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Encyclopedia of Norse and Germanic Folklore, Mythology, and Magic
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Encyclopedia of Norse and Germanic Folklore, Mythology, and Magic
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
This detailed and scholarly encyclopedia is ideal for students, researchers, and enthusiasts of mythology, folklore, and European pagan traditions seeking a comprehensive and authoritative resource.
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See moreA thorough reference to the many deities, magical beings, mythical places, and ancient customs of the Norse and Germanic regions of Europe
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
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Description
A thorough reference to the many deities, magical beings, mythical places, and ancient customs of the Norse and Germanic regions of Europe.
Encyclopedia of Norse and Germanic Folklore, Mythology, and Magic explores the legends and origins of well-known gods and figures such as Odin, Thor, Krampus, and the Valkyries, as well as a broad range of magical beings such as the Elf King, the Lorelei, the Perchten, dwarves, trolls, and giants.
This work draws upon a wealth of well-known and rare sources, such as the Poetic Edda and The Deeds of the Danes by Saxo Grammaticus.
It examines folktales, myths, and magical beliefs from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and England.
The legends of the Norse and Germanic regions of Europeβincluding Germany and Austria across Scandinavia to Iceland and Englandβembrace a broad range of mythical characters and places, from Odin and Thor to berserkers and Valhalla, to the Valkyries and Krampus. In this encyclopedia, Claude Lecouteux explores the origins, connections, and tales behind many gods, goddesses, magical beings, rituals, folk customs, and mythical places of Norse and Germanic tradition.
More than a reference to the Aesir and the Vanir pantheons, this encyclopedia draws upon a wealth of well-known and rare sources, such as the Poetic Edda, the Saga of Ynglingar by Snorri Sturluson, and The Deeds of the Danes by Saxo Grammaticus. Beyond the famous and infamous Norse gods and goddesses, Lecouteux provides information on lesser-known figures from ancient Germanic pagan tradition such as the Elf King, the Lorelei, the Perchten, land spirits, fairies, dwarves, trolls, goblins, bogeymen, giants, and many other beings who roam the wild, as well as lengthy articles on well-known figures and events such as Siegfried (Sigurd in Norse) and RagnarΓΆk. The author describes the worship of the elements and trees, details many magical rituals, and shares wild folktales from ancient Europe, such as the strange adventure of Peter Schlemihl and the tale of the Cursed Huntsman. He also dispels the false beliefs that have arisen from the Nazi hijacking of Germanic mythology and from its longtime suppression by Christianity.
Complete with rare illustrations and information from obscure sources appearing for the first time in English, this detailed reference work represents an excellent resource for scholars and those seeking to reconnect to their pagan pasts and restore the old religion.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Library Journal praises the book as an essential volume for specialised collections in anthropology, folklore, and mythology, highlighting its scholarly depth and value.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781620554807
Publisher: Inner Traditions Bear and Company
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 28 July 2016
Country: United States
Imprint: Inner Traditions Bear and Company
Illustration: 109 b&w illustrations
Audience: Tertiary education
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 28.0mm
Width: 152.0mm
Height: 229.0mm
Weight: 739g
Pages: 352
About the Author
Claude Lecouteux (1943β2025) was a former professor of medieval literature and civilization at the Sorbonne and author of numerous books on medieval and pagan afterlife beliefs and magic, including The Book of Grimoires, Dictionary of Ancient Magic Words and Spells, and The Tradition of Household Spirits.
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