4/5

For fans of: Nordic folklore, Scandinavian folklore, short stories, anthologies, illustrations, illustrated books

The Big Questions:

• What genre is this in? Folklore

• Are there any swoon-worthy characters? No

• Is it spicy? No

• Is it violent or gory? No

• Should I buy, borrow, or pass on this book? If you love collecting folklore from around the world, buy it!

Synopsis: Welcome to a world of mystical adventure—where trolls haunt the snowy forests, terrifying monsters roam the open sea, a young woman journeys to the end of the world, and a boy proves he knows no fear.
 
Translated and transcribed by folklorists in the 19th century, this collection of traditional tales from the enchanting world of Nordic folklore comes to life with glowing contemporary illustrations that conjure dragons, princesses, and the northern lights. At once magical, hilarious, cozy, and chilling, Nordic Tales will enthrall fairy tale fans and captivate those interested in the rich history of Nordic culture.

Review: This collection is RICH with wonderful stories to spend cuddled up in a blanket in the long, dark nights of the winter. There are magical animals, elven Queens, trolls galore, humble farmers, brave young boys, and monstrous dragons. The illustrations are gorgeous and worth the price of the book alone. The stories are grouped into three categories: transformations, wit, and journeys. Each category contains beautifully illustrated stories with modern translations bringing these timeless stories to new audiences. I had a blast reading every story and seeing some major potential for novel-length re-tellings.