The Children of Odin: The Book of Northern Myths
What’s inside...
Master storyteller Padraic Colum's rich, musical voice captures all the magic and majesty of the Norse sagas in his retellings of the adventures of the gods and goddesses who lived in the Northern paradise of Asgard before the dawn of history. Here are the matchless tales of All-Father Odin, who crosses the Rainbow Bridge to walk among men in Midgard and sacrifices his right eye to drink from the Well of Wisdom; of Thor, whose mighty hammer defends Asgard; of Loki, whose mischievous cunning leads him to treachery against the gods; of giants, dragons, dwarfs and Valkyries; and of the terrible last battle that destroyed their world. These ancient stories from Northern Europe, which make up one of the great myth cycles of Western civilization, spring to life in The Children of Odin. The late Padraic Colum was a poet, playwright, founder of the Irish Review and a leader of the Irish Renaissance, but he is perhaps best known today for his outstanding books for children. He was awarded the Regina Medal in 1961 for his 'distinguished contribution to children's literature,' honoring works like The Children's Homer, The Golden Fleece (a Newbery Honor Book), The Arabian Nights, The King of Ireland's Son and Roofs of Gold.
Age
10-14
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Odin
Balder
Thor
Frigg
Freya
Loki
Discussion points
What qualities do the heroes in these myths have that you admire?
How do the characters in the myths handle challenges or conflicts?
What lessons can we learn from the stories about teamwork and bravery?
Which myth was your favorite and why?
How do you think these ancient myths relate to our world today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the world of Norse gods and goddesses, asking how they would feel or react in similar mythological situations.
Discuss the moral and ethical dilemmas presented in the myths, prompting your child to think deeply about right and wrong.
Relate the stories to your child's experiences, connecting themes of courage, friendship, and perseverance to everyday life.
Use the vivid imagery and events in the myths to encourage creative expression, perhaps drawing scenes or characters together.
Ask open-ended questions and give your child ample time to express their thoughts and emotions about the stories.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: Various characters in 'The Children of Odin' face formidable challenges, demonstrating bravery and resilience. For instance, Thor's unyielding spirit in overcoming giants and other formidable adversaries.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to face their own challenges with determination, whether it be trying new activities or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Value of wisdom
Explanation: Odin, the chief god, is consistently portrayed seeking knowledge to make wise decisions, even at great personal cost, exemplifying the pursuit of wisdom.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to value education and seek out knowledge, understanding that informed decisions are often the most effective.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: The gods frequently must work together to overcome obstacles, highlighting how collaboration can achieve goals that might be impossible alone.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the significance of cooperation and working with others to achieve common objectives in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Consequences of deception
Explanation: Loki's trickery often leads to trouble for both himself and others, serving as a cautionary tale about the repercussions of deceit.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the importance of honesty and being trustworthy in their interactions with family and friends.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of loss
Explanation: The tales often include personal and communal losses, yet the characters continue to strive forward, embodying resilience.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to persevere through difficult times, reinforcing that setbacks can be overcome with determination and support from loved ones.