From the world’s creation out of the earliest fog-country and fire-land to the final battle between the gods; this book paints a full and fascinating portrait of primitive Scandinavian lore. Its captivating tales recount the birth and ascendancy of the gods; with profiles of the chief deities and their associated myths: omnipotent Odin; father of the gods; hammer-wielding Thor; Baldur; the beautiful and wise; and malicious Loki; the devil of the North.In addition to its compelling legends; A Handbook of Norse Mythology chronicles ancient forms of worship and religious practices; relating the stories’ significance to everyday life. The book concludes with retellings of the grandest and most famous of the hero sagas: the Volsungs; the Helgi saga; Volund the smith; the Hjathningar; and Beowulf.A familiarity with Norse mythology is essential to appreciating Scandinavian history and poetry; and this volume was used for generations in Scandinavian high schools and universities. First published in 1898; it remains a vital source not only of classic tales but also of accessible explanations of the legends’ historic relevance.
#3171716 in Books 2005-07-26Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .80 x 6.00l; 1.27 #File Name: 047206925X320 pages
Review
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful. Common Sense on Islam in MaliBy Robert PringleI served as US Ambassador to Mali fifteen years ago. I wish this book had existed then. It would have helped me enormously to understand the apparently mysterious world of Malian Islam. But Soares' book is even more valuable today; when US policy makers are grappling with the possibility that Islamic extremists could turn the Sahara; including Mali's northern region; into another Afghanistan; even (some would have it) threatening US oil interests in the Gulf of Guinea.The author brings to this book not only first-rate scholarly credentials (he has lived with the people whereof he writes) but also a refreshingly level-headed approach to a subject which is often obscured by repetitive and alarmist group thought. According to most commentary; Malian (and West African)Islam is increasingly polarized between Islamist radicals on one side and so-called traditionalists; centered in and around the Sufi brotherhoods; on the other. Soares' careful; field-honed analysis demonstrates that in Mali there is a broad spectrum of Islamic belief that defies simplistic categorization. His insights help explain why Mali's diverse Islam has been a significant component of Mali's successful democratization based on a culture of tolerance.Anyone interested in Mali; Islam or African politics will profit from reading this well written book.Robert PringleAmbassador (retired)
