Norse Mythology
Reading Order.
Start Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman with "Norse Mythology", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.
Gaiman's retellings of the classic myths of the Norse gods and giants, presented in prose and graphic novel formats.
Short Answer:
Start with "Norse Mythology"
To experience the narrative as intended, read the main sequence in Publication Order.Ignore novellas and side stories until you finish the first 3 core novels. This resolves all timeline confusion and preserves every major twist.
Community Consensus
"There is extremely little direct discussion about a specific reading order for 'Norse Mythology.' The conversation quickly pivots to recommending foundational texts in general high fantasy (like Malazan, Narnia, and Magician). The only primary source text for Norse mythology that is specifically referenced is the Eddas."
The only direct recommendation for source material related to Norse Mythology is consulting 'the Eddas' (likely referring to the Poetic and/or Prose Edda).
At a Glance
- First Book:Norse Mythology
- Latest Book:Norse Mythology
- Timeline:2018 - 2018
Why This Order Is Confusing
Many reading lists for Norse Mythology conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.
Can I skip the short stories?
Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it for Norse Mythology. The shorter volumes often establish the core character motivations and world-building that the main saga assumes you already know.
I watched the show/movie first — where should I start?
Ignore the screen adaptations' timeline. Start with "Norse Mythology" to see the original depth of the world. The books offer a significantly different (and usually more complete) experience than the on-screen versions.
Why do people disagree on the order?
Disagreement usually stems from the conflict between purely chronological order and publication order. Most long-term fans recommend publication order to preserve the emotional arc and mystery reveals.
Recommended Reading Order Strategy
The authoritative way to read the "Norse Mythology" series is in Publication Order. Start with the first published book. It's the way the author intended the world to be revealed.This ensures you experience character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.
Complete Series Reading Order
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Is it okay to skip books in the Norse Mythology series?
We recommend ignoring novellas and short stories until you finish the core sequence. However, main sequence novels should never be skipped as they contain critical character development and plot progression.
What is the best order to read Norse Mythology?
The final answer for the best experience is to start with "Norse Mythology" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as Neil Gaiman intended.
Can I read Norse Mythology books in any order?
No. The main narrative is strictly sequential. Skipping volumes or reading out of order will lead to significant plot spoilers and confusion regarding character arcs.
Are there spin-offs or companion books?
Yes, the Norse Mythology universe includes several companion works. These are marked as 'Optional' in our guide and can be read at any time without disrupting the main storyline.