This collection of stories, originally published in 1901, is a graceful retelling of stories from the Eddas. The Norse gods come alive for us as we watch Odin, Thor, Loki (here called Loke) perform their familiar roles for us in the length of time between The Making of the World and The Twilight of the Gods.

The individual stories, enclosed on each page by marvelous intertwined bird and animal cartouches, recount everything from Odin's trip to Mimir for knowledge to the making of Thor's hammer, to the loss of the apples of Idun, to the binding of the Fenris Wolf with a supple, strong, silken twine that was "made out of such things as the sound of a cat's footsteps, the roots of the mountains, the breath of a fish, and the sinews of a bear. Nothing could break it." Just as you think of a story you wish Hamilton Wright Mabie would tell, there it is spread before you. This collection surely will appeal to young people; it is a masterful retelling of the great Norse stories.

This book truly is a little treasure. Wonderful parables to ponder and savor!