So you’ve heard of Thor, Loki, and maybe even Odin—probably thanks to Marvel. And while those versions are fun, Marvel’s Norse mythology is about as accurate as saying Loki is a sweet, misunderstood puppy. (Spoiler: In real myths, he’s way more chaotic.)
If you want to experience real Norse mythology—the tales of gods, giants, wolves that eat the sun, and the apocalypse called Ragnarok—without the heavy reading, I’ve got you covered. These books are epic, funny, and packed with enough mythology to make you feel like a Viking scholar.
🛡 Start With: The Magnus Chase Series by Rick Riordan
If you liked Percy Jackson, you’ll love Magnus. He’s sassy, chaotic, and—bonus—he’s the cousin of Annabeth Chase from the PJO world. This series introduces the Nine Worlds, Norse gods, Valkyries, and even a talking sword with attitude.
📚 Main Trilogy:
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The Sword of Summer
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Most Famous Quote: “The thing about fate, Magnus: even if we can’t change the big picture, our choices can alter the details. That’s how we rebel against destiny.”
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💔 “You’re not alone. You never were.”
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🌟 “I am Magnus Chase. This is my destiny. Bring it on.”
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The Hammer of Thor
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The Ship of the Dead
🧾 Side Books:
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Hotel Valhalla: Guide to the Norse Worlds
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A hilarious crash course on Norse myth, written in-character.
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9 From the Nine Worlds
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Short stories from different characters’ perspectives (yes, including Alex and Hearth!).
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✅ Why it’s awesome: Riordan balances humor and heart so well, and his cast is diverse, with great LGBTQ+ and disability representation.
📖 Want More Norse Myths? Try These:
🧝♂️ Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
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A modern retelling of the actual myths—Odin, Loki, Thor, and the end of the world.
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Tone: Serious with dry humor. Feels like bedtime stories if bedtime stories included betrayal, monsters, and world destruction.
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Best Part: Gaiman brings the gods to life without turning them into superheroes.
🔥 The Gospel of Loki by Joanne M. Harris
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Told entirely from Loki’s perspective. He’s snarky, witty, and totally unreliable.
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Perfect if you love anti-heroes and chaotic energy.
🧊 Runemarks by Joanne M. Harris
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A fantasy story set after Ragnarok, with Norse gods in hiding.
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Myth meets magic in a beautifully imagined world.
💬 But What About Marvel?
Let’s be honest—Marvel’s Norse mythology is fun, but not accurate. Thor is not blond, Loki is not adopted (he’s Odin’s blood brother), and Ragnarok? Way more terrifying than one battle in a rainbow dome.
Still, if Marvel got you curious about Norse gods, it’s a great gateway into the real legends. Just don’t tell an actual mythology buff that you learned everything from the MCU. 😉
⚔️ Final Thoughts
Norse mythology is wild. It’s got:
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Talking animals.
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Apocalypse prophecies.
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Sibling betrayals.
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A hammer that always comes back.
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And a world held together by a giant tree.
Whether you want laughs, lore, or Loki being unhinged, there’s a book here for you. So sharpen your sword (or just grab a snack), and get reading.
Drop a comment if you want book recs for Egyptian or Hindu mythology next—I’ve got plenty!
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