D'Aulaires' Book of Norse Myths

When I was a boy my "Dutch Uncle" gave us this book. Telling my family that these were the stories he grew up with. That book was lost, but this one re connects me with that time.

I remember this book from way back in the day. I was still in elementary school when I first read it. The stories and illustrations were vividly implanted in my brain. Particularly that of Thor, the red bearded god of thunder and Odin, father of the gods. And Ragnarok of course. Although I always thought that Odin went out like a chump. Eaten in one bite by the Fenris wolf, for shame. Recently, I found an old copy at a local libaray. It was a refreshing trip down memory lane. Too bad it is out of print. Oh well, there will always be the memories.

This book was the first, and to date best, book of Norse mythology I read. I single-handedly read my third grade teacher's copy to pieces, along with the D'Aulaire book of Greek mythology. The beautiful illustrations stuck in my head, and have become permantly associated with the stories. I was influenced so much that I am now studying to be a professional medievalist, with a particular emphasis in Germanic/Northern European literature. The D'Aulaire books are a must have for any parent, teacher, or lover of mythology. Hopefully the publishers will re-print this book so we can all afford it!

For years I've believed that I was alone, but after reading the other reviews I realize that I am not. I also loved this book and checked it out of my elementary school library over and over, along with their book of greek myths. Over the years the images in the illustrations stayed with me. I've recently purchased the book on greek myths but cannot afford the asking prices on this one. It is not often that one book is able to linger in the hearts and minds of so many. This must make those of you who have never seen this book (or the other) wonder. There is a magic here.

When I was in grade school, so many years ago, a friend of mine turned me on to this amazing book. This book became my raison d'etre during those years. I checked it out of the library so many times that the librarian would come looking for me when someone else wanted to borrow it. I can still remember that copy of the book: the clear plastic cover over the dust jacket with a tear along the bottom right corner. When I moved on into junior high, once in awhile I would think of this book and wonder if it still resided in its usual position on the bookshelf. Even after I graduated from high school and began my life, I continued to wonder if this book was still in the library of my old elementary school. True, I thought about the book less and less as the years went by, but I still remembered it fondly when I thought of it. Then one night, while skating along the Internet, I thought of the book and decided to see if I could locate a copy. I frowned when I discovered it was out of print, but continued my search, becoming feverish as each avenue of inquiry turned up naught.Then finally, success! I found a copy, available for an astronomical sum. I shelled out the dough and waited for its arrival. I was not disappointed. The book was just as I remembered it: an oversized hard cover copy with the familiar, although faded, dust jacket. Ultimately, the price I paid for the book really didn't matter. Who can put a price on the memories of childhood? I would have paid double what I coughed up for this precious book. What disappointed me was discovering that it was out of print. That is a crime I hope is soon remedied.D'Aulaire's "Norse Gods and Giants" is an excellent book for a child. It is a simplified retelling of the stories and adventures of the Norse pantheon. All of the gods are here: Odin, Thor, Loki, Heimdall, Balder, Freya, and all the rest. Along with the descriptions and anecdotes of the gods and goddesses are stories about the creation of the earth, the evil jotuns, and Ragnorrak (the end the world). All of the stories explain earthly phenomena, such as planting, writing, death, fertility, war, and love. My favorite story in the book is the Thor cycle, actually four stories recounting the exploits of Thor (often with the treacherous Loki in tow) against the hated jotuns. The book crackles with magic, action, and amazing worlds. The D'Aulaires even add a post-script about the emergence of Christianity after the Norse pantheon collapses.However, it is the illustrations that make this book such a treasure. The pictures run the gamut, from crude pencil or charcoal drawings, to ultra-bright colored pictures depicting the gods and goddesses acting out their stories. The artwork is, at times, extraordinary. The drawing of the goddess Sif and her golden hair is one of the most beautiful depictions of a woman I've seen in a children's book. It is the pictures, more so than the text, which moves the book along at a fast pace.A reader's companion at the en