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.

Solid introduction to Northern myths and legends. I love the inclusion of the Sami and Finnish deities and legends as well as the more popular Norse ones. This gives a much more well rounded look at northern beliefs and stories rather than those handed down (often through Christian, Patriarchal political focus). I would highly recommend this for anyone that is looking into myths and legends in general as well as those who are interested in the Northern Traditions of paganism - the latter will not find much by way of witchcraft (for example, the section on runes is tiny and mostly noting the historical use for writing instead of any divinatory methods) but will find education about the Gods and spirits of the region and history.

Such a great book I couldn’t stop reading on. I loved how informative it was. I turkey enjoyed reading and learning with every page. This is a great book for anyone from no knowledge to plenty of knowledge on northern mythology.

This is an amazing book! I highly recommend this to anyone who wants an introduction to Northern Mythology or if you're already a fan! I found that the style of the book was easy to follow and interesting! Something I liked about this book was that it it included Finnish and Sami mythology, which I don't know much about - until now! I would really recommend this to all my friends interested in Norse history! I loved this, it was beautifully written.

Content-wise, this is an engaging and excellent guide/encyclopaedia about Northern Mythologies. The highlights for me were the Icelandic and Sami aspects.
This is one of those books that are great to have as an ebook - to read and refer to while on the go, however, I believe it will look and read much better in the print form.

This book couldn't be better for anyone wanting to learn a solid and in-depth introduction. I’ve read several books on Norse Mythology, learned several new things, and felt the style was much more accessible than most other books on the subject.

I did like how Tim Rayborn added Finnish and Sámi mythology which is unique since most Norse Mythology seem to leave those out. I do wish there were more from the Sámi, but this has piqued my interest and now I want to learn more.

Very well written and enjoyable for anyone wanting to learn a bit more about the Northern Myths.

Northern Mythology by Tim Rayborn is probably the best introduction to Northern Myths you can find today and as well as this, it’s beautifully presented with serious shelf appeal.

From what I can see, there are actually 3 different covers (perhaps depending on your region or retailer) and all look great.

What sets this book apart from many others are the sections on Finnish and Sámi mythology, with a vast array of books solely on Norse mythology already available.

Even if we’re judging this book solely on the Norse Mythology sections, I believe it excels nonetheless. For anyone wanting to learn a very solid and in depth introduction, this book couldn’t be better. I’ve read a number of books on Norse Mythology and I learnt several new things and felt the style was a lot more accessible than most other books on the subject. There are some who downright get things wrong and others that are a little dry with walls of text and a little antiquated in style.

Rayborn’s book is modern but not simplified. When we are presented with the myths, he introduces the background afterwards which handily explains where the information comes from and the context. The introduction is excellent too, highlighting the nuances, highlights and pitfalls of the current knowledge. Everything one needs to know for general knowledge and a little short of academic study is contained here. And the writing style really flows, allowing you to enjoy without having to re-read every sentence.

As touched on above, the fact that this book is Northern Myths rather than just Norse Myths makes this feel more comprehensive and in doing so I believe presents a better picture of North European peoples and their history – how the cold and bleak environments and harsh winters influence a unique blend of folklore, mythology view of the world.

The illustrations by Jo Parry are gorgeous and I feel really takes this book to the next level, one that would make a beautiful gift or addition to your own bookshelf. I really like the theming of the purple shades and the stunning art style, capturing the myths contained within perfectly.

I read this book on Netgalley but am impressed enough to want to purchase a copy for future reading. I’d highly recommend this book.

Thankyou to Netgalley and the publisher Cider Tree Press for the opportunity to read this book.

I’m new to Norse mythology but this was very easy to read and incredibly helpful. Very informative and will be buying this!

This book gave me everything I was hoping for which was new information. I knew a decent amount about Norse gods and myths before this but I learned quite a few new things. I knew basically nothing about Finnish and Sami mythology, so that was fun to read. Overall, a great jumping off point for anyone interested in Mythology!

Very informative, as a Norse pagan I’m always looking for books on the Norse beliefs. I enjoyed the comparison to Finnish and the Sami people’s beliefs and the connections between them. I would definitely recommend to anyone who is looking at information about the Norse belief that’s easy to digest.