The Children of Odin: The Book of Northern Myths

by Padraic Colum

Overview

In "The Children of Odin: The Book of Northern Myths," Padraic Colum masterfully weaves together the ancient lore of the Norse gods, presenting a vivid retelling of mythological tales that has captivated readers for generations. Through a lyrical narrative style, Colum brings to life storied figures such as Odin, Thor, and Loki, grounding these grand legends within their historical context. His eloquent prose and rich imagery offer an accessibility that invites both the seasoned mythologist and the casual reader into the enchanting landscapes of Norse mythology, making the book a significant contribution to the genre of mythic literature. Padraic Colum was an Irish author whose engagement with folklore and myth can be traced to his own cultural heritage. Born in 1881, Colum's fascination with storytelling and the oral tradition informed his explorations of various mythologies. His respect for the intricate narratives of ancient cultures and his commitment to preserving these tales inspired him to compile and adapt Norse tales into a format that resonates with contemporary audiences, highlighting the enduring power of these narratives. I highly recommend "The Children of Odin" to anyone interested in mythology, literature, or cultural history. Colum's adept storytelling and keen insight into the universality of these ancient myths allow readers to not only appreciate the richness of Norse legend but also to see reflections of modern human experience within them.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9788027388233
Publisher:	e-artnow
Publication date:	06/26/2024
Pages:	152
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.33(d)

About the Author

Padraic Colum (1881–1972) was a poet, a playwright, and a leader of the Irish Renaissance, but he is best known for his works for children, including The Children of Odin and The Golden Fleece (a Newbery Honor Book).

William Andrew (“Willy”) Pogany (August 1882–July 30, 1955) was a prolific Hungarian illustrator of children’s and other books.

Table of Contents

Part I	The Dwellers in Asgard
1.	Far Away and Long Ago	3
2.	The Building of the Wall	6
3.	Iduna and Her Apples: How Loki Put the Gods in Danger	13
4.	Sif's Golden Hair: How Loki Wrought Mischief in Asgard	27
5.	How Brock Brought Judgment on Loki	34
6.	How Freya Gained Her Necklace and How Her Loved One Was Lost to Her	44
7.	How Frey Won Gerda, the Giant Maiden, and How He Lost His Magic Sword	51
8.	Heimdall and Little Hnossa: How All Things Came to Be	62
9.	The All-Father's Forebodings: How He Leaves Asgard	69
Part II	Odin the Wanderer
1.	Odin Goes to Mimir's Well: His Sacrifice for Wisdom	77
2.	Odin Faces an Evil Man	82
3.	Odin Wins for Men the Magic Mead	90
4.	Odin Tells to Vidar, His Silent Son, the Secret of His Doings	99
5.	Thor and Loki in the Giants' City	102
6.	How Thor and Loki Befooled Thrym the Giant	116
7.	Aegir's Feast: How Thor Triumphed	124
8.	The Dwarf's Hoard, and the Curse that It Brought	136
Part III	The Witch's Heart
1.	Foreboding in Asgard	151
2.	Loki the Betrayer	155
3.	Loki Against the Aesir	164
4.	The Valkyrie	169
5.	The Children of Loki	174
6.	Baldur's Doom	180
7.	Loki's Punishment	193
Part IV	The Sword of the Volsungs and the Twilight of the Gods
1.	Sigurd's Youth	199
2.	The Sword Gram and the Dragon Fafnir	208
3.	The Dragon's Blood	215
4.	The Story of Sigmund and Signy	223
5.	The Story of Sigmund and Sinfiotli	233
6.	The Story of the Vengeance of the Volsungs and of the Death of Sinfiotli	239
7.	Brynhild in the House of Flame	245
8.	Sigurd at the House of the Nibelungs	250
9.	How Brynhild Was Won for Gunnar	255
10.	The Death of Sigurd	260
11.	The Twilight of the Gods	265