The Captain’s Log – norse mythology (Neil Gaiman)

Ahoy there me mateys!  Since beginning to listen to audiobooks, I have become determined to listen to Neil Gaiman read as many of his own stories as I can.  I have a wee bit of an obsession with Mr. Gaiman (for details click here) and so was delighted when I was able to check out this audiobook.

Earlier I listened the story of the frost giants which was the impetus for learning more about the Norse gods.  As usual, it was wonderful to settle in for storytime with Mr. Gaiman.  The book starts out with an introduction to the gods and a brief description of the methodology that he used in trying to retell these stories in a newer fashion.  Like many fairytales, there are multiple versions of the stories.  I was interested to find out that we really are missing entire tales about most of the Norse gods.

The best part about the book, besides its wonderful narrator, it that these stories were told in an overall arc.  Ye start with the creation of the world and then end at the world’s destruction.  Even though there are individual tales, it makes it feel like ye get one entire story.  That was so fun to realize as the story progressed.

I basically was completely enthralled by the entire book and listening experience.  I would listen to this again and highly recommend it.  Arrr!

Goodreads has this to say about the novel:

Neil Gaiman, long inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction, presents a bravura rendition of the Norse gods and their world from their origin though their upheaval in Ragnarok.

In Norse Mythology, Gaiman stays true to the myths in envisioning the major Norse pantheon: Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin’s son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki—son of a giant—blood brother to Odin and a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator.

Gaiman fashions these primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds and delves into the exploits of deities, dwarfs, and giants. Through Gaiman’s deft and witty prose, these gods emerge with their fiercely competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to duping others, and their tendency to let passion ignite their actions, making these long-ago myths breathe pungent life again.

To visit the author’s website go to:

Neil Gaiman – Author

To buy the book go to:

norse mythology – Book

To add to Goodreads go to:

Yer Ports for Plunder List

Previous Log Entries for this Author

Broadside No. 11

fortunately, the milk (Captain’s Log – Young Adult Fantasy)

 the sleeper and the spindle (Captains’ Log – Fantasy)

the graveyard book (Second Reflections – Young Adult Fantasy)

odd and the frost giants (Captain’s Log – Young Adult Fantasy)