Scandinavian Folklore

Trolls haunt the snowy forests, and terrifying monsters roam the open sea. A young woman journeys to the end of the world, and a boy proves he knows no fear. This collection of 16 traditional tales transports readers to the enchanting world of Nordic folklore. Translated and transcribed by folklorists in the 19th century, and presented here unabridged, the stories are by turns magical, hilarious, cozy, and chilling. They offer a fascinating view into Nordic culture and a comforting wintertime listen.

Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, award-winning historian Ewan Butler writes, struggled through unions and separations with both outsiders and each other, developing their own personalities and languages yet retaining their ancient connections.

Scandinavia is the epitome of cool: We fill our homes with Nordic furniture; we envy their humane social welfare system and their healthy outdoor lifestyle; we glut ourselves on their crime fiction. Even their strangely attractive melancholia seems to express a stoic, commonsensical acceptance of life's vicissitudes. But how valid is this outsider's view of Scandinavia, and how accurate is our picture of life in Scandinavia today?

Magic and myth inhabit these chapters in figures both familiar and strange. Giant trolls and talking animals are everywhere. The winds take human form. A one-eyed old woman might seem reminiscent of the Norse god Odin. We meet sly aunts, resourceful princesses, and devious robbers. These stories, set in Norway's majestic landscape of towering mountains and dense forests, are filled with humor, mischief, and sometimes surprisingly cruel twists of fate. All are rendered in the deceptively simple narrative style perfected by Asbjørnsen and Moe.

"The North" is simultaneously a location, a direction, and a mystical concept. Although this concept has ancient roots in mythology, folklore, and fairy tales, it continues to resonate today within modern culture. McIntosh leads listeners through the magical and spiritual history of the North, as well as its modern manifestations, as documented through physical records, such as runestones and megaliths, but also through mythology and lore. This mythic conception of a powerful, mysterious Northern civilization was known to the Greeks as "Hyberborea" - the "Land Beyond the North Wind".

Embark on a Thrilling Journey Through Viking Lore Step into the mystical world of Norse mythology, where gods like Odin, Thor, and Loki face giants, monsters, and fate itself. In Norse Mythology: Legends and Legacy, author Shari Claire takes you on an adventure through timeless stories, blending captivating storytelling with modern insights. This book provides an accessible yet comprehensive guide to Norse myths, exploring the origins, adventures, and cultural significance of these legendary figures. Shari Claire bridges the gap between scholarly research and engaging storytelling, delving ...

Neil Gaiman has long been inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction. Now he turns his attention back to the source, presenting a bravura rendition of the great northern tales. In Norse Mythology, Gaiman fashions primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds; delves into the exploits of the deities, dwarves, and giants; and culminates in Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods and the rebirth of a new time and people.

In Sweden there is a kind of decluttering called döstädning, dö meaning "death" and städning meaning "cleaning." This surprising and invigorating process of clearing out unnecessary belongings can be undertaken at any age or life stage but should be done sooner rather than later, before others have to do it for you. In The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, artist Margareta Magnusson, with Scandinavian humor and wisdom, instructs listeners to embrace minimalism.

In part one of this audiobook, you will discover the pantheon of the Norse gods and goddesses.

Moving to America in 2008, Finnish journalist Anu Partanen quickly went from confident, successful professional to wary, self-doubting mess. She found that navigating the basics of everyday life - from buying a cell phone and filing taxes to education and childcare - was much more complicated and stressful than anything she encountered in her homeland. At first she attributed her crippling anxiety to the difficulty of adapting to a freewheeling new culture. But as she got to know Americans better, she discovered they shared her deep apprehension.

Discover the rich tapestry of Norse mythology with "The Prose Edda: A Beginner's Guide." This enthralling guide unravels the ancient stories that have fueled the imaginations of generations, presenting them in a way that is both accessible and engaging. Delve into a world where gods, giants, and heroes battle not just for supremacy but for survival, influencing the very fabric of existence. Embark on a Mythical Journey: From the creation of the cosmos to the epic Ragnarok, journey through the timeless sagas of the Norse gods. Learn about Odin’s quest for wisdom, Thor’s mighty encounters...

Dive into the Legendary Sagas with Norse Mythology Embark on a visual epic journey through the Norse cosmos with "The Black Book Of The Norse." These compelling images unveil the mystique of Norse mythology, from the awe-inspiring realms of Asgard to the depths of Helheim. Each monochromatic picture invites you into a world where divine drama unfolds. In this enigmatic book, you will see about: How It All Started: In the beginning, with Yggdrasil, The Tree of Creation, The Cosmic Tree, The Tree of Life; and after the end with the Aftermath & Renewal. Explore the Rich Norse Pantheon: From ...

Step into the realm of myth and mystery with "The Judgement of the Thing: 13 New Myths from Rune Divinations." In this captivating collection, Jon Vaningi masterfully intertwines the ancient art of rune divination with the timeless tradition of Norse storytelling. Each myth is more than just a tale—it's a journey into the heart of the Viking soul, where gods, heroes, and the mysterious forces of the cosmos dance on the edge of destiny. The stories are rooted in the rich soil of the Prose Eddas, yet they spring forth with fresh life, offering readers a unique and immersive experience. ...

Seven Norse Heroes Seven Days a Week: A Journey in Pictures and Poems Description: Dive into the enchanting world of Norse mythology with Norse Heroes and Days of Legend: A Journey in Pictures and Poems. This visually stunning and deeply insightful book explores the powerful legends of seven Norse heroes, each so significant that they have their own day of the week named after them. Meet the Heroes: - Sunna, the radiant Heroine of Sunday, brings the dawn of each week with her illuminating presence. - Máni, the mystical Heroine of Monday, guides us through the night's mysteries with the ...

Shamanism is humanity’s oldest spiritual tradition. In much of the Western world, the indigenous pre-Christian spiritual practices have been lost. Yet at the northern fringes of Europe, Christianity did not displace the original shamanic practices until the end of the Viking age. Reconstructing the shamanic practices of the hunter-gatherers of Scandinavia, Evelyn Rysdyk explores the evolution of Norse shamanism from its earliest female roots to the pre-Christian Viking Age.

This audiobook is an excellent guide for novices interested in Norse spiritual practices and experienced pagans alike.

This set includes all five Folklore books in the series! Kidnapped by Her Bigfoot, Loved by Her Yeti, Claimed by Her Sasquatch, Rescued by His Mermaid, and Chasing Her Unicorn. Join these couples as they go out searching for folklore characters and find their "happily ever afters", instead.

How did the ancient Vikings live? What was their society like? This and many other questions about history and mythology will be answered in this brief guide. For example, an entire chapter is devoted to women’s roles in Viking society. Other chapters discuss the appearance of trolls and other creatures in Norse myths. You’ll find out why certain popular children’s movies have included Viking clothing and other elements in their narrative, what Viking art is all about. Last but not least, you can learn more about Ragnar Lothbrok, one of the heroes in Viking myths.