Hallo, Hallo dear hearts!
Today is going to be an interestingly conversational day here on Jorie Loves A Story, as I am going to be discussing where #Mythothon2 took me along my immersive literary journey into the folds of Mythology as I entreat into different avenues of Mythos each year [since November, 2018].
This also marks the first time I’ve been able to feature a topic of interest for #FolkloreThursday – happily finding others are tweeting about #NorseGods & #NorseMythology – which will make my visits round the blogosphere today quite happily contented knowing I am not the only reader who is dearly curious about this particular subject of interest!
For [2019] we turnt our collective eyes onto Norse Mythologies and the folklore or legends which surround the Norse Mythos canon both in the original context of the stories themselves and/or in the after canon variants which have populated literature since they were first known.
I previously disclosed the discovery of a wicked sweet tome of a book entitled: Cycles of Norse Mythology writ by Glenn Searfoss – which happily became a title for review consideration just ahead of the start date for #Mythothon2 which was the 1st of September.
During today’s #WWWednesday update, I’ll be disclosing where I am in my Mythological readings but on this special Q&A post, I’ll be talking more directly about what it is about Cycles of Norse Mythology which are enticing me into the deeper aspects of the book’s message whilst I start to navigate through the Norse Myths as a new reader who doesn’t quite have her full bearings but is learning per each new chapter, paragraph and cycle she is reading!
For those who would like to read early reviews for Cycles of Norse Mythology – here are some examples of the kind of literary feedback & reflective takeaways being shared with Mr Searfoss as readers are endeavouring to condense their reactions on this beautiful narrative tome of over 800+ pages of interconnected stories & cycles!
The Wishing Shelf – “A gripping set of Norse myths written with a gold-tipped pen. Accessible, gripping and highly recommended.
….I opened Cycles of Norse Mythology hoping for a number of things. Firstly, a writing style that would bring to life the deeds of the Norse gods, making them accessible to modern readers. Secondly, characters of old that jump – yes, literally jump – off the page. And, thirdly, a text that would not only be of interest to scholars of Norse mythology, but also to anybody who is simply looking for a good book. And, I’m delighted to say that this ticked every box.” (see also full review)
Readers’ Favorite – “Author Glenn Searfoss has provided a loving recollection of the Norse mythology tales in a very compelling and engaging style for readers of all ages…. As a primer for readers looking to take in all the stories with ease, you should look no further than Cycles of Norse Mythology. A highly recommended read for mythology fans all around.”
Readers’ Favorite: Reviewed by Ray Simmons – “My first contact with Norse mythology was The Mighty Thor comic book published by Marvel Comics. That is a great place to start but Glenn Searfoss has taken me to a whole new level with Cycles of Norse Mythology…. This book is a treasure trove, and Glenn Searfoss deserves a seat in Valhalla next to Odin himself for putting together this magnificent book. I loved it and I’m sure many of you will too.”
Readers’ Favorite: Reviewed by Christian Sia – “Transporting, exciting, and utterly entertaining, Cycles of Norse Mythology: Tales of the Æsir Gods by Glenn Searfoss plunges the reader into the world of mythology and puts them into the company of powerful characters, gods, and heroes…. The beauty of the prose, the elegance of style, and the seduction in the narrative voice; powerful elements that make readers feel as though these stories were taking place inside their souls. Glenn Searfoss takes readers to a mythical place and leaves them at the end feeling as though they awoke from beautiful dreams.” (see also full reviews from Readers’ Favourite)
Author Q&A with Glenn Searfoss (Cycles of Norse Mythology)
Subtitle: Tales of the AEsir Gods
by Glenn Searfoss
Source: Direct from Author
Edda's and Sagas of the Northland recount epic struggles for control of the world. In this land lost amid the cycles of time, canny gods confront shrewd giants, while valiant heroes battle honorable foes.
Cycles of Norse Mythology takes the reader on a thrilling exploration of the Norse Universe as the Gods and Giants are exposed in their complex interactions. From the creation of the world to its violent ending, this comprehensive re-imagining breathes life and modern relevance into the Norse gods and their foes, while remaining faithful to the traditional myths. Through engaging, lyrical storytelling, this work presents the gripping adventures of the Norse Gods in a style to delight modern readers of all ages.
Cycles of Norse Mythology comprises six cycles of 100+ interconnected stories that encompass the entire breadth of Norse Mythology. All tales are extended to create greater tension between the reader and the characters. Sequence gaps are filled by interpolations based on cross references in classic and modern literature.
→ Cycle 1: Prophesy. Odin travels the dark road to Niflhel seeking knowledge from the withered lips of the long dead seeress. In this frozen land, he is forged to his purpose by the harsh lashings of the seeress as she relates the creation stories of the cosmos, the nine worlds, the sun and moon, day and night, the origin of giants, dwarves, elves, mankind, and the gods themselves.
→ Cycle 2: The Victory Gods. Returned to Asgard, Odin learns the truth of prophecy and the ultimate cost of purpose. As the Æsir expand their number and their power, Gullveig’s brutal death at their hands sparks a bloody war with a rival clan, the Vanir; their eventual truce unifies the godheads in an uneasy alliance. Post-war rebuilding introduces the primary gods and goddesses, along with the Einherjar, valorous warriors gathered from battlefields across Midgard. Meanwhile, Thor’s martial journeys into Jotunheim underscore the constant tension with the offspring of Ymir.
→ Cycle 3: The Sword of Vengeance. Accompany the fiery blade born of love and hate that is destined to play a pivotal role in the shaping of the Norse universe, through the tragedies of Volund its creator, Nidud king of the Njara who is ordered by the Odin to capture the blade, and Svipdag the chosen son of man fated to recover its keen edge, and who ultimately gifts it to the Æsir for his marriage to Fryeja .
→ Cycle 4: Premonitions. Victory, jealousy, and revenge follow the Æsir gods and goddesses as they seek to avert their ultimate fate. The Fenris wolf is tricked and bound. Baldur’s death sends shudders through the nine worlds as innocence dies and the first portents of Ragnarök begin to align. Vali, fresh born from his mother’s womb, slays Baldur’s hapless killer. Freyr gives away the Sword of Vengeance for a bride; an ill-fated gift which ultimately finds its way into the hands of Surt at Ragnarök. Loki’s devious and sometimes, vicious attempts to humble the gods highlight the strife and dissent of within the Æsir clan and result in his horrible punishment.
→ Cycle 5: Ragnarök. Unable to avoid the final confrontation, the Æsir gather their band of chosen warriors and prepare for battle. The rainbow bridge shatters as ancient enemies charge onto Vigrid Plain, eager to end the reign of the victory gods. Follow the fortunes of the primary combatants as they boldly face known defeat, the Æsir goddesses awaiting their fate in the great hall of Fensalir, and the remnants of mankind who survive to greet the dawn.
→ Cycle 6: Of Gods and Men. While Cycles 1-5 focused on interactions among the gods, this cycle encompasses stories of direct interaction between the Æsir gods and mankind. These stories contrast human folly with the morality inherent in Norse Mythology.
→ Glossary: Norse Mythology heralds from an era when names reflected the character attributed to an object, such as a weapon, a person’s character, or their current station in life. This glossary provides a quick reference to the meaning behind names and terms used in the book.
→ Source Reference: References for further reading are included for persons who want to delve deeper into the study of Norse Mythology. This bibliography is restricted to books published in or translated into English and is by no means, exhaustive. As with all resources, the harder and longer you look, the more there is to be found.
Places to find the book:
ISBN: 9781789820829
Genres: After Canons, Anthology Collection of Short Stories and/or Essays, Classical Literature, Mythological Fantasy, Norse Mythos | Legacies, Re-telling &/or Sequel
Published by Acorn Books, an imprint of Andrews UK Limited
on 11th April, 2019
Format: Trade Paperback
Without having any conception of how to enter into a reading of Norse Mythology, I still attest the serendipitous moment in which this book crossed my path in late August. Having said that – what I loved most about how Searfoss approached writing this [storied] novel in six different acts of insight into the back-histories of the Norse legacies interwoven through this concentration of Classical Mythology is how he aided your journey with keen insight into how to write a descriptive arc of story whilst grounding it with a catalyst attached to his lead character (Odin) who is not necessarily the kind of bloke you want to feel attached but of whom is an unreliable narrator of a story because he is more antagonist than he is a leading gent or hero.
As you might have noted in the synopsis of Cycles of Norse Mythology – Searfoss created six cycles of influence, intellectual dissection and creative exploration for his book. After thanking his wife and their family of dogs who have taken this journey with him – a sentiment I smiled after as I understood how attached we all become to our companions in fur; canine or feline inclined; he moved into the Content List and the List of Acknowledgements of the collective works which not only inspired this edition of Norse Mythological stories but of how he understood the back-histories of the mythos itself.
Immediately you dive into the first cycle of “Prophecy” after a delightfully ancient image which reminded me of the totem poles of Alaska’s Native population. And, thus your journey inward to seek the Mythology and the stories begins as any other novel would present itself to you. Except in my particular case, I had chanting, drums and an ethereal sound journey evoking itself in the background re-pleat with lightning, thunder and other interesting bits of inclusive ambience which not only centred my journey but anchoured me to the aspect I was journeying somewhere wickedly new and exciting.
-quoted from my forthcoming review for
Cycle One from Cycles of Norse Mythology; a review in six parts on Jorie Loves A Story
Published By: Acorn Press,
an imprint of Andrews UK Limited
Formats Available: Paperback and Ebook
Converse via: #NorseMythology, #Norse, #Mythology and #Odin
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