Viking Gods examines the deities that dominate Norse mythology. The most important characters, such as mighty Odin, beautiful Freya, thunderous Thor, and Loki, ‘the wizard of lies’, are will-known and lived in Asgard, the home of the gods, a land that was invisible to mortals. They were supported by thousands of lesser beings – giants, elves, trolls and Valkyries – most of whom were intent on causing trouble.

Viking mythology reflects the brutal lifestyle of the people. Their civilisation was aggressive, based on looting, raping and pillaging, and they lived in inhospitable lands where the freezing winter must have seemed interminable. They established a philosophical system that backed up their lifestyle. The gods dictated that they should be courageous in death, only frowned upon adultery if the adulterer was caught, and summoned dead warriors to the glories of Valhalla where they could feast and fight for eternity.

Viking Gods conjures up a pantheon of deities far removed from most 20th century beliefs. Beautifully illustrate, it provides a compelling introduction to Norse mythology.