This book is fantastic! It covers an incredible amount of topics and is a wonderful introduction to Nordic Mythology. It's written in an engaging style that isn't dry or monotone like many non-fictional books. It's split into three sections (four if you count the introduction): Norse Gods, Goddesses, and Myths, Finnish Gods, Goddesses, and Myths, and Sámi Culture and Beliefs. The Norse section is the most well-known, but that doesn't stop it from being engaging and delightful. I had little to no knowledge of the Finnish and Sámi sections, so they sparked my interest the most and I keep returning to them. I love the stories and the stunning images that go along with them. I thoroughly loved this and even bought a copy recently, I would recommend this to anyone interested in the subject.

Thoroughly enjoyed it. Love a good review of the entire "thing" of a thing. Would recommend for anyone seeking the same.

This wonderful book packs it in, and no mistake. I have seen before now how books about Norse myth can almost struggle in formatting – the balance of telling us who and what these characters are, before actually telling us some of the stories they feature in. This clearly seems to state this is the way it has to be, and then proceeds to give us biography after biography, essay after essay. So for the first hundred pages or so we're learning who Frigg was, what Fenrir was, the nuance of the elves and dwarves, etc etc. A hundred pages of their actual legends and dramas follow, mostly from the Eddas. We then have a lovely chunk (150pp) about Finnish myth – and again it's a lot of biography and only then the legend, before a decent fifty-odd pages getting us to Sami lore.

One sign of a book doing this kind of thing well is how it conveys the geography of the worlds, arrayed around and under Yggdrasil – this does it better than most by, er, hedging, and not trying to pin it all down. Good for it. Another sign of how a book does all this is in the voice it uses – well, it was actually quite on the chatty side with the encyclopaedic biographies ("there will be a test on this later", indeed) so that the stories were in danger of feeling relatively plummy, staid and old-fashioned. They're not – certainly there's not a huge wrenching gap between each tale and the context of similar length that immediately follows them all.

Another marker is the level of illustration, and I have to say I wasn't a huge fan of the portraits here – although I've seen worse. One final marker of course is the way the page turns from black ink on white/cream to white ink on a black page – I'm sorry, what? Yes, this annoyingly dips into a black-backed spread every two or four page turns, and it's a decision that somehow makes this look more glossy and rich at times, but really alters the mood of the stories, with the look of the page changing completely and completely at random at some midpoint.

Still, that aside, what we have is very fine indeed. The chance to see a summary of the whole Kalevala – the Finnish national legend, albeit one written very recently, comparatively – is great. It allows you to wonder which you'd prefer – knowledge gained from putting one of your own eyes out (Odin), or knowledge gained from living inside a dead wizard's guts for a while. It also tells us that the narrative rule of three never really hit Finland – everything has a fourth example, everyone setting a set of tasks a fourth demand.

It does feel a disappointment that the Sami section is so short, but this is more for the layman audience, and they are it seems rather insular and just plain don't need to convey all their (historically down-trodden) beliefs to all and sundry. A lot of their folk tales are yet to hit English anyway. Still, I know a lot more about joiking than I ever did before, and of Sami drumming, a lot more than the zero of before.

This is a fascinating source of the slightly esoteric, by which I mean exceedingly important to someone once. Just because we don't know quite how these spirits were appeased, and these goddesses worshipped and so on, doesn't mean we can ignore them. They had a spine in even earlier civilisations, got fleshed out by their original believers – and presented with great glamour here, in generally an intelligent and appealing way. The black page disease aside, this is close to a marvel – four and a half stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This is a surprisingly delightful read. In Northern Mythology, Tim Rayborn bring to life the myths of the Norse, the Finnish, and the Sami people, all in his academic yet humorous tone. The book is very well-researched yet also accessible. Rayborn's emphasis on the way these myths have been changed throughout the centuries as the culture and religion of the people changed is appreciated and allows me to think more deeply on the effect of Christianization in Northern Europe.
As someone who has pretty much zero knowledge of any of these myths, I enjoy learning about them in the book. I was most excited for the section on the Sami culture, though I do wish it was a bit longer. Alas, I understand the reason.

Overall, this is a very interesting and fun book and I definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about the underrated mythology of the world.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Cider Mill Press for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I was most interested in the Sami section of the book - this seemed to be shorter and with less illustrations than the other two sections.

Northern Mythology covers the folklore and mythologies of the Norse, Finnish, and Sámi peoples; it's an amazing non-fiction read for anyone interested in these cultures and their beliefs. It covers general myths, deities, and more, and also acknowledges the possible erasures and rewritings of Christian writers and how this may have changed meanings or overtaken the original myths.

I loved this so much. The illustrations are captivating, the information is dense but also sprinkled with humour and intrigue. I picked this up initially for its focus on Norse mythology, which takes up most of the book, but I learned so much about Finnish and Sámi mythology as well.

I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to delve into this as a beginner, or for a refresher. It's a wonderful take on history and I really appreciated all the small details I learned of that I'd never come across elsewhere.

A great guide for Northern mythology, that gives a broader insight into traditions, folk tales and myths of various northern countries.
I felt right at home with the stories on the Norse pantheon. Rayborn has quite the talent for bringing these stories to life with his writing style.
I'd never heard of the Sámi people before and appreciated learning about their culture.

In this fascinating combination of history and mythology, Tim Rayborn explores the gods, warriors, beasts, monsters, and magical beings of Sami, Finnish, and Norse mythology in this detailed and complex book. Profiling different figures and bringing them to life through this collection of their myths, this book’s detailed introduction to Nordic and Scandinavian folklore and the stories of northern Europe are a great way to discover these stories and legends, while the mix of archaeology and literature places them in real places and cultures. Divided by region, the book includes some breathtaking illustrations and depictions of the figures that readers will absolutely love. The variety of myths and deities in this book not only shows how the three cultures interact with each other over the centuries but also shows the scope of this fascinating literary tradition. Rayborn’s narrative style is brilliant, character-centric, and immersive, really bringing each story to life and tying all of the different stories together to create this larger mythical world. Exciting, immersive, and absolutely fascinating, this detailed and brilliantly written new release is a must-read for fans of mythology, literature, and Scandinavian culture looking for a comprehensive compendium of mythology and stories from northern European communities.

A beautifully illustrated collection of Northern Mythology. Tim Rayborn has written a brilliant overview of Northern Mythology, enjoyable to both newbies and ones who are familiar with the subject.
I particularly enjoyed the notes after each chapter discussing the sources for the myth, links to other myths and it’s relevance within the wider narrative.

Northern Mythology by Tim Rayborn is a captivating collection of tales from Norse, Finnish, and Sámi traditions. Rayborn masterfully brings to life the complex mythology of the Nordic people, offering readers a deep dive into the world of beautiful goddesses, fierce warriors, and formidable beasts.

The book is stunningly illustrated, adding to the immersive experience. Rayborn’s extensive research and engaging storytelling make this a must-read for anyone interested in mythology and folklore. The tales are both popular and little-known, providing a comprehensive look at the rich history and culture of the region.

Overall, Northern Mythology breathes new life into ancient legends, making it a treasure for readers who love exploring the mysteries of the past.

A solid book of old Norse Mythology. I learned quite a bit that I don't remember reading below and am even more excited to learn more about Scandanavian history.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.

Here is another great example of the great mythology and folkore books coming out right now. This is a beautiful collection of norse mythology and folklore and a great addition to the shelf of anyone interested in mythology.

I am an avid mythology fan no matter the location but I do have a soft spot for Northern Mythology (well and Egyptian) and this compendium is the perfect primer. Rayborn covers a range of traditions from Norse, Finnish and Sami. It’s a wonderful and comprehensive insight into the heroes, creatures, gods and goddesses of those traditions.

Easily divided by tradition you can quickly find the information you need. The entries are clear, concise but also informative so that even a seasoned researcher of the mythologies is bound to find this useful. A wonderful collection.

As always thank you to Cider Mill Press and Netgalley for the copy to review, my reviews are always honest and freely given.

Tim Rayborn's Northern Mythology: Tales from Norse, Finnish, and Sámi Traditions is an exciting exploration of the rich mythological traditions of Northern Europe. The book is a comprehensive collection of gods, goddesses, heroes, and mythical creatures that have long fascinated readers. Rayborn's meticulous research and engaging storytelling make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the mythology of the Nordic region.

The book is divided into three main sections, each of which is dedicated to the mythology of a different culture: Norse, Finnish, and Sámi. Rayborn digs deep into the myths and legends of these cultures, providing detailed accounts of their gods, heroes, and epic tales. The inclusion of lesser-known myths alongside the more famous ones adds a fresh perspective and enriches the reader's understanding of Northern mythology.

Tim Rayborn's writing is scholarly yet accessible, making complex mythological concepts easy to understand. His clear and concise explanations, combined with his passion for the subject, create an engaging reading experience. The book is beautifully illustrated, with stunning visuals that complement the text and bring the myths to life.

The book offers a profound exposure of Norse, Finnish, and Sámi mythology, making it immensely relevant for both beginners and enthusiasts. Rayborn is an excellent storyteller of myths, keeping the imagination of the reader on the run as it takes them to the magical world of Northern Europe. The illustrations enhance the reading experience by giving visual representations of gods, heroes, and mythical creatures described in the book. Rayborn provides historical and cultural context for the myths, helping readers understand their significance and relevance.

Some readers, especially new ones to the subject, might find the multiple mythologies the book covers to be too overwhelming. Although Rayborn's writing is accessible, there is just too much information to process at times, making the book feel a bit dense.

This book, Northern Mythology: Tales from Norse, Finnish, and Sámi Traditions, is beautifully written and researched; it provides an all-inclusive look at the mythological traditions of Northern Europe. Rayborn's passion for the subject really comes across in this reading, making it an engaging and enlightening experience. Whether a mythology enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this book will surely capture and inspire the reader.

I highly recommend Northern Mythology to anyone seeking to delve into the rich, diverse mythologies of the Nordic region. It will be an interesting addition to any collection of mythology with its scholarly research, engaging storytelling, and stunning visuals.

This book is an absolute delight for anyone fascinated by the myths and folklore of the Nordic and Arctic regions. The book draws you into a world of gods, heroes, and spirits, weaving together tales from Norse, Finnish, and Sámi traditions with care and reverence for their cultural origins.

What I loved most was how accessible the stories felt, even with their deeply mythological roots. Rayborn has a gift for storytelling, balancing the grandeur of myth with the intimacy of a fireside tale. From the mighty exploits of Odin and Thor to the quieter, mystical stories of Sámi spirits, there’s a wide variety here that kept me captivated throughout.

That said, I occasionally found myself wishing for a bit more depth in some of the Finnish and Sámi sections, as they seemed slightly overshadowed by the more familiar Norse tales. However, the book does a commendable job of introducing these traditions to a broader audience, which I greatly appreciated.

The illustrations are lovely and add a touch of magic to the reading experience. It’s also worth noting that the pacing of the book is perfect for dipping in and out; ideal for those who enjoy savouring myths one or two at a time.

Overall, Northern Mythology is an engaging and well-crafted collection that shines a light on both well-known and lesser-explored traditions. It’s a perfect read for mythology enthusiasts and anyone looking to connect with the rich cultural heritage of the North.

The book is well written. The amount of information for each mythology is very interesting. Throughout the book, the artwork is fantastic. Well written and researched.

This isn't just a collection of stories --; it feels more like an encyclopedia in how much information there is. It starts by explaining the major characters and the relationships between different gods, and there are so many interesting stories. The pictures are wonderful and intriguing. I highly recommend this as a resource or just for a constant source of stories.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

this is a beautifully illustrated and extremely well written introduction to norse mythology. Featuring a collection of both well known, and less-so, stories, this is a fantastic addition to anyone's shelf who is interested in Scandinavian mythology.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my review.

This good give a good run down of many of the gods and characters in norther myths and includes some of the stories in modern prose. I really liked that it included more then just Norse Mythology, I think that is its biggest selling point.

Northern Mythology: Tales from Norse, Finnish, and Sámi Traditions by Tim Rayborn is a masterful exploration of the myths and legends that have shaped Nordic cultures for centuries. With its rich storytelling, historical depth, and beautiful illustrations, this collection invites readers into a world where gods, giants, and mortals grapple with fate, nature, and cosmic upheaval.

Rayborn’s introduction sets the stage perfectly, offering context for the tales that follow and highlighting the cultural distinctions and shared motifs between Norse, Finnish, and Sámi traditions. The stories themselves range from well-known epics, such as the tragic inevitability of Ragnarök, to lesser-known gems that shed light on the unique beliefs of northern European peoples. This blend keeps the reading experience fresh and enlightening, even for mythology enthusiasts.

The profiles of deities and mythical beings are a standout feature. Rayborn brings these figures to life with vivid descriptions and insightful commentary. Whether it’s the cunning Loki, the powerful Väinämöinen, or the awe-inspiring Sámi nature spirits, each profile adds new layers of meaning to the myths.

The inclusion of Sámi and Finnish myths alongside the Norse legends is a refreshing and significant touch, showcasing the diversity within northern mythology and honoring traditions that are often overshadowed by the more popular Viking-centric tales. Rayborn’s respect for these cultures is evident in the care he takes to present their stories authentically.

Visually, the book is stunning. The illustrations complement the text beautifully, evoking the grandeur and mysticism of the stories without overshadowing their emotional resonance. The artwork enhances the immersive quality of the book, making it as much a visual journey as a literary one.

The only minor drawback is that some sections feel slightly academic in tone, which may slow the pace for readers seeking pure narrative flow. However, for those who appreciate mythological scholarship alongside storytelling, this adds valuable depth.

At 4.5 stars, Northern Mythology is an exceptional collection that breathes new life into ancient tales while paying homage to the rich cultural tapestry of the north. It’s a must-read for lovers of folklore, history, and epic storytelling, offering both timeless wonder and fresh insights. Whether you're familiar with these myths or discovering them for the first time, this book is a captivating gateway to the awe-inspiring world of Nordic legend.