Anders Bæksted (1906–1968)

I got this book years ago at a used books-sale, but didn't realize until last week that it isn't a reference book, it's just normal non-fiction. Since my NaNo project focuses on norse mythology, it obviously had to move to the top of my reading list.

It was pretty good. I liked getting more historical context to the myths and how they affect us today (eh, mostly through names being left-over). It was also fun reading all the stories about people who tried to keep their faith in the old gods in the face of the new god, especially when the stories acknowledged the existence of several gods, even though obviously you're only meant to believe in *the one*.

Though the book itself kinda expects you to know a lot of the myths beforehand and doesn't always explain what it talks about, so it was easier for me to follow the myths about gods because I know them, rather than the hero stuff, because I'm not as familiar with those stories. But still. Interesting read!… (mehr)