Suggested Reading
Book List of suggested reading materials
The Poetic Edda
Translated by Lee M. Hollander 1962. ISBN# 0-292-76499-5
This is the Lore in a nutshell, kept as far as possible in its original poetic metre. It is a must for any Asatraur book hoard and study.
The Prose Edda
By Snorri Sturluson, translated by Jean I. Young 1954. ISBN# 0-520-01232-1
A handbook on the 'poetic art' of our ancestors. Written by Snorri to help keep the traditional poetic form alive. The greatest source around for kennings.
The Norse Myths
By Kevin Crossley-Holland 1980
The Traditional Lore of the God's and Goddess's in easy to read, and highly enjoyable story form. Accurate and entertaining it is a good book to have for review, quick reference, or for reading to our children.
Havamal
By James Hjuka Coulter 2002
A translation of this important work by a man who is a linguist, a traditional Germanic Skald, and a practicing Heathen. It is easy to read, highly accurate, and sheds some light on a few of the more difficult passages. Highly recommended.
Myth and Religion of the North
By E.O.G. Turville-Petre 1964. ISBN# 0-8371-7420-1
An in depth scholarly overview on the religion of our ancestors. Includes the Aesir and Vanir, divine heroes and kings, guardian spirits, worship, sacrifice, death, and the worlds beginning and end. It is an excellent work, thorough and well supported. If you are to own only one scholarly work, this is it.
The Well and the Tree
By Paul C. Bauschatz 1982. ISBN# 0-87023-352-1
This text is the premiere work on World and Time in Early Germanic Culture. The author presents the dichotomy between the world of the tree, in which events occur, and the world of the well, which sustains human activity. A highly detailed scholarly presentation on the make up, workings, and interrelations of The Nine Worlds, Yggdrasill, and The Well of Urd.
Dictionary of Northern Mythology
By Rudolf Simek 1984. ISBN# 0-85991-513-1
An extensive work by a professor of Scandinavian studies of the German Department at Bonn University. Gives in depth definitions from a myriad of reliable sources. An excellent work.
Teutonic Mythology
By Viktor Rydberg, translated by Rasmus B. Anderson 1906
An intensive scholarly work on the Lore, highly detailed, highly supported with footnotes and references. The most talked about and definitive work of scholarship on our Lore in three volumes, hard to find in book form but available on the net for download at:
( http://www.hi.is/~eybjorn/ugm/ugm0.html)
Teutonic Myth and Legend
Donald A. Mackenzie 1934.
Based on Viktor Rydberg's work, it contains the traditional Lore as well as tales of the most famous heroes and kings. In one volume, it puts into easy to read story form Rydberg's conclusions without cumbersome footnotes and references. A great read.
Teutonic Mythology
By Jacob Grimm, translated by James Stallybrass 1966(1888). LCCC# 66-15933
An extensive, intensive, scholarly work compiling the Lore and Folk traditions of all the Germanic peoples. Highly linguistically technical, it is not for the light reader. Thanks to this work, much that would now be lost on our Folk Lore was saved.
The Viking Age
By Paul B. Du Chaillu 1889.
An in depth scholarly study of all aspects of daily life up to and in the Viking Age. In two volumes, it is supported with great detail and references. It is also extensively illustrated with archeological finds. A wonderful reference for the day to day subjects as law, marriage, lore, craft, outlawry, religious practice, customs, and superstitions.
The Sagas of the Icelanders
With preface by Jane Smiley 2000. ISBN# 0-670-88990-3
At 760 pages, this is an extremely extensive compilation of the most famous Icelandic Sagas. Includes Egil's Saga, The Vindland Saga's, Gisli Sursson's Saga, and Harafnkel Frey Godi's Saga to name a few. Its nice to have so many in one place.
Heimskringla
By Snorre Sturlason 1990(1932). ISBN# 0-486-26366-5
The History of the Norwegian Kings. It begins with Ynglinga Saga, and continues to cover the development of the Norsemen as roving Vikings, their conversion, and their eventual settling down to the unification and administration of Norway. One of Snorri's great works.
Odinism and Christianity under the Third Reich
By John Yeowell 1993. ISBN# 0-9504613-6-9
A nice little book that reveals the truth concerning this period in history, and Germanic Heathenry. Clears up many slanders on our faith, with great detail. Recommended.