H R Ellis Davidson (1914–2006)

A very interesting and scholarly look at the myths and deities of northern Europe - both the continental, Anglo-Saxons and Norse (aka Vikings). The author describes the various gods and goddesses, and attempts to trace their origin. She then attempts to related the cults of these mythological characters to the daily lives of the people, and provides some ideas on why these heathen beliefs gave way to the Christian faith. This is an introductory text with many nuggets of interesting ideas and connections. Readers should have some familiarity with Norse myths before tackling this book - the author discusses the myths of northern Europe, she doesn't deal with the stories in full detail as is provided in books like [b:The Penguin Book of Norse Myths: Gods of the Vikings|10060707|The Penguin Book of Norse Myths Gods of the Vikings|Kevin Crossley-Holland|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1329819840s/10060707.jpg|25499] or similar.

The many scholarly books written by [a:Claude Lecouteux|434420|Claude Lecouteux|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/authors/1355108680p2/434420.jpg], as well as, [b:Pagan Magic of the Northern Tradition: Customs, Rites, and Ceremonies|22748240|Pagan Magic of the Northern Tradition Customs, Rites, and Ceremonies|Nigel Pennick|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1406525695s/22748240.jpg|42293072] may be of interest to readers who enjoyed this book.… (plus d'informations)