Scandinavia is a region of mists and ice, of barren crags and threatening shores, favored only by a short season of sun and crops. The setting of Myths of the Norsemen gives the reader a sense of this harsh land and seascape, but much of the action occurs in a more cosmic realm.

Central to this realm is the World Tree—Yggdrasill—a massive evergreen ash that holds up the heavens with its branches and reaches with its roots to the depths of the underworld where dwell the dreaded frost giants. At the crown of the great tree is Asgard, the realm of the gods, who are called the Aesir. Here there are many splendid halls, especially Odin's palace, Gladsheim. Nearby is Valhalla, where warriors slain in battle are feasted. From a special seat, called Lidskialf or heaven crag, Odin can view all of the worlds...