Norse Myths & Legends

Most of this book is devoted to Ardagh's re-telling of seven of the most highly-charged incidents from Norse myth and legend. These are plain and straightforward versions, which convey a good measure of the wild ferocity of the stories; the style and vocabulary are well suited to the readership at whom the enterprise is primarily directed. Additionally, there are four pages of prefatory material which provide brief notes on the different worlds of the Norse universe and on its principal 'gods, giants and dwarfs' (Frigga, 'goddess wife of Odin', is 'the most powerful god in Asgard'). Decorative borders frame the text, which has a full-page, full-colour illustration, fiery and elemental in spirit, for each story. As a basic introduction to its theme this should serve its young readers quite satisfactorily.