This book is the first that I have read about the Northern European mythos, and it is fantastic. It may easily be one of the best sources out in paperback.

H.R. Ellis-Davidson wrote this book in the 1950's or 1960's, but the scholarly research is sound. She splits her book into chapters discussing gods of War, gods of fertility, gods of death, gods of the sea, unusual/unknown gods, etc. In each section, a particular god is discussed in relation to his/her myth, and just about every type of empirical/archeaological support is given for her statements. Unlike many books on pagan/heathen/ancient religion, Ellis-Davidson does not try to change the myths, or "Christianize" them. She presents them as objectively as possible, and gives many resources for one to explore the myths himself/herself.

With all these scholarly citations, you may think that this book is a boring read. Not at all! Each story is presented in a very lyrical tone, and supporting evidence is presented to the reader in a gentle way, so as not to overwhelm. *smiles*

I purchased this book on Amazon.com, and I am sure it is in most bookstores. Happy reading!