From Earth and Sky
Norse mythology: retellings and speculations

Starting from a close reading of original sources and commentaries, this book tells most of the Norse mythology in a single long narrative in alliterative verse, similar to the original. Tyr is restored to his original role as sky-father and much of the storytelling is in dialogue between Tyr and the original Earth-mother, Jord. Where essential elements of the mythology are missing, such as some elements of the creation myth, the birth of Loki, his blood-brothership with Odin and the origin of the wild hunt, the author speculates and provides possible (and fully reasoned) alternatives. A glossary of names and detailed notes with references are provided.

The result is a satisfying tale of the Norse that gives us a better idea of how these stories might have been originally before the Christianising influences of Snorri and Saxo.

Beautifully designed and typeset, this book is supplemented with Sadie Kaye's own lino print illustrations influenced by original Viking art and artifacts.

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1914246487, x+228 pages,, paperback. Available from Amazon at https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1914246489 or direct from Sadie Kaye at sadie@sadie.org.uk (bank transfer, cash, or ask for paypal address to use).

An immense tree / an edifice to all,
grows now; to Jord / is given a gift.
The ash of the sky, / Alfather’s achievement,
binding blue sky / to blooming earth.

This tremendous ash, / this tree of Tyr:
its anchors artfully / arch themselves down,
deep into Niflheim, / and deep into Muspellheim;
ever yearning, / Yggdrassil grows.

A great root goes under / the grounds of the gods
where it is wetted by / water from Urdhr’s well;
two swans there swim / in the shining white wake
and peace reigns / perfectly in place.

Another root gropes / in Ginnungagap itself:
it finds cool water / in the well of wisdom---
a clearing of insight / a copse of common sense,
where discerning Mimir / has a daily draught.

The third root hunts out / hellish Hverlgelmir
and suffers the dragon / Nidhhoggr’s attention.
It gnaws at the tree / and will continue to nibble
until Vidhofnir crows / the cosmos’s cessation.