interested in these marvelous people... ;-)

This book was a wonderful academic resource regarding Norse culture and mythology.

The author breaks down several resources into a consolidated format and presentation to demonstrate aspects of the mythology, heroes, and culture. He draws on Snorri, as well as other authors and documents that are not often cited. His insight into things is quite impressive.

For any serious student of Norse history, mythology, etc, this book is a must-have.

Great intro into the subject...I really enjoyed reading this book and getting a good grasp on the Norse Gods and beliefs....truly it belongs on any Odin believers coffee (mead?) table.

Also good is:

[[ASIN:1442132809 The Children of Odin: The Collected Sagas from the Northern Bible]]

Have not been able to read it thoroughly yet as I am finishing a couple of other books but as far as having a quick look about it it looks perfect.

Great guide for anyone interested in reading Norse
Mythology

Well written