Far to the North, in ancient times, shining gods lived above the mountains and battled with the awful frost giants who caused the icy winters. Now, in the informal narrative and vibrant illustrations that have made them justly famous, the d'Aulaire's bring to life the gods and giants, and the hilarious stories of Nordic mythology.

Once again one-eyed Odin storms to earth with his band of warrior maidens, the Valkyries; and mischievous Loki keeps things lively for everyone with his tricks. Enormous Thor dresses as a simpering bride to retrieve his magic hammer, and beautiful Freya wanders the world looking for her lost husband—when she isn't entertaining slain heroes in Valhalla. Raging giants, horrible monsters, and all-too-human gods act out their drama in these pages, and the rough and tumble, wonderful world of ancient myths seems as fresh as tomorrow.

Ingri and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire have created many outstanding children's books, including the Caldecott Award winner, Abraham Lincoln. They bring to NORSE GODS AND GIANTS the same craftsmanship and gift for delighting children — and also an intimate knowledge of the subject. Norwegian Ingri Mortenson long ago infected her husband Edgar Parin d'Aulaire with her love for Norway, — for its stories, its art and its language. Now together they have translated the spirit as well as the words of the myths, and have captured the mood and artistic tradition of Norway. As a result they restore to us the neglected gods and giants who first belonged to the Northern landscape, but who really belong to us all. 

From the dust jacket