Ebook: Scandinavian Mythology

The religion of Odin, god of death and magic, of Thor, ruler of the thunder, of Freyr, god of fertility, the tales of Valkyries and berserks, of dragons and giants—all are often thought of as being the creation of the Vikings. These brave adventurers roamed the world from Greenland to the Volga and from the Mediterranean to the North American coast during the ninth and tenth centuries. Certainly the religion of the Northern gods reached its highest point of devotion and fervour during this period. But the mythology of Scandinavia, Germany and Iceland can be traced back as far as the Bronze Age. The development of the myths over so many centuries and in various lands in itself makes a fascinating story, and indeed one for which evidence is continually being sought and found. Scandinavian mythology reflects the Norsemen's love of battle and conflict. Death and violence are rarely far away, for that was the only life that the early warriors knew. They believed that those who died heroic deaths in battle went to Valhalla. There each night they feasted on never failing meat and mead. During the day they fought once more, but as night approached, the fallen were raised up again to partake of the feast.
The author brings vividly to life this world of mighty warriors, ruthless gods, giants, dwarfs, elves and strange beasts. She shows how Christianity gradually spread and overcame the old religion. But for many years stories and carvings showed the two religions strangely intermingled. Hilda Davidson has made a special study of the archaeology and literature of the Norse people and has written several authoritative works on various aspects of their culture. This is the first fully illustrated popular treatment of Scandinavian mythology for many years. Its splendid illustrations are drawn from many countries and include some archaeological finds not previously published.
24 pages in colour. Over 100 black and white illustrations. Index.