Thor is an immensely popular God but also one of contradictions, whose complexity is sometimes underrated. Often depicted as oafish, he was clever enough to outwit the dwarf Alviss (All-wise). A god of storms and thunder, he brought fertility and blessed brides at weddings and although a defender of civilization and order, he usually travelled with a trickster deity. Pagan Portals - Thor is an introductory book that examines both history and mythology, untangling older beliefs from modern pop-culture.

The legends of the Norse and Germanic regions of Europe--spanning from Germany and Austria across Scandinavia to Iceland and England--include a broad range of mythical characters and places, from Odin and Thor, to berserkers and Valhalla, to the Valkyries and Krampus. In this encyclopedia, Claude Lecouteux explores the origins, connections, and tales behind many gods, goddesses, magical beings, rituals, folk customs, and mythical places of Norse and Germanic tradition. More than a reference to the Aesir and the Vanir pantheons, this encyclopedia draws upon a wealth of well-known and rare sources, such as the Poetic Edda, the Saga of Ynglingar by Snorri Sturluson, and The Deeds of the Danes by Saxo Grammaticus. The author describes the worship of the elements and trees, details many magical rituals, and shares wild folktales from ancient Europe, such as the strange adventure of Peter Schlemihl and the tale of the Cursed Huntsman. He also dispels the false beliefs that have arisen from the Nazi hijacking of Germanic mythology and from its longtime suppression by Christianity. Complete with rare illustrations and information from obscure sources appearing for the first time in English, this detailed reference work represents an excellent resource for scholars and those seeking to reconnect to their pagan pasts and restore the old religion.

Magnus Magnusson relates the world-famous Icelandic sagas to the spectacular living landscapes of today, taking the reader on a literary tour of the mountains, valleys, and fjords where the heroes and heroines of the sagas lived out their eventful lives. He also tells the story of the first Viking settler, Ingolfur Anarson.

The End of the World in Scandinavian Mythology is a detailed study of the Scandinavian myth on the end of the world, the Ragnaroek, and its comparative background. The Old Norse texts on Ragnaroek, in the first place the 'Prophecy of the Seeress' and the Prose Edda of the Icelander Snorri Sturluson, are well known and much discussed. However, Anders Hultgard suggests that it is worthwhile to reconsider the Ragnaroek myth and shed new light on it using new comparative evidence, and presenting texts in translation that otherwise are available only to specialists. The intricate question of Christian influence on Ragnaroek is addressed in detail, with the author arriving at the conclusion of an independent pre-Christian myth with the closest analogies in ancient Iran. People in modern society are concerned with the future of our world, and we can see these same fears and hopes expressed in many ancient religions, transformed into myths of the future including both cosmic destruction and cosmic renewal. The Ragnaroek myth can be said to be the classical instance of such myths, making it more relevant today than ever before.

Meet the fire-breathing beasts of mythology in this beautifully illustrated book brimming with scaled behemoths. Journey into the deepest depths of the oceans and the highest tips of the tallest mountains to discover the fascinating history of dragons! This illustrated picture book blends fiction and fantasy, separates fact from myth, and is the perfect introduction to the breathtaking world of dragons! Ideal for kids aged 7-9 years. Inside the pages of this captivating fantasy book for children, you'll discover fascinating dragon facts and more! - Includes 23 profiles of famous dragons - Discover maps of where dragons originated from across the continents - Explanations of the historical and cultural significance of dragons around the world - Informative spreads on the folklore surrounding dragons uncover secrets about dragon eggs, treasure, and history Soar across continents and discover the most incredible dragon myths and legends. Prowl through the pages to discover rare dragon species. Find clues on how to track them and master how to draw them. This awe-inspiring, magical book will breathe fire into the minds of little dragon-lovers everywhere! Exciting, informative text and beautiful hand-painted illustrations bring these fire-breathing beasts of mythology to life in the most spectacular way! Up-to-date retellings of classic dragon stories from Asia, Europe, Africa and North America will boost your child's imagination and keep them engaged. It's the ultimate gift for kids who are fascinated by mythical creatures and fans of Harry Potter and How to Train your Dragon.

The coming of Christianity to Northern Europe resulted in profound cultural changes. In the course of a few generations, new answers were given to fundamental existential questions and older notions were invalidated. Jonas Wellendorf's study, the first monograph in English on this subject, explores the medieval Scandinavian reception and re-interpretation of pre-Christian Scandinavian religion. This original work draws on a range of primary sources ranging from Prose Edda and Saxo Grammaticus' History of the Danes to less well known literary works including the Saga of Barlaam and the Hauksbok manuscript (c.1300). By providing an in-depth analysis of often overlooked mythological materials, along with translations of all textual passages, Wellendorf delivers an accessible work that sheds new light on the ways in which the old gods were integrated into the Christian worldview of medieval Scandinavia.

Sonya has brought a foreign army to free her country from imperial rule, but her allies may have other goals in the second book of this thrilling epic fantasy trilogy from Jon Skovron. The first battle is over, but war yet looms on the horizon. Sonya and her allies - the foreign Uaine and their armies of the undead - have beaten back the imperial soldiers from the capital city. Now they have the rest of the country to free. Meanwhile, her brother, the famed wizard Sebastian, has retreated with the imperial forces to regroup and lick his wounds. Betrayed by his sister and his wife, the beautiful noblewoman Galina, he will regain control of his life and his country at any cost. Praise for the series 'A magical tale of power and sacrifice, manipulation and betrayal' Melissa Caruso 'This is epic fantasy done right' Publishers Weekly 'An undeniable page-turner that will have readers salivating for the next volume' Kirkus

Surveys the pre-Christian beliefs of the Scandinavian and Germanic people. This title provides an introduction to this subject, giving basic outlines to the sagas and stories, and helps identify the character traits of the well known as well as the lesser gods of the age.

The author’s Eagle’s Mead is a complex and weighty tome, a world full of magic and mysteries. Now, a small and friendly window into that world and the poetic possibilities of the path of Runic Initiation has been opened with this collection of poems from it.

A sample of each of his great themes will be found within: Mead, Runes, and Grails. These thirty-one poems include his translation of the Rúnatal, several rune poems, A Skaldic Eagle Takes Flight, Óðinsdrápa, Rúnagaldraljóð, Seek Rûna, Runes for the Grails, and Three Draughts from the Vine. Eirik Westcoat is a runic initiate who has presented his award-winning poetry at several regional Asatru gatherings in the American Northeast.

In addition to being a poet, he is also a scholar with a degree in Viking and Medieval Norse Studies who specializes in Old Norse mythology, poets, and poetry, with published articles on the galdralag meter, the meaning of the valknut, and the authority of poets in Old Norse literature.