Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
26th out of 398 books
—
760 voters
D'Aulaires' Book of Norse Myths
The Caldecott medal-winning d'Aulaires once again captivate their young audience with this beautifully illustrated introduction to Norse legends, telling stories of Odin the All-father, Thor the Thunder-god and the theft of his hammer, Loki the mischievous god of the Jotun Race, and Ragnarokk, the destiny of the gods. Children meet Bragi, the god of poetry, and the famous...more
Hardcover, 160 pages
Published
May 31st 2005
by NYR Children's Collection
(first published 1967)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
2,394)
The English ABCs of D'Aulaires' Book of Norse Myths (with one addition and some subtractions) by Miloš & Brontë*:
A -- Alfheim: It's the place where the elves live. There's lots of elves there with bows, and they have long blonde hair and pointy years. The wear archer clothes and stuff.
B -- Balder: The God of Light (is he the God of Light? Maybe he's just goodness. No, he's the God of Light too). He was always happy. He was never mad. He just smiled the whole time. I can't remember a time wh...more
A -- Alfheim: It's the place where the elves live. There's lots of elves there with bows, and they have long blonde hair and pointy years. The wear archer clothes and stuff.
B -- Balder: The God of Light (is he the God of Light? Maybe he's just goodness. No, he's the God of Light too). He was always happy. He was never mad. He just smiled the whole time. I can't remember a time wh...more
d'Aulaires' Book of Norse Myths has the distinction of being the first book I ever bought with the next generation specifically in mind. I was trawling Amazon one day and suddenly recalled a moment when I was ten years old, and I discovered a storybook of Norse myths. I recalled Thor with his eight-legged horse, and odin with his patched up eye and the rainbow bridge to Asgard.
And then I decided I wanted my kids to also have that experience, especially if I have a daughter. (I suppose that's bec...more
And then I decided I wanted my kids to also have that experience, especially if I have a daughter. (I suppose that's bec...more
I love mythology and Norse mythology especially. But, I never really knew the backgrounds and had the familiarity with the norse myths like I do greek and egyptian mythology. I wanted something that simply told the stories of Norse mythology without being technical. I wanted the "fairy-tale-esque" type of story and that's exactly what I got with this book.
Great for introducing children to the myths too!
Great for introducing children to the myths too!
3 likes
·
like
· see review
Well-loved books from my past
Rating: 4* of five
Ingri and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire were a married couple of Euro-origin, he Swiss and she Norwegian, who came to the US in the 1920s to pursue fame and fortune. Edgar was an illustrator for books, magazines, and the like, while Ingri painted rich guys' portraits. Came the Depression, oh dearie me...everything got harder...so the two collaborated on writing and illustrating kids' books together. For forty-plus years, the couple turned out beautiful, bea...more
Rating: 4* of five
Ingri and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire were a married couple of Euro-origin, he Swiss and she Norwegian, who came to the US in the 1920s to pursue fame and fortune. Edgar was an illustrator for books, magazines, and the like, while Ingri painted rich guys' portraits. Came the Depression, oh dearie me...everything got harder...so the two collaborated on writing and illustrating kids' books together. For forty-plus years, the couple turned out beautiful, bea...more
6 likes
·
like
· see review
Definitely an interesting look into the Norse gods, especially since I have read very little about them until this point. I didn't love the art style, but that's just my own taste.
One thing that still gets to me: I'm baffled how Loki lost one of his bets. He has smiths make golden hair for one of the Aesir wives to attach to her own shorn hair, a spear that always hits its mark, and a boat that sails on the sea and flies over land and is big enough to carry all of the Aesir but is able to be fol...more
One thing that still gets to me: I'm baffled how Loki lost one of his bets. He has smiths make golden hair for one of the Aesir wives to attach to her own shorn hair, a spear that always hits its mark, and a boat that sails on the sea and flies over land and is big enough to carry all of the Aesir but is able to be fol...more
I feel sorry for people who didn't get to grow up reading Norse legends. The stories are simple and exciting, but have philosophical meanings and nuances that become more apparent as one grows older. Despite being scattered and occasionally contradictory--not to mention marred by intervening centuries of religious bowdlerization by Christian scribes--they have running through them a common thread of doom: the gods are fallible, can suffer, can make mistakes, can commit terrible crimes, and can e...more
My brothers have been obsessed with Norse mythology since they were little, and even though I was curious to know why they liked it so much, I never bothered to try to educate myself about it on my own. This is a kids' book, so I'm sure it only scratches the tip of the iceberg, but I think it's a great introduction to the various worlds, gods, goddesses, and creatures. And now I understand why my brothers love these stories so much.
It's funny to imagine the culture that came up with these myths...more
It's funny to imagine the culture that came up with these myths...more
Nov 23, 2011
Rebecca Reid
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
c-kids-pb,
c-kids-mg-chapter-bks
D’Aulaires’ Norse Gods and Giants (originally published 1967, republished 2005 as D’Aulaires’ Book of Norse Myths) is a great starting point, as was their Greek Myths volume that I regularly reread and poured over as a child. Using the D’Aulaires’ straight-forward prose and a nice balance of illustration, this introduction for children covers what seems to be the most important traditions and people in Norse mythology. Coming from a good understanding of the Greek myths, I was interested to see...more
I read this one in elementary school, I think, which was a long time ago now, so my memory of Norse mythology was getting kind of hazy. Watching Thor reminded me of how much I didn't recall, so a few days later I went to the library and found this book.
The Norse people had some pretty awesome ideas. Yggdrasil, the World Tree, is my favorite, but there's a lot to be said for things like mortal gods, the emphasis on honor and oaths, and the great battle of Ragnarokk. (I also loved how after the ba...more
The Norse people had some pretty awesome ideas. Yggdrasil, the World Tree, is my favorite, but there's a lot to be said for things like mortal gods, the emphasis on honor and oaths, and the great battle of Ragnarokk. (I also loved how after the ba...more
How curious that despite the many great kings, wars, and achievements of a bygone civilization, its lowly bards and priests have ensured its immortality through stories and myths.
I read Norse Gods and Giants after I had been introduced to Judeo–Christian mythology by my parents (and the Monticello, AR public school system) and Greek mythology by my father and some excellent children's books, the names of which now escape me. I remember being moved by the stories themselves - the difficult choic...more
I read Norse Gods and Giants after I had been introduced to Judeo–Christian mythology by my parents (and the Monticello, AR public school system) and Greek mythology by my father and some excellent children's books, the names of which now escape me. I remember being moved by the stories themselves - the difficult choic...more
Norse Gods and Giants is several stories from Norse mythology. All of the things on the Christmas tree descended from Norse mythology. The candles represent Thor’s lightning, the garlands are for the rainbow bridge, at the top the Christmas angel keeps watch instead of the eagle, and the three Norns (the three Norns are Urd, Vernande, and Skuld) are replaced by the Christ child.
My favorite story is about Odin who gets an eight-legged steed that can run on the air, a spear that never misses its...more
My favorite story is about Odin who gets an eight-legged steed that can run on the air, a spear that never misses its...more
This book is probably just as good as D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths, which I've bestowed five stars to. But the Greek myths are just inherently more cool than the Norse ones. The Minotaur? Hardcore. Medusa? Hardcore. Loki? Well, yes, Loki is pretty hardcore...and so is Thor...
Okay, I'll admit it, I'm just totally biased. In about 150 gorgeously illustrated pages, the D'Aulaires cover a huge number of the more important myths of Norse mythology. And what is so amazing is how concisely, yet comp...more
Okay, I'll admit it, I'm just totally biased. In about 150 gorgeously illustrated pages, the D'Aulaires cover a huge number of the more important myths of Norse mythology. And what is so amazing is how concisely, yet comp...more
1 like
·
like
· see review
Jul 20, 2009
Sam Grace
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
those who want an introduction to Norse mythology
I grew up with D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths, but despite an interest in Norse mythology never picked this one up. It accomplishes much the same thing, generically speaking, as the former Greek version, in that I finish the book with a good sense of who the important gods were and what the important stories involve. For me, this is a crucial step in learning about new mythologies, because too much information too quickly can be alienating.
On the other hand, I don't think this is nearly as good...more
On the other hand, I don't think this is nearly as good...more
1 like
·
like
· see review
This is a well researched and nicely summarized book that helped me better grasp the Norse religion. The battle of Ragnarok is fabulously described, and as I was reading it I was realizing what a great movie it would make. This is far easier to grasp than the Eddas, and it has very nice illustrations of the Norse cosmology and a labeled pantheon that covers most of the gods and goddesses. There is a great glossary of terms, and there are exciting illustrations throughout. I would recommend this...more
One of my favorite books as a child was D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths. I adored the illustrations and the awesome stories of times long ago. I didn't encounter this volume of myth interpretations until I was an adult, after I had already read the Eddas on which these tales are based. The illustrations are just as stunning as those in the collection of Greek myths - as I was reading this book at work, everyone stopped by to look over my shoulder. This book is a treasure for children and a must-...more
I recently took this book back to parents' house to read to my six-year-old sister. The idea that the world was licked out of a huge block of ice by an ethereal cow didn't phase her at all.
1 like
·
like
· see review
I am obsessed with the Norse Myths and was so excited to find a children's book on them right around the time that I was carrying my child. However, this book does not live up to my expectations whatsoever- something that I discovered upon reading the foreword. Though the base of the myths are there, they have been filled with Christian aspects. I don't have anything against Christian myths/themes/etc. (I do love Beowulf), but they have no place in Norse mythology. I also didn't find the illustr...more
It took me a long time to come around to the idea that the Norse myths could be compelling. Even dating a guy who was wild about them didn't help. They just seemed so solemn and manly, especially compared to the Greek gods. I could imagine falling into *their* world. But the Norse names were weird, and the women were utterly unmemorable. (Okay, except for Hel.)
Now I can see the appeal. I especially appreciate the poignancy of gods who know their days are numbered. Ragnarokk is a brilliantly deva...more
Now I can see the appeal. I especially appreciate the poignancy of gods who know their days are numbered. Ragnarokk is a brilliantly deva...more
Norse gods and giants is a book of Norse mythology. Norse mythology is the native religion of Iceland. Norse gods and giants is not one story but many. The book is new, the storys so not.
My favorite story is the one tiled Odin the Great All–Father. I like it because, well, well, well, he’s the All – Father. Odin is the god who makes the other gods all except for 3: his father and 2 brothers. Odin is the Norse god of life. Odin has 1 eye, because he made a bargain for wisdom with the other.
I reco...more
My favorite story is the one tiled Odin the Great All–Father. I like it because, well, well, well, he’s the All – Father. Odin is the god who makes the other gods all except for 3: his father and 2 brothers. Odin is the Norse god of life. Odin has 1 eye, because he made a bargain for wisdom with the other.
I reco...more
Illustrated. A wonderful look at the old Norse myths. The D’Aulaires ostensibly write for juveniles, but they do not needlessly bowdlerize or prudishly censor; neither do they ever dumb down their subject. Loki is wicked, Odin the master of dark magics, Thor a brutish oaf who lives to fight, drink, and eat, and Ragnarok is terrifying (a ship made of fingernails!). The stories presented here are thorough, engaging, and wondrous, as fables should be. Though the D’Aulaire illustrating style possibl...more
I lost the 1965 edition of this book which I grew up reading until I had fair memorized it. The illustrations and text were fascinating to me, and I found a more recent copy from Scholastic for my children. I credit the early exposure to Norse Mythology with my comprehension of Grendel in High School, and other, similar texts throughout my college coursework. It was fascinating to me, to compare the darker mythology of the Norse Gods to what I perceived to be the lighter mythology of the Greeks...more
Myths are always fun and informative. A few are actually good stories while the rest seem perpetuate sexism and violence...but these stories can be used to talk about the hows and whys of back then as well as what's similar and different today. They're all ways to talk about the world and get discussion going, especially with my son.
The d'Aulaires are great story tellers. I think they weave the stories together very well and they don't shy away from the not-so-great parts of the myths. The illus...more
The d'Aulaires are great story tellers. I think they weave the stories together very well and they don't shy away from the not-so-great parts of the myths. The illus...more
An excellent follow up to their book of Greek Myths, the D'Aulaire's once again capture a cultural heritage with their unique aesthetic and gift of storytelling. A fine introduction to the sagas of the north, this book helps organize and streamline the somewhat convoluted eddas and the drawings provide helpful reference points for the myriad of minor gods, giants and other strange beings. A definite recommend for anyone interested in world mythology or fantasy fans who want to learn about the ro...more
(Myths)
This book was originally published in 1967 and at first I was a little put off by the colored pencil sketches and amount of text. It looks very dry. However, I was surprised once I started reading the stories; I found myself immediately engaged and even reading bits out loud to my husband. The first five stories are Norse creation/origin myths. Then the stories explain the individual gods and finally flow into a larger tale of Norse legends. It was an interesting book to read but perhaps...more
This book was originally published in 1967 and at first I was a little put off by the colored pencil sketches and amount of text. It looks very dry. However, I was surprised once I started reading the stories; I found myself immediately engaged and even reading bits out loud to my husband. The first five stories are Norse creation/origin myths. Then the stories explain the individual gods and finally flow into a larger tale of Norse legends. It was an interesting book to read but perhaps...more
A simple and compelling presentation of the ancient Norse myths, which were first written down in the 10th and 11th centuries. The d’Aulaires put these stories into modern language and illuminate them with monumental, entrancing illustrations. And to their great credit they do not shy away from the inherent violence, gore, and all-out weirdness of the old tales. From the first frost giant Ymir spawning offspring in the warmth of his armpits and toes, to a ghoulish ship covered in finger- and toe...more
The creation of the world, Frost Giants, and Gods as recorded by the Icelandic The creation of the world, Frost Giants, and Gods as recorded by the Icelandic eddas is presented by the D'Aulaires in color filled large format lithographs and clear English prose. Originally published as Norse Gods and Giants, short introductions of the Aesir Gods and the Jotun follow the creation story. These in turn are followed by the adventures of Loki and Thor, and then the final battle of Ragnarokk.
I loved the D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths when I was a little girl; I read it over and over and dressed up as Athena one year for Halloween. (This did not go over well in my neighborhood. NO I AM NOT AN ANGEL, SOUTH STREET. I AM THE GODDESS OF WISDOM. Sheesh.) I never even knew that they’d done a similar book about Norse mythology, however, until I read about it in Michael Chabon’s Maps and Legends—so thanks for that, Mike. The D’Aulaires give the northern myths the same treatment, telling the...more
I think of this book as having been a sort of landmark in my intellectual development. I discovered it in my school library during my second grade year, and fell in love with it. I checked it out a few times during that year, but one time, I encountered a library aide who didn't want to let me have it. The library was organized by grade level, and we primary kids weren't allowed to check things out from the higher level sections. Eventually my mother had to meet with the librarian, and after tha...more
Jan 29, 2008
Frederick
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Folklorists, People Who Love Literature and Myth
[Addendum: After posting this review the other day, Mark sent me a comment pointing out that my praise of this book was a bit tepid. I replied that the text seemed a little tame. In any case, I've perused this book again and have to say I was dead wrong. This is as intellectual as a children's book gets and it remains entertaining. There is a fine glossary and, I must say, I now know why I always wished I'd read more than the three or so chapters I read as a child. These myths are given tremendo...more
1 like
·
like
· see review
One of the first books I couldn't put down. It was an also-ran with the Greek Myths, but I read it cover to cover. The comic book of Thor didn't help in my interest either. I attribute a short animated film about the Norse Creation Myth done in a strange primitive style as to a tipper. And then, there was the crazy adventures of Thor and Loki and the Giants that kept me reading....
I never knew that a bunch of Vikings could be so much fun.
I never knew that a bunch of Vikings could be so much fun.
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
For more information, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ingri_an...
More about Ingri d'Aulaire...
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“They spell-caught the sounds of cat paws, the breath of fish, the spittle of birds, the hairs of a woman's beard, and the roots of a mountain, and spun them around the sinews of a bear. That made a bond that looked as fine as a ribbon of silk, but, since it was made of things not in this world, it was so strong nothing in the world could break it.”
—
3 people liked it
More quotes…
Dec 12, 2012 05:43am
"She was only the frost giant's daughter, but sh...more
Dec 12, 2012 06:29am