Neil Gaiman has long been inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction. Now he turns hisattention back to the source, presenting a bravura rendition of the great northern tales. In Norse Mythology, Gaiman fashions primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds, delves into the exploits of the deities, dwarves and giants, and culminates in Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods and the rebirth of a new time and people.Gaiman stays true to the myths while vividly reincarnating Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring and cunning:Thor, Odin's son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods, and Loki, the son of giants, a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator.
From Gaiman's deft and witty prose emerges the gods with their fiercely competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to dupe others, and their tendency to let passion ignite their actions, making these ancient myths breathe pungent life again.