Review (PDF) The Seed Of Yggdrasill: Deciphering Hidden Messages In The Old Norse Myths
Why was the manuscript hidden throughout four centuries, and what were the real messages behind Old Norse poetry? Are the Norse myths truly just funny stories about gods, trolls and giants, or do they hide some deeper insights? By translating the names, and opening up the myths as metaphor, Kvilhaug reveals how ritual and spiritual mysteries were at the heart and core of Old Norse Paganism.
Hardcover: 712 pages
Publisher: Whyte Tracks; The Heritage Edition edition (January 11, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 8792632289
ISBN-13: 978-8792632289
Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 1.9 x 8.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #339,775 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #43 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry > Regional & Cultural > European > Norse & Icelandic Sagas #72 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry > Regional & Cultural > European > German #120 in Books > Textbooks > Humanities > Religious Studies > Religious History
This book is a treasure trove of insight that has revolutionized how I view Norse mythology. Prior to reading this book and reading/watching Ms. Kvilhaug's website content, I was only familiar with the distorted, bowdlerized renditions of the myths as experienced through popular culture, and wasn't very interested in them as a result. What Ms. Kvilhaug gives us through her work is the Norse myths as a true wisdom tradition. The framework she provides for reading myths as allegories that use mythic formulas, along with the essential standard of translating name-meanings, unlock the deeper meaning in the myths.My only issues with new edition are practical - it's rather heavy (it uses thicker, glossier paper stock maybe to enhance the illustrations) and the print is small. I prefer to read my old print-on-demand version, even with it's binding issues and need for more editing. I would normally also say the price is a bit high (maybe driven up a bit by the paper stock), but frankly I want Ms. Kvilhaug to be supported in the production of her work, so I consider it a good investment and just hope that she gets a good cut.
I have waited a long time for this book and it was worth the wait. Read other input rom readers where the pages faded or binding breaks, so I waited for this edition. The quality of the book is outstanding. Them information inside, is apparent, Ms Kvilhaug did her research. So much information is in the reader's hands, with references, and appendix. I am only a quarter of the way into the book and certain my judgement will remain a constant.
A precious book, well written, an very educative. Lot's of interesting insight's about how to view the language of Norse myths or any world myths from the perspective of ritualistic initiations and symbolic interpretations, yet very deep thought mind twist and enlighten read. 6 out of 5 for this jewel
An amazing, informative, as well as scholarly book that brings such clarity and freshness - instead of the oftentimes stifling dogma and line-toeing we see in academia, as well as among lay-folk concerning this subject. The insights the author arrives at are all backed by solid textual evidence and well-thought-out theories that make sense. Maria Kvilhaug has become a voice of sanity, intelligence and education in Norse Studies. Highly recommended!
This review is for the "Heritage Edition". Having purchased the print-on-demand edition before, I was glad to discover that the problems with that edition (namely, the strangely unclear font/print and the flimsy binding) were fully resolved in this new "real" print run. The new edition is excellent in the quality of print, paper and binding, and is also more compact, which to me was a pleasant surprise! Having said that, the print-on-demand edition was not terrible - but its technical quality did not warrant the price; which the new edition certainly does.Now, to the content. The book is a thoughtful and insightful analysis of the metaphors, references, and other forms employed in Edda poetry, which leads the author to conclude that the Norse myths actually describe a well-developed Pantheist cosmology and philosophy, sharing similarities with ancient Indian religion and with classical Mystery schools.Ms. Kvilhaug makes a persuasive case, and the book is a joy to read. While it lacks somewhat in brevity and could probably benefit from more exact professional editing, these minor deficiencies are amply compensated by how unique this book really is. This is a passionate journey by a multi-talented author fully immersed in her subject. As such, it contains not only scholarship but the author's own experience and life wisdom. In my view, this book is a must for anyone seriously interested in Norse mythology, in Scandinavian history, and beyond that - in the comparative study of religions, mythology and spirituality.
Mind blowing!!! If you have any interest in the germanic / teutonic / norse traditions both academically or as a mystical / magickal path the you really, really need to read this! I have been waiting for a book like this for a very long time. It has confirmed a lot of things that I have found through my personal practice as well as provided me with a wealth of knowledge and other directions to explore. I cannot recommend this book enough.Don't be put off by the price, the book itself is a hefty tome packed full of information and has been bound (hardback version) beautifully and is a joy to read. Thank you Maria for your sharing your amazing insights and hard work!
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