Best Norse Mythology Books
If you're searching for the best Norse mythology books, you've come to the right place. At Norse Imports, we've spent years studying primary sources, examining Viking artifacts, and curating historically accurate products inspired by Norse tradition. In this guide, we've combined our expertise with trustworthy academic insight to help you discover the best books about Norse mythology from ancient texts to modern retellings and family-friendly reads.
Whether you're just beginning your journey or deepening your understanding, this guide offers the best Norse mythology books ranked by historical accuracy, accessibility, and audience suitability.
Norse Mythology Books: A Complete Guide for Beginners to Experts
1. Primary Source Norse Mythology Books (Essential for All Readers)
If you're serious about Norse myth, start here. These foundational texts written in the middle ages(1-2 centuries after the viking age) are the source of almost everything we know about Norse mythology today. For anyone looking for a book about Norse mythology that’s authentic and close to the original traditions, these are the ONLY 2 best options.
📘 The Poetic Edda (Recommended: Carolyne Larrington or Jackson Crawford translations)
Although the manuscript called the Codex Regius we have is dated to the 13th century, the poems are mostly confirmed to have been composed during much earlier pagan times. This collection of the actual Norse poems told in the viking age, contains the original stories of Odin, Thor, Freya, and Loki. Crawford's translation is easy to understand, and Larrington's is a bit closer to a direct translation of the myths. However, there are many other translators. These can be found free online of if you would like the physical books, see the links to buy on Amazon below.
Crawford Translation: https://amzn.to/4jlbfia
Larrington Translation: https://amzn.to/3Ha0RMX
📘 The Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson
Written in the 13th century, this Icelandic text retells the mythology and explains the poetic forms of the time. Snorri aimed to preserve old stories, making this a must-read book on Norse mythology. As opposed to the Poetic Edda, it is composed in Prose format by a Christian(Snorri). Although there are some questionable parts, it is largely reliable and the second best source we have after the Poetic Edda.
📘 Worthy Mentions: Heimskringla & Gesta Danorum
There are also medieval source accounts that tell of the Gods in euhemerized form. This means that sometimes Christian authors of the middle ages wrote about the gods as if they were simply early ancestors and Kings that founded nations and peoples. Although not a reliable source of the mythology necessarily, they are important primary sources.
Heimskringla: https://amzn.to/44LJLia
Gesta Danorum: https://amzn.to/4mzAHn6
2. Best Books About Norse Mythology(For Scholars)
These are some of the most trusted books about Norse mythology for readers who want deeper historical and cultural context. They are all written by top modern scholars and professors and are read as a standard for anyone seriously studying Norse Mythology at the University level.
📘 Gods and Myths of Northern Europe by H.R. Ellis Davidson
This classic academic work offers one of the best introductions to Norse beliefs, rituals, and cosmology. A must-have for building a serious understanding. This work also goes into the archeology and runic inscriptions and is perhaps the most detailed scholarly work on the subject.
📘 Norse Mythology: A Guide to Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs by John Lindow
Detailed and well-organized, this is the best book for Norse mythology research. It balances scholarship with readability and provides both summaries of the primary sources and deeper interpretations of the mythology.
📘 Dictionary of Northern Mythology by Rudolf Simek
An authoritative reference tool that breaks down key terms, figures, and symbols. It goes over all the gods, deities and terms used in Norse and Germanic Mythology in alphabetical order exactly like a dictionary. It’s ideal for students and researchers of Viking religion.
3. Good Norse Mythology Books (Beginners)
If you're looking for a good Norse mythology book that’s entertaining and accessible, these retellings are excellent starting points in your journey.
Best book about Norse Mythology for Adults & Fantasy
📘 Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
This bestseller retells the myths with wit and style. While it is absolutely not a replacement for the original sources, it’s a good book about Norse mythology for casual readers. It should not be referred to as a reflection of the actual religion or belief, but it is a top work for those just starting to spark their interest.
📘 The Norse Myths by Kevin Crossley-Holland
This version sticks closely to the original tales while adding clarity and modern language. It also compares Norse mythology to other ancient mythologies and folklore from around the world which is very valuable. Great for adults and older teens.
Best Norse Mythology Books for Kids and Families
For families or teachers looking for good books about Norse mythology that are suitable for children, these are top picks.
📘 The Children of Odin by Padraic Colum
First published in 1920, this is a classic book about Norse mythology aimed at younger audiences. Still loved today for its poetic tone and vivid storytelling. It also includes great illustrations! Good for readers aged 10-14.
📘 D'Aulaires’ Book of Norse Myths
A beautifully illustrated introduction that presents the myths in a way that's easy to understand. Ideal for ages 6–11.
5. Bonus: Best Norse Mythology Books Explained
While many books on Norse mythology retell the myths or provide historical background, some dive into the symbolic layers of these ancient stories. Norse myths aren’t just folklore they reflect cosmic patterns, spiritual archetypes, and natural processes. For readers interested in exploring the esoteric and philosophical side of Norse mythology, these are the best Norse mythology books for deeper interpretation.
📘 The Seed of Yggdrasil by Maria Kvilhaug
This profound work explores the symbolic meanings in Norse myths. Kvilhaug, a scholar in Old Norse literature and mythology, decodes ancient stories to reveal timeless truths about death, rebirth, and initiation. A must-read for those wanting to understand the inner mysteries of Viking religion.
📘 Our Traditions by Vegard Solheim
Solheim examines how Norse mythology and cosmology relate to nature, our oldest traditions, and ancestral memory. This book about Norse mythology is ideal for readers who want to reconnect with the deeper traditions behind the myths and how they were once lived and honored.
📘 Norse & Germanic Religion: A Sourcebook by Thor Elptirdalr
This is a brand new work by our co-founder of Norse Imports-Thor Elptirdalr! After years of creating videos, he finally has completed a book with all the sources and most valuable info along with interpretations from the top scholars of the last 200 years.
This work also includes the many other deities and spirits in the Norse religion to give a complete understanding and also provides readers with a framework to understand the myths no matter what source you may read them in.
It is the only book we currently carry for sale on our site here!
Final Thoughts: Which Is the Best Norse Mythology Book for You?
There’s no single “best” Norse mythology book for everyone. If you're a beginner, start with Norse Mythology by Gaiman or Jackson Crawford's translation of the Poetic Edda. If you're researching or want to go deeper, Ellis Davidson and John Lindow are your best guides.
And if you're looking to bring the myths to life, don’t forget to explore our collection of Viking-inspired productsfrom Thor’s Hammer pendants to statues of Odin and Freya, all based on archaeological finds.