Norse Mythology

Norse Mythology

• Genre: Fiction; mythological retellings in short story form
• Originally Published: 2017
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 830L; grades 9-12; college/adult
• Structure/Length: 15 stories; approx. 304 pages; approx. 6 hours, 30 minutes on audio
• Protagonist and Central Conflict: In this collection of retellings, the author reveals the nine worlds of Norse mythology and describes the actions and conflicts of Odin, Thor, Loki, and others.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: War; violence, including graphic violence; bestiality, self-harm

Neil Gaiman, Author

• Bio: Born in Hampshire, England, in 1960; an early reader and lover of fantasy, especially Tolkien and C. S. Lewis; pursued journalism as an early career; inspired to write comics and comic scripts by Alan Moore (Swamp Thing); went on to write comics for DC, Marvel, and other publications; first novel (Good Omens; 1990) was a collaboration with Terry Pratchett; first met with big success with American Gods (2001); participates in radio and public readings and pursues screenwriting and audiobook projects
• Other Works: American Gods (2001); Coraline (2002); The Graveyard Book (2008); The Silver Dream (2013); The Ocean at the End of the Lane (2013)
• Awards: Prix Vienne for Best Writer (1993); Kemi Award for Best International Writer (1994); Stoker Award (1994, 2003, and 2004); Lucca Award for Best Writer (1997); Nax Und Moritz Award for Best Foreign Writer (1998); Hugo Award (2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2009, and 2016); Nebula Award (2003 and 2004); Grand Prix de l’Imaginaire (2006); Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award (2007); Newbery Medal (2009); Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award (2009); Kurt Vonnegut Jr Award For Literature (2010); Boston Public Library Literary Lights For Children (2010); Shirley Jackson Award (2011); British National Book Awards, Book of the Year (2013)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Unit:

• Self-Fulfilling Prophecy and the Inevitability of Fate
• The Bound Monster
• Sacrifice

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Unit, students will:

• Explore background information on Norse history and culture and the function of myth to increase their engagement with and understanding of Norse Mythology.
• Read/study paired texts and other brief resources to deepen their understanding of themes related to Self-Fulfilling Prophecy and the Inevitability of Fate, The Bound Monster, and Sacrifice.
• Demonstrate their understanding of characterization in Norse Mythology by creating their own character trading cards.
• Analyze the significance of various elements of the novel, such as setting, symbolism, plot, and motif, and construct essays connecting these elements to the text’s themes and the Norse worldview.