Reddit reviews The Penguin Book of Norse Myths: Gods Of The Vikings

I strongly reccomend 'Norse Myths: Gods of the Vikings' by Kevin Crossley-Holland. It was recommended to me a few months ago and I've only jsut got around to reading it, and I'm only part way through but it is pretty fantastic. It is exactly what you are looking for as it is very well written and easy to understand.

"A series of intertwined tales which together form a strange and fantastical world teeming with gods and goddesses, heroes and monsters, battles and couplings, the Norse myths are as exciting to read as they are of vast cultural and historical importance.

Taking us from the creation of the world through the building of Asgard's Wall to the final end in Ragnorak, and featuring the exploits and adventures of such legendary figures as Odin, Thor and Loki, The Penguin Book of the Norse Myths brings alive the passion, cruelty and heroism of these unforgettable stories."

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Penguin-Book-Norse-Myths/dp/0241953219/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375095688&sr=8-1&keywords=penguin+book+of+norse+myths

The Christian historian Snorri Sturluson, IIRC, claimed that many of the gods were ancient warriors who came to be worshiped as gods. That is, of course, an easy way to dismiss the divinity of Norse mythology.

But there are many gods in other cultures who bear similarities with Norse gods. Thor and Perun come to mind. The gods are largely early explanations for natural phenomena like thunder, the seasons, and other similar things.

You'll find that today's pagans tend to flock to Odin as that is what they are used to, embracing the one head god.

A great primer for Norse mythology is this http://www.amazon.com/Penguin-Book-Norse-Myths-Vikings/dp/0241953219

It puts the myths in plain language and doesn't really have any bias.

If you want to read retellings of the Edda into stories, I could recommend Kevin Crossley Holland's book.