That is how the worlds will end, in ash and flood, in darkness and in ice. That is the final destiny of the gods.
PAGES: 146 (Ebook) SYNOPSIS: A narration about the Norse Gods - who they are and some of their stories. RATING: 4.25/5 NON-SPOILERY REVIEW: I enjoyed reading this book. I have always been fond of mythologies and I was glad to have finally been able to read a book that solely focused on Norse Mythology (I read a Greek Mythology book before that had a short Norse Mythology at the end). I loved knowing more about Norse Myth especially since I am reading Rick Riordan's Magnus Chase series. I loved knowing more about the gods - their histories and their stories. It was also interesting to find out how much Rick Riordan incorporated Norse Myth in his works. There were stories in here that were used by Rick Riordan for the parts of Magnus Chase. I wish though that gods and goddesses were described in the beginning (not just Odin, Thor, and Loki). I wish there was a certain segment just for naming them and what they were gods and goddesses of (I know there's a glossary in the end but it didn't seem enough). I wanted more of the stories especially since I remember how many stories there are in the Greek Myth. The stories here are full of mischief especially from Loki. Most of the stories could be blamed on Loki to be honest and I wanted more background about him. Some stories were heartbreaking especially since some of the characters that died didn't deserve to die. They were just at the wrong place at wrong time. All in all, this book is a perfect introduction to the Norse Myth. Beginners like me would be able to familiarize themselves with the Norse Gods and get an introduction about some of the things they did. Neil Gaiman had an interesting way of telling the stories in a more fun way (I really love the conversation parts).
It was very interesting to find out that the goddesses of fates here were Urd, Verdandi, and Skuld. They were the names of the goddesses from the anime 'Oh My Goddess!'
In the chapter 'The Master Builder', I felt bad for the giant. He did an honest work but they betrayed him. They broke their oath and killed him.
Why is Loki's children always not normal? He gave birth to Sleipner and was the father to Hel, the Midgard Serpent, and Fenrir. How???
I felt bad for Fenrir. He wanted to belong in the beginning up until he became suspicious of the gods. It was heartbreaking especially when he realized that even Tyr betrayed him.
In the chapter 'Freya's Unusual Wedding', I loved it when Thor was dressed up as the bride because Freya didn't want to go. It was just a perfect scene especially since Loki just transformed himself into a woman afterwards to act as her handmaiden. It was also fun because Rick Riordan used this same set up in the Magnus Chase series.
The part where one of Thor's goats got injured because of Loki was interesting to know especially since those goats were part of the Magnus Chase series.
The scene with Utgardaloki and his illusions were also interesting because it was also included in the Magnus Chase series but here Utgardaloki had no malice. He just wanted to test them.
It was interesting to know that the gods were not immortal. Their lives were only prolonged by Idunn's apples.
Omg Frey! It was fun to know about his sword because it's the sword that Magnus Chase has and Frey is Magnus' father!
I felt bad for Hod and Balder. Hod was blamed for Balder's death but in truth it was Loki that killed him.
I felt bad for Loki when he was punished. Sure, he did many evil deeds but his children didn't deserve to be punished for what he did especially since they were viciously punished. It was also heartbreaking and disgusting that Loki was bound by the internal organs of his dead child.
I feel bad for Sigyn. She lost her freedom along with her children and she suffered when her husband suffered. She was a hero and was very dedicated to Loki even though he left her a lot and caused her so much pain.
I was kind of surprised that Odin put Hel in charge of some of the dead. It seemed like such a powerful position to put the child of your enemy to.
I found the conversation type scenes hilarious. They were witty and sarcastic depending on who told them.
Poor Freya always being for her hand in marriage by random giants and ogres. I can see why she's pissed off with all of them at some point.
I felt sad that I couldn't see a logical pattern on some of the stories.
I want to know who the other Vanir's are. I think the only ones introduced her was Frey and Freya and that wasn't enough.
I feel like the fight between Loki and the gods in the end kind of spoiled me of what would happen in the third and final book of Magnus Chase.
FAVORITE QUOTES:
Loki makes the world more interesting but less safe. He is the father of monsters, the author of woes, the sly god. "Because," said Thor, "when something goes wrong, the first thing I always think is, it is Loki's fault. It saves a lot of time." "I'm not sure about the eyes," Var said. "They don't look very feminine." "I should hope not," muttered Thor. No one could beat old age, because in the end she takes each of us, makes us weaker and weaker until she closes our eyes for good. "Of course it was Loki. It's always Loki."
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