Norse Mythology Audiobook by Neil Gaiman [Free Download by Trial]

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Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

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Summary

Norse Mythology Audiobook by Neil Gaiman is a retelling of several stories from Scandinavian tradition about the Nordic Gods and legends with the magic touch of the famous storyteller applied by the author as he has done with previous work in comics and books. Always fascinated with ancient mythology which has helping crafting amazing fictional stories; Neil Gaiman turns his attention to one of this antique beliefs: the Norse Mythology. Taken stories traditionally from their sources, Gaiman provides them the novelistic touch they deserve. The book deals with the origin of the nine worlds, going through the existence of deities, dwarfs and giants to end it with the Ragnarok, the fall of the gods and the resurgence of a new time and people.

Gaiman remains faithful to the myths and represent the characters with vivid and attractive features. On the pages of this book, Odin, Thor, and Loki – to mention a few – moves around them with the author’s clever and entertaining style. The fights, deceptions, tricks the gods played to each other are well represented giving them a new fresh look.

Review

Norse Mythology Audiobook by Neil Gaiman is a book published originally printed in February 2017 with the audiobook being released at the same month. Inspired by old ancient stories from Nordic origin, the book has been considered by fans of the author as an excellent retelling of these stories giving them a novel treatment, turning these tales into a fresh approach for those who are interested in this sort of mythology and people who are getting involved for the first time in the Nordic Gods and legends.

The material was the categorized as the Best Book of February 2017 by the website Amazon and it has gained general favorable reviews from critics and readers alike.

Questions



What is your review of Neil Gaiman\'s new book Norse mythology?




I’m about two and a half hours into the audiobook—which is read by Gaiman—and I swear it is the best voice performance I’ve ever heard (maybe second-best, following Tom O’Bedlam reading Bukowski). So far, the quality of the content is at a steady A+. This is probably because I’ve never read the Elder Edda or any of the original Norse myths, so this has been somewhat of an entry-point for me. If you are in a similar position, I can’t imagine you would regret reading/listening to this book. Perhaps listening is better in this case: not only is Gaiman’s delivery on point, but these stories began as an oral tradition, so there is something poetic about discovering them through the spoken word.



What is your favorite Neil Gaiman’s work, and why?



For me it’s definitely American Gods. The ocean at the end of the lane and Anansi Boys are tied for the second place.

The characterization in American Gods is absolutely delightful. Like his other books every character in American Gods is detailed and somehow provides depth to the story. Some say that American Gods is pointless and doesn't make any sense; even if doesn't, it’s still entertaining and you\'ll want to read it again.

The imagination of Gaiman is out of this world, forgotten gods versus modern gods, the war between them and it captures the imagination of reader as well. The most important thing is to write about them in about 700 pages requires a lot of hard work and extraordinary amount of talent.

American Gods is the Bible of fiction and fantasy.

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40 comments

  • Corie Labrada
    •November 10, 2023 at 11:36 pm
    I was kind of hoping for a novel since there wasn't much information about the book before it came out. But instead, it turned out to be a collection of retold short stories, and I have to admit, the retellings are well done. To be honest, I'm getting a bit tired of Neil's books that we think are going to be original stories, but then turn out to be just a compilation of short stories without anything fresh or new.
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  • Nelia Wichman
    •November 10, 2023 at 10:41 pm
    The world of Norse mythology is known for its dark and edgy nature, and Gaiman's retelling captures this essence quite well. However, the narration in this audiobook falls short of expectations. The narrator approaches the myths with a storytelling style reminiscent of English fairytales, which unfortunately diminishes the impact of intense confrontations, rendering them as light-hearted banter. Consequently, the gritty foreshadowing and the valuable dark moral lessons that are integral to Norse mythology are completely absent. As a result, the warrior spirit within the text is greatly diminished, making it feel like just another run-of-the-mill fantasy novel. If you're hoping to ignite the spirits of a tough and determined crew of men, such as those on a treacherous journey back to Denmark through the harsh winter waters of the North Sea, I would advise against playing this audiobook to them.
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  • Shantel Tevlin
    •November 10, 2023 at 8:26 pm
    What else can I say? By making the language more relatable, Gaiman allows the dark perspective and uplifting humor of the original poets to shine through; the weight and essence of these ancient tales are preserved. Unlike Disney, he doesn't water down his sources. The initial chapters lay the groundwork by introducing the characters and their abilities, which can be a bit tiresome but necessary. After that, the stories are so captivating and enjoyable that the book effortlessly glides by. As a result, I now feel like I have a deeper understanding of Beowulf and Tolkien. Adding to the package, Gaiman's narration skills match his writing prowess.
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  • Tobie D.
    •November 10, 2023 at 7:24 pm
    This book is seriously lacking in substance. The storytelling is poorly executed and fails to captivate. I have to admit, the narrator's voice is enjoyable, but apart from that, this audiobook was a complete waste of my time. It's baffling how there are so many positive reviews, but I suppose the author must have a dedicated fan base. If you're seeking a truly worthwhile experience, I would advise looking elsewhere. However, if you're simply in need of something to entertain your kids before bedtime, then maybe this could do the trick.
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  • Glady Mcbrayer
    •November 10, 2023 at 1:46 pm
    I thought this audiobook gave a simple and straightforward retelling of ancient Norse god stories. Personally, I found it a bit dull because it lacked relatability. However, if you enjoy straightforward accounts of myths, then this audiobook will be right up your alley. On the other hand, if you prefer a more human-focused narrative that delves into the human experience, then this might not be the best choice for you.
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  • September Ketchem
    •November 10, 2023 at 4:53 am
    I've been a big fan of Neil Gaiman's books and audiobooks, but unfortunately, "Norse Mythology" didn't resonate with me. The portrayal of the Norse gods felt lacking, the myths themselves were uninteresting and poorly developed, and honestly, I had to listen to it at 1.5x speed just to push through the dull storytelling. I'd suggest using your credit for a different audiobook instead!
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  • Jae R.
    •November 10, 2023 at 12:46 am
    Usually, I find mythology to be quite boring because most writers focus on preserving the original stories' authenticity. However, Neil Gaiman successfully stays faithful to Norse mythology while injecting humor and a contemporary touch. And it's not just in his writing; his narration is outstanding. True to form, Neil Gaiman never fails to mesmerize, even with tales that have been told countless times.
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  • Jani Bestwick
    •November 9, 2023 at 11:44 pm
    I totally get the enthusiasm behind this project, but man, authors reading their own books? Not always a good call, my friend. While the stories themselves are filled with epic myths and legends, they lack that captivating drama that truly befits the gods. In my humble opinion, this audiobook could have been absolutely amazing if it had been narrated by a seasoned pro, someone who knows how to bring the characters to life.
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  • Russ Villega
    •November 9, 2023 at 7:50 pm
    Neil openly acknowledges his inclination towards racist revisionism in his portrayal of 'Norse Mythology'. He exhibits a disregard for genuine history, which can be disheartening for those who value Norse history and European culture. Speaking to individuals who possess a sincere interest in Norse history or even consulting actual Europeans would reveal the lack of credibility and authenticity present in this book. Rather than being an enjoyable resource akin to SparkNotes or a children's book on Norse history, it is a revisionist work that is highly disrespectful. It is somewhat comforting to witness Neil's recent decline in writing prowess.
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  • Edward Dammen
    •November 9, 2023 at 4:33 pm
    I have to admit, Gaiman's writing style isn't exactly my cup of tea. Just wanted to throw that out there. I'm not really a fan of his work, but I decided to give this one a go. It's been almost a year since I listened to it, and the only thing that really sticks in my mind is how much I disliked Neil going on and on with his chatty Nordic bedtime stories, as if he was completely full of himself. This book just didn't do it for me. If you're looking for deep character development or an immersive world-building experience, this isn't the one. But if you're into Norse-themed Fanfiction that feels like it's straight out of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the author himself seems to enjoy it a bit too much, then this might be up your alley.
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  • Janey Haddan
    •November 9, 2023 at 3:49 pm
    I kind of feel bad for not giving this a higher rating; Neil Gaiman is an awesome writer, and I generally dig his stuff. However, I wasn't as thrilled with this :-(. I get that mythology isn't like your typical novel, and it doesn't necessarily have to follow a linear structure. But honestly, this felt like a really brief collection of stories that didn't fully delve into what the gods were all about. Loki is a trickster, sure, but what kind of god is he, really? I think there should have been more exploration of the Norse gods as a whole, their influence, and the true essence of their religion in the North. As it stands, it was just alright. I did appreciate the ending where they discuss the apocalypse and the end of the gods' era. It wrapped things up nicely, but it didn't establish a solid foundation in the beginning :-(.
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  • Reinaldo Lecky
    •November 9, 2023 at 1:48 pm
    I was quite let down by Norse Mythology. It felt more like a young adult book, which was quite disappointing. It just goes to show why authors shouldn't narrate their own material.
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  • Caren P.
    •November 9, 2023 at 1:29 pm
    I'm not entirely convinced if this is a faithful portrayal of Norse mythology, but man, I gotta say, the way the characters are fleshed out and showcased is absolutely impressive. It's pretty damn awesome.
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  • Patricia Auther
    •November 9, 2023 at 1:34 am
    I was absolutely stoked to finally get my hands on this audiobook. Neil Gaiman tackling Norse Mythology? It sounded like a dream come true. But, man, was I disappointed. This book wasn't quite what I had in mind. It wasn't Gaiman's unique spin on the myths, but rather a simple retelling of the most well-known Norse stories. The narration and storytelling style were almost childish, and it just didn't hit the mark for me. I could have gotten the same experience from a picture book at the local library.
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  • Alexander M.
    •November 8, 2023 at 4:21 am
    I had high expectations for 'Norse Mythology' to delve into the darker tales of the Norse Gods, but unfortunately, it fell short. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great either. Overall, it just didn't resonate with me.
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  • Gabriel Beien
    •August 16, 2023 at 9:55 am
    I gotta admit, I was a bit unsure about what to expect with this one. Neil Gaiman really knocked it out of the park with his book, and his narration adds a whole new dimension. He brings each character to life with his unique voices and tones, making it easy to connect with them and delve deeper into the story. It's a top-notch job and I had an absolute blast with this blend of history and fiction. This is some seriously awesome stuff!
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  • Kelley Naffziger
    •August 15, 2023 at 10:38 pm
    I gotta say, while a few of the stories felt a bit slow-paced, on the whole, 'Norse Mythology' was a pretty enjoyable listen. And let me tell you, Mr. Gaiman's narration really hit the spot.
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  • Dino Beadle
    •August 15, 2023 at 9:16 pm
    I really liked this book. Mr. Gaiman is an incredible storyteller, both in his writing and his narration. His voice is captivating to listen to. The Norse Mythology is unexpectedly intricate. Exploring and following all the characters is enjoyable. Some comic books and movies might limit our knowledge to just Thor and Loki (and more recently, Ragnarok). But there is so much more to discover. In fact, even today, their names are still used in our language on a weekly basis. We name our weekdays after them. To fully appreciate this book, you might need to have a deeper interest in Norse mythology. However, I still found it enjoyable. It was a daily opportunity to learn something new :-)
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  • Vito Sniffin
    •August 15, 2023 at 5:37 pm
    I had a good time listening to these stories, especially with Gaiman as the narrator, but they didn't captivate me as much as I anticipated. Maybe it's because they are adaptations of ancient tales, but they didn't elicit the reactions like nodding, chuckling, or engaging me fully while I was listening.
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  • Carmelo Morgenstein
    •August 14, 2023 at 11:50 am
    I'm really intrigued by "creation stories" and "mythology" since they offer a glimpse into the past and what life was like during those times. This book took a unique approach to those stories and provided a deeper understanding that was completely new to me. What I particularly enjoyed was the warm and inviting tone of the narration, which made it feel like I was having a cozy conversation by the fireplace.
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  • Adan P.
    •August 14, 2023 at 11:15 am
    Ever since my trip to Iceland, I've been captivated by Norse history. I've delved into various resources like histories, historical novels, and, of course, the sagas. Reading the sagas themselves can be a bit challenging since they were originally oral traditions and not meant for written consumption until the 12th or 13th century. However, Gaiman's book breathes life into the timeless sagas of the gods. His narration is superb, creating a truly immersive experience. I found it incredibly relaxing to simply kick back, sip on a tall glass of whiskey, and fully enjoy the journey.
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  • Clarence Degnim
    •August 14, 2023 at 8:33 am
    These lectures do not accurately reflect the entirety of Norse beliefs. The narrative focuses mainly on the mischievous pranks played by Loki and Thor, occasionally angering Odin. It lacks the comprehensive story of Yggdrasil, the creation of the world, and the interactions between the Gods, humans, and creatures in Midgard. J.R.R. Tolkien, on the other hand, provides a better understanding of elves, giants, and the sinister underworld, which is noticeably absent in this narrative. As a Scandinavian familiar with these stories, I was hoping for a more ethnological perspective, exploring how these myths influenced the Vikings and the role of women.
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  • Edra Weigart
    •August 13, 2023 at 11:31 pm
    This book has all the elements you'd expect: gods, mythical creatures, thrilling adventures, and Neil Gaiman's undeniable charisma. However, I personally struggled to stay fully engaged with it. Firstly, the stories are presented as standalone fables, lacking any real interconnectedness. Each character is consistently portrayed with their complete set of attributes, without any development or growth throughout the tales. This lack of character progression left me feeling somewhat disconnected. Additionally, apart from one exception, all the stories are set in ancient times, serving as explanations for how the world came to be as it is. The exception, on the other hand, delves into a distant future, revealing how the world will eventually meet its end. This drastic shift in time made it difficult for me to emotionally invest in either scenario. Furthermore, everything and everyone in the book is portrayed on an immense scale, possessing extraordinary superpowers. This made it challenging for me to relate to or identify with the characters. I managed to finish the book, but truthfully, I eagerly awaited its conclusion.
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  • Altha Edgemon
    •August 13, 2023 at 4:37 pm
    I was expecting a more intense and dark book, something along the lines of the gruesome Greek myths or disturbing biblical tales. However, Norse Mythology turned out to be more like a children's book. The stories are simplified, lacking in detail. While they were somewhat entertaining, after hearing one tale after another about Thor's strength or Loki's mischief, I started craving something more substantial. These stories may be great for fourth and fifth graders, but I believe many adults will quickly become bored. The best part of the book was the introduction. I found myself more interested in Neil Gaiman discussing the myths rather than actually hearing the myths themselves. I would have preferred if the entire book focused more on this format, with a stronger emphasis on how the myths influenced the culture and vice versa. The final chapter was also intriguing, but unfortunately, it felt like too little, too late. However, the highlight of the audiobook was the narration. Neil Gaiman, who is both the author and narrator, remains my favorite in this regard. If it weren't for his exceptional narration, I would have returned the book. His delivery perfectly complemented the material.
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  • Anitra Marlatt
    •August 13, 2023 at 2:20 pm
    I got exactly what I was expecting from this book - a well-written retelling of selected Norse mythology stories. Considering the amount of humor in Norse mythology, I didn't expect it to be too difficult to create entertaining stories. However, Neil Gaiman, the author of this book, truly excels at bringing the characters to life. By the time you finish reading, you'll have a clear understanding of the cunning and mischievous nature of Loki, and you'll find yourself questioning why the Gods continue to trust him despite being the cause of countless misfortunes. On the other hand, Thor is portrayed as simple-minded, relying solely on his strength and hammer. My personal favorite tale in this book is the one where Thor, in order to retrieve his stolen hammer, disguises himself as Freja and pretends to marry a giant. The giant is utterly perplexed when Thor starts consuming copious amounts of mead and devouring entire goats, and it's up to Loki to convince the foolish giant that Freja's actions are a result of her deep love. There are plenty of other entertaining stories within these pages. So, whether you're looking to gain some familiarity with Norse mythology or simply want a book that you can kick back and enjoy, this is an excellent choice!
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  • Bruno Gavette
    •August 13, 2023 at 1:21 pm
    I found the book to be intriguing, although it didn't quite align with the other Norse mythology books I've delved into. It seemed like the author had a desire to portray Loki's actions and demeanor in a more romanticized light.
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  • Allen Monjure
    •August 13, 2023 at 11:34 am
    Norse Mythology is absolutely amazing. Huge shoutout to the Customer Service Representative who suggested this book to me yesterday. It's incredibly entertaining and educational. There are even some hilarious moments thrown in. I'd definitely give it multiple listens, no doubt about it. Norse Mythology is truly captivating. I highly urge everyone to check it out.
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  • Anonymous
    •August 13, 2023 at 1:31 am
    I was super excited when I discovered that this book was going to be released on a topic that I absolutely adore. I even preordered it and eagerly waited for its release day. As soon as it arrived, I devoured almost the entire book in one sitting. However, I must admit that I wasn't completely enthralled by the world of Norse mythology. I gave it another shot, hoping for a different outcome, but unfortunately, I still didn't find myself fully immersed in the story.
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  • Antione S.
    •August 12, 2023 at 11:20 pm
    Gaiman's love for storytelling shines through in his voice. You can hear the sense of wonder and respect he has for the Norse mythology, which brings the stories to life. As a narrator and storyteller, he is truly exceptional. While his genre may not typically be my cup of tea, I still believe that Gaiman is a genius. His narration of these tales reminds me of how Jack Kirby and Stan Lee breathed life into their characters. Before listening to this audiobook, my knowledge of Norse mythology was limited to Michael Crichton's novel, Kirk Douglas's movie, and of course, Marvel comics. My son was a passionate collector of superhero comics from a very young age, and we would embark on quests to find the rare issues. Although I read the comics to him, he was more captivated by Stan Lee's illustrations than my attempts to bring the dialogue to life. Our collection includes valuable early editions of Batman, Superman, X-Men, Spider-Man, and Silver Surfer. While I personally enjoyed X-Men, my son was particularly fond of Thor and his mischievous antagonist, Loki. For his 14th birthday, we managed to find one of Loki's first comics and had it framed as a special gift. Looking back on those times, and now having listened to the mythology in this book, I understand why my child was so fascinated by a character who ultimately played a pivotal role in the downfall of the Norse gods during Ragnarok. However, I'm glad he didn't hear about some of Loki's more scandalous escapades at such a young age, like seducing a giant and giving birth to a six-legged horse or entertaining the gods with a billy goat. It's fascinating to recognize so many names from Norse mythology that have been adopted into various forms of media such as fantasy novels, video games, cartoons, and even pet names. Now understanding their origins, I have a newfound appreciation for these names. The stories themselves are incredibly imaginative, often described as "too grand for us to even fathom." I thoroughly enjoyed Gaiman's enthusiastic retelling of these myths, and I couldn't help but envision Stan Lee's animations as I listened. This audiobook provides a more sophisticated version of the Norse creation story, yet it is equally as humorous and entertaining. Overall, it was a truly enjoyable experience.
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  • Stephan Peppers
    •August 12, 2023 at 7:07 pm
    I've been on the hunt for a Norse Mythology book for quite a while, and a couple of buddies suggested this one, and let me tell you, it's absolutely fantastic. The tales packed inside are a blast and keep you hooked from start to finish. The narration is top-notch, keeping you engaged without ever feeling lost or bored.
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  • Brendan Waldeck
    •August 12, 2023 at 6:41 pm
    Neil Gaiman really nailed it when it comes to making the Norse myths accessible and enjoyable for modern readers. Whether you're a fan of Norse mythology or simply a fan of Gaiman's style, I highly recommend getting yourself a copy of Norse Mythology. It's well-written, respects the source material, and overall, a highly entertaining read.
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  • Kenny Flens
    •August 12, 2023 at 6:38 pm
    Neil Gaiman's talent as a storyteller is undisputed, and this collection of Norse Mythology is no exception. The stories are presented in a concise and organized manner, creating a sense of continuity throughout. Gaiman manages to maintain the essence of the original Prose and Poetic Edda tales while providing clarity and making them more accessible. It is evident that he has extensively researched not only the Edda but also the physical folk tales associated with Norse mythology. Gaiman's narration of the audiobook is incredibly satisfying, and I cannot imagine anyone else doing it justice. Despite having discovered Gaiman's works less than a year ago, I am quickly becoming a devoted fan.
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  • Walter Reppell
    •August 12, 2023 at 6:37 pm
    Neil Gaiman's "Norse Mythology" is a delightful exploration of the tales of Loki, Thor, Odin, Balder, and other Norse gods. Gaiman's talent for breathing new life into myths is evident here, as he takes these ancient stories and gives them a modern twist. While not all of his adaptations hit the mark, they always manage to entertain. As someone more familiar with Greek and Roman myths, this book served as a great introduction to the Norse myths and characters. Gaiman's unique voice and wit truly shine through in his retelling. It wouldn't be surprising if he continues this trend with other mythologies, such as Greek & Roman, Celtic, Egyptian, American Indian, Japanese, and Mayan. The potential for a series of mythological reimaginings is immense, and it's likely that Gaiman's publisher, Norton, would fully support and market such a collection. Whether sold individually or as a boxed set, these books would surely find a place in libraries and schools, following in the footsteps of classics like Edith Hamilton's and Thomas Bulfinch's mythological works.
    0 0 •Reply

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