Neil Gaiman Puts His Spin On Thor In Norse Mythology Novel

Neil Gaiman is known for tackling mythology. His award-winning novel American Gods will soon hit television, and his other words like Anansi Boys and Good Omens also feature various pantheons. So, really, it's not surprising to learn Neil will soon give us his take on Norse myths and deities.

The author is set to release his book Norse Mythology next year on February 17, 2017. Neil took to Facebook recently to update fans on the project, telling them that he's been working on the novel for years.

"It's my retelling of the world of Norse mythology, from the beginning until Ragnarok and after, with Thor and Giants and Loki and Freyr and all sorts of interesting things on the way," Neil wrote. "I took real joy in telling the stories, and trying to make them both accurate and interesting."

The author also unveiled the book's cover which prominently features Mjolnir atop a background of stars.

If you want to check out the book's synopsis, then feel free to read it below:

"Neil Gaiman has long been inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction. Now he turns his attention back to the source, presenting a bravura rendition of the great northern tales.

In Norse Mythology, Gaiman fashions primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds; delves into the exploits of the deities, dwarves, and giants; and culminates in Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods and the rebirth of a new time and people. Gaiman stays true to the myths while vividly reincarnating Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin's son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki, the son of a giant, a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator.

From Gaiman's deft and witty prose emerges the gods with their fiercely competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to dupe others, and their tendency to let passion ignite their actions, making these long-ago myths breathe pungent life again."

The actor first confirmed his work on Norse Mythology earlier this year in an interview with the NYTimes. "To get the opportunity to retell the myths and poems we have inherited from the Norse was almost too good to be true," he gushed. "I hope the scholarship is good, but much more than that, I hope that I have retold stories that read like the real thing: sometimes profound, sometimes funny, sometimes heroic, sometimes dark, and always inevitable."

Next year will be a busy one for Neil as the acclaimed author will be debuting both books and television projects. STARZ will premiere their live-action adaptation of American Gods in 2017 and pre-production will start on an Interworld television series.

[H/T] Facebook