Norse Mythology (book)
Norse Mythology is a 2017 book by Neil Gaiman. The book is a retelling of several stories from Norse mythology, including the theft of Thor's hammer and the binding of Fenrir. In the introduction, Gaiman describes where his fondness for the source material comes from. The book received positive reviews from critics. Reception. The book was generally well-received by critics, with some citing the prose as a strength. "Kirkus Reviews" said that Gaiman's description is rich and atmospheric. "The Washington Post"'s Michael Dirda said that, although Gaiman's short, clipped sentences usually seem  better suited to children's fiction, his retellings were gripping and strongly characterised. Peter Fields of Midwestern State University wrote positively about the simplicity and clarity of Gaiman's language, and indicated that the book's thematic material demonstrated his growth as a writer. Some writers compared his interpretation of the characters to the original tales. Fields said that "Norse Mythology" drew attention to eccentric aspects of the folklore often neglected from other popular adaptations, like Marvel Comics' depiction of Thor. Writing for "The Guardian", classicist Natalie Haynes described the work as egalitarian, making space for the popular and lesser  known aspects of the mythology. Adaptations. A ninety-minute audio adaptation was broadcast by BBC Radio 4 on Boxing Day 2018 featuring Derek Jacobi as Odin, Colin Morgan as Loki, Natalie Dormer as Freya, and Nathaniel Martello-White as Thor, with the stories narrated by Diana Rigg in the guise of an unexpected visitor ("Mrs Njordsdottir") keeping an inquisitive young boy company in hospital during a blizzard. Gaiman himself was heard in a cameo role as a radio announcement. An audiobook version was released in February 2017, narrated by Gaiman. "The New York Times" described his narration as "seductive". Comic  book. Dark Horse Comics are currently adapting the book as an eighteen-issue series. P. Craig Russell provides the scripts, layouts, and covers for each issue. Art and colors are from a variety of artists, including Mike Mignola, Jerry Ordway, and Dave Stewart. To mark the release of the first issue, a special edition cover by Bill Sienkiewicz was released along with a signed variant. Variant covers are by David Mack.