This brilliantly original and accessible guide explores how Valhalla and
its Valkyries have inspired our cultural landscape, from Wagner to the
Marvel Universe. Carolyne Larrington's elegantly written retellings
capture the beauty of the original myths, while also delving deeper into
the history of their meanings, offering the reader an intelligent and
up-to-date take on these powerful stories.
A ruggedly handsome blond man swings his huge hammer. Gaunt- faced
figures with icicle crowns and frost-rimmed cheekbones march from the
north through an endless winter. These strange supernatural figures
might sound familiar--and also like creatures of myth and legend. Yet
they haven't stepped straight off the vellum of ancient manuscripts.
Rather, these compelling characters are contemporary reimaginings of
mythic figures from Old Norse mythology. All speak to our contemporary
hopes and fears, bridging the gap between a vanished medieval past and a
vibrant, living present. Larrington guides us on an enchanting journey
through centuries of heroism, cruelty, and magic, while also exploring
how these stories speak to the enduring human condition. This book is
for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of Norse mythology and its
cultural resonances through the centuries.
