In the Days of Giants

📖 The Scoop

Abbie Farwell Brown's 'In the Days of Giants' is an enchanting venture into the world of Old Norse myths, rendered accessible and engaging for a broad audience. Steeped in the rich tradition of the Eddas, Brown's storytelling prowess breathes life into the ancient tales, offering vibrant characterizations of Norse gods, giants, and other mythical beings. Her prose is lyrical and inviting, with a rhythmic quality that echoes the oral storytelling traditions from which these legends emanate. Readers will find themselves immersed in the primordial realms of Norse cosmogony, Odin's sacrifices for wisdom, epic quests for Thor's hammer, and the tragic narrative of Balder—all woven together with a meticulous reverence for the source material and cultural context. Brown's fluency in the literary style of folklore reflects in the coherent structure and moral depth of the mythic narratives she recounts, making the book both an entertaining and an educational read. An author of considerable talent, Abbie Farwell Brown was not only a writer but also a preserver of folklore and legends. Her affinity for mythological tales is eloquently demonstrated in this collection, arguably driven by her understanding of the importance of such stories in shaping cultural identities and moral landscapes. A Boston native, Brown's background and education at the Girls' Latin School and Radcliffe College equipped her with the tools necessary to analyze and articulate these myths so that they might captivate the imagination of the turn-of-the-century American audience. Her literary work serves as a bridge between the rich cultural heritages of the past and the modern reader, fostering an appreciation for the grand narratives that underpin human civilizations. 'In the Days of Giants' comes highly recommended for both aficionados of mythology and newcomers to the canon of Norse lore. Brown's compilation of these quintessential Norse myths offers not just escapism but a deep dive into the philosophical and ethical underpinnings that continue to influence contemporary storytelling. Her book stands as a testament to the timeless allure of myth and its capacity to transcend cultural boundaries. This is a book that enriches the soul, expands the mind, and tickles the fancy of all those who dare to wander into the land of giants and gods.

Genre: Fiction / Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology (fancy, right?)