Norse MythologyNorse Mythology
Score Modern
What it's about
Neil Gaiman retells the great Norse myths, from the creation of the nine worlds to Ragnarök, the end of the gods. Odin, Thor and the trickster Loki come alive in stories that are funny, strange and dark.
Why it's worth reading
It has spent 39 weeks on the New York Times bestseller lists. It's the most entertaining introduction to Norse mythology, by one of the great modern storytellers.
You'll love it if you liked
Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold
American Gods
CirceGood to know
The stories are short and work as read-alouds. Gaiman's audiobook narration is excellent.
By the numbers
- Readers63 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics0 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Bestseller70 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #114 of the 459 fantasy books we rank
- #414 of the 1,573 modern books we rank
- #801 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
Epic, Moving, Thought-provoking
More by Neil Gaiman
American Gods
The Ocean at the End of the Lane
Neverwhere
Anansi BoysIf you like this, read next
For One More Day
The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse
Flights
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Beloved
Midnight's ChildrenExplore the best-of lists
All 36 best-of lists →
Quick answers
Is Norse Mythology worth reading?
Yes. It has spent 39 weeks on the New York Times bestseller lists. It ranks #801 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 75.0 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is Norse Mythology about?
Neil Gaiman retells the great Norse myths, from the creation of the nine worlds to Ragnarök, the end of the gods. Odin, Thor and the trickster Loki come alive in stories that are funny, strange and dark.
How long does it take to read Norse Mythology?
About 8 hours (301 pages), or about 2 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after Norse Mythology?
If you liked it, try Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold by Stephen Fry, American Gods by Neil Gaiman or Circe by Madeline Miller.