Severské mýty: Ságy, bohovia a hrdinovia (slovensky) – Larrington Carolyne (2022)

A fascinating introduction to the legends of the Vikings and the entire old Scandinavia. A detailed overview of Norse mythology from its individual characters (gods, goddesses, supernatural animals, as well as human heroes) to the most commonly used motifs. Norse myths resonate with today's people with the same urgency as when they were told centuries ago in the feasting halls of the Vikings. Stories from old Scandinavia and Iceland were recorded in the form of sagas and epic poems, as well as in the works of medieval Christian authors. Thanks to archaeologists, we also know what Viking ships looked like, how the Vikings envisioned eight-legged horses, and titanic battles – all of this has been found depicted on runestones, in scenes etched into metal, or in wood carvings. The author engagingly discusses the origins of these gods in the world of humans, their very human and not always pleasant character traits, virtues, and vices. She explains how the deities are a mirrored and often hyperbolized reflection of events among people. She familiarizes readers with how the Nordic nations described the creation of our environment and the struggle for dominance within it, bringing closer the Viking understanding of the universe, which will inevitably come to an end. Her language is fresh and understandable, even though it contains...