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Bjørn Larssen
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Why Odin Drinks: Humorous Norse Mythology Retelling Kindle Edition

by Bjørn Larssen (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.0 out of 5 stars 45 ratings

'A delightfully quirky satire I didn't know I needed.' – Jenny Lawson, NYT bestselling author of Broken (In the Best Possible Way)
'Funny, quirky and surreal, this is the Norse Myth you've been craving' – Joanne Harris, NYT bestselling author of The Gospel of Loki

Poor Odin only just started existing and already has a Universe to decorate, a smug Tree to ignore, and two competitive brothers who think they’d make better All-Fathers. His wife, who knows the future, won’t tell him a word because of his cheating, which he hasn’t even invented yet. Horrible things such as celery, mosquitoes, Loki’s dubious sense of humour, and people keep happening at him. The esteemed egg whisk and highly regarded feather duster? Not so much. There are only two sensible things Odin can do: 1) hang from the judgy Tree for nine days with a spear through his side and 2) drink from the Well of Wisdom, whose guardian, Sir Daddy Mímir, likes one-of-a-kind gifts. In his head, Odin’s idea seems wise…

Perfect for fans of Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, Jenny Lawson, and Calvin & Hobbes, Why Odin Drinks is suitable for readers aged 14+. The book features no graphic content, although some characters wish it would.
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  1. Book 1 of 1
    Why Odin Drinks
  2. Print length
    260 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    April 1, 2022
  6. Reading age
    14 - 18 years
  7. File size
    1.2 MB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

“Larssen has somehow managed to invent the quadruple entendre” – Sean Gibson
In the beginning there was confusion

Creation Ever woken up being a God, but not knowing how to God properly? Your brothers, impossible to restrain, keep creating mosquitoes, celery, and other even more terrifying weapons. How do you become THE All-Father and make them, at best, the All-Those-Uncles-We-Don’t-Talk-About?

Loki Runes Everything Odin isn’t happy. His brother believes in the afterlife. His future-telling wife, Frigg, sends him shopping. Loki asks Helpful Questions. What can you do but hang yourself from the Tree with a spear in your side for nine days? (Don't answer that.)

Fashionteller When Freya, her brother, her hubris, and her miniskirt pay Frigg (and her rabbit sweatpants) a visit, Frigg decides to become the vanguard of haute couture. As she’s taking a peek at the future anyway… what does one wear on The Final Day?

The Well of Wise Dom Desperate to learn what women think, Odin heads for the well of wisdom… guarded by the Wise Dom. Can he afford to pay for a sip – but, more importantly, should he?

"An ingeniously ridiculous, relatable, and refreshing spin on the Norse myth of creation.”

Editorial Reviews

Review

So, I loved it! Here's my quote: "Funny, quirky and surreal, this is the Norse myth you've been craving." Will it do? - Joanne Harris, NYT bestselling author of The Gospel of Loki and Chocolat

Hilarious and entertaining with more double entendres than you can shake Odin's Stick at, Why Odin Drinks smashes you across the face with the force of an Yggdrasil-forged club. It's hard to say which hits hardest: the brilliantly biting satire, penetrating insight into humanity's foibles, or blissfully reckless absurdity.
It's safe(word) to say that Larssen's tight prose is stuffed to bursting with wis(e)dom.
- Sean Gibson, author of the bestselling comedic fantasy The Part About the Dragon Was (Mostly) True

There is philosophy here which hits the satire target repeatedly and with force. If it doesn't startle you and give you pause, well, no wonder you ain't vegan.
Why Odin Drinks is funny, heart-warmingly so at times. It makes you smile but it also makes you think. As Jonathan Swift, another literary satirist once said, "Satire is a glass wherein beholders discover everybody's face but their own."
Bjørn Larssen is a modern-day Swift.
- Phil Parker, author of The Valkyrie of Vanaheim

Why Odin Drinks is a riot! It's a wild romp through the early days of Norse mythology in which the usually austere and oh-so-seriously somber actions of the divine are presented through a much more relatable and human lens: that of accident prone impulsive behavior, juvenile growing pains, and intractable sibling rivalries. A dark undercurrent pervades (this is Norse mythology, after all) but the general tone remains a hugely fun tongue-in-cheek affair balanced out with a steady dose of postmodernist underpinnings.
The book's godly ongoings are wondrously comedic yet remain faithfully relevant to the Eddic source material. Featuring laugh-out-loud instances of Odinic delirium, literally personified literature, bee-squid daydream believing, prehistoric bondage advisors, avian ass-thetics, cosmic tree trash-talk, and even some good old-fashioned mockery of the male appendage, Why Odin Drinks is an obvious no-brainer for anyone who appreciates their ancient lore retold in a clever and funny fashion.
- Rowdy Geirsson, author of Norse Mythology for Bostonians and The Scandinavian Aggressors

Larssen is never preachy to the reader; and he never insults the reader's intelligence. But underneath his jibes is a seriousness and veracity that slaps us cold in the face when we least expect it, and we wonder if we really understood what he was REALLY saying all along. Were we too busy laughing?
That moment when you are chuckling with your friend about a joke they made and then you suddenly stop in your tracks and ask yourself: "Wait a minute! Were you just making fun of me? Or were you making fun of yourself?"
When I think of Why Odin Drinks, I can only think of the words "hilarious" and brilliant". When I think of Bjørn Larssen, I can only think of the word "genius". Somewhere, I believe, the esteemed Terry Pratchett, is smiling and nodding with approval at Larssen, who appears to be on a path to inheriting Pratchett's throne as the best fantasy satirist to-date.
- PL Stuart, author of A Drowned Kingdom and The Last of the Atalanteans

Why Odin Drinks is a delightful romp through the Norse creation myth through the eyes of an interminably perplexed Odin who hilariously struggles to comprehend the meaning of his own creation. Flagrantly irreverent and exquisitely insightful, Larssen has secured his place on my bookshelf beside the likes of Adams and Pratchett. A must read for lovers of Norse mythology and satire!
- Joshua Gillingham, author of The Saga of Torin Ten-Trees

Larssen is a gifted and versatile writer and he judges this collection just right. Why Odin Drinks had me laughing out loud and it's an absolute pleasure to read. It's the kind of book where you find yourself reading out your favourite passages to whoever happens to be sitting nearby, whether they asked you to or not! I'm not sorry.
- Tim Hardie, author of Hall of Bones and Sundered Souls

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09KM3GGWM
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ josephtailor
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 1, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.2 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 260 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-9082998580
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 1 ‏ : ‎ Why Odin Drinks
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 14 - 18 years
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.0 out of 5 stars 45 ratings

About the author

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Bjørn Larssen

Bjørn Larssen

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Bjørn Larssen is an award-winning author of historical fiction and fantasy, dark and funny in varying proportions. His writing has been described as ‘dark,’ ‘literary,’ ‘cinematic,’ ‘hilarious,’ and ‘there were points where I was almost having to read through a small gap between my fingers.’

Bjørn has a Master of Science degree in mathematics, and has previously worked as a graphic designer, a model, a bartender, and a blacksmith (not all at the same time). He currently lives with his husband in Almere, which is unfortunately located in The Netherlands, rather than Iceland.

He has only met an elf once. So far.

2022 Queer Indie Lit Award – Winner (Best Author – Speculative)

2021 Eric Hoffer Grand Prize Award – Finalist ('Storytellers')

2020 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner – Historical Fiction ('Storytellers')

2020 Stabby Award Nominee ('Children')

Find out more about Bjørn at https://www.bjornlarssen.com

Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
45 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • A.E.S.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Hilarious
    Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This is a very clever retelling of a few Norse myths. It’s funny and in the style of Terry Pratchett. I really hope there’s a sequel or two there are still plenty of myths to retell.
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  • KC
    2.0 out of 5 stars Nordic confusion as comedy
    Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2024
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    I'm sure that this book would be more entertaining if I had more knowledge of Nordic mythology than the bits from Wagner's Ring. The seemingly random ramblings made this work an effort to complete reading. I'll suspect that I'm the wrong audience.
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  • KYLE LOCKHAVEN
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fun in so many ways!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    The thing I loved most about this book was that it knew it was a book, more than any other book I've ever read before, and it used this knowledge to make me blurt out laughing every other page. It's obviously heavy on humor, but I wouldn't say too much so. It has just the right amount of story and humor interlaced to make an easy, enjoyable, fun-as-hell read.
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  • Traci Otte
    5.0 out of 5 stars I hope there's a sequel!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I love this book - the writing style, the humor, the use of acronyms (KKMF!), the characters, and so much more. I now know why Odin drinks, but I do NOT know the appeal of egg whisks. Hopefully this is explained in the next book. Because there WILL be a next book, right, Mr. Author?!?
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  • Miss Dusty Monkey
    5.0 out of 5 stars Laugh out loud take on ancient myths
    Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    If you’re into humorous adaptations of ancient mythology, this is the book for you. It’s hysterical and I am so in love with all of the characters. I can’t wait to see more from this fantastic author!
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  • SueB
    5.0 out of 5 stars Hilarious retelling of Norse myths
    Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2022
    The media could not be loaded.
    Why Odin Drinks is a collection of four comedic fantasy retellings of the Norse myths. The stories are peppered with familiar names from the Norse myths and stories which have been told many times in Norse fantasy, but never before with such snarky and irreverent humour. Larssen’s take on the myths is truly original and well worth reading.

    In the first story, Creation, which was previously published as a standalone, we see Odin and his lesser known brothers Vili and Ve on a creation spree with wide eyed abandon.

    Odin philosophizes about what makes a thing alive and whether it is OK to eat such things. Vili continues making pretty things and Ve makes things that cause pain and destruction.

    When humans are added to the mix the author includes some social commentary.

    Chaos ensues until a tragedy occurs and gives the gods pause. Then Odin turns introspective while considering that actions have consequences – even those of the gods…

    Creation’s tongue in cheek humour is refreshing and makes for many laugh out loud moments.

    The second story is Loki Runes Everything, in which Odin is continuing to haphazardly create things without any kind of order or planning – until he comes to the conclusion that he needs both a plan and someone to organise him – he needs a wife! I’m sure many people will be able to relate to this feeling. And wouldn’t it be perfect if his wife could see the future and help decide which order to create things in? Enter Frigg. Now everything will be perfect, right? It isn’t long before the reality of living with said wife and trying to satisfy her every whim kicks in.

    Frigg sees everything in the future all at once which is highly overwhelming – particularly since she doesn’t have any coffee, pillows, Manolos or concealer yet!! What has Odin been playing at?!

    In this story Larssen includes the myth where Odin hangs from the World Tree, Yggdrasil with a spear in his side in order to procure the power of runes, Loki having trussed him up and stuck the spear in him as per Odin’s request. Up to this point, his main advisor has been Madam A (Angrboda from the myths), whose propensity for bondage has given him ideas suggesting being hanged from a tree might be enjoyable at some level.

    When Odin meets the three Norns, they have an interesting lesson in verb tenses for Odin, which must have been extremely difficult to write and/or edit, with each sister speaking in their own tense the whole time, with Odin getting more and more confused:

    ““So I am sitting here with time?” Odin asked, paying less attention to Skuld’s words than he will think he should. Had. Would have will.”

    Story 3 is Fashionteller and features Frigg as a future-telling fashion victim goddess. I enjoyed Frigg’s description of her visions as “future burps” and her unhealthy obsession with a future tv show called Blabbing with Bjarnisdóttirs. There are so many things she has seen and wants to own now, but her voracious appetite will not be slaked if she cannot describe the things properly to Odin, their creator.

    When Freya and Freyr show up from Vanaheim, Freya’s condescension towards frumpy Frigg reminded me of Alexis Rose from Schitt’s Creek.

    Frigg’s constant disappearing into visions of the future are annoying Skuld since the things Frigg sees will now have to happen and that complicates the Norns’ tapestry of Time.

    I really enjoyed Frigg’s characterisation. No wonder she is cranky when she can’t yet have all of the lovely future things she sees and is constantly being mansplained to by people who don’t know anywhere near as much as she does and can’t take their eyes off her chest.

    Larssen has an engaging way of addressing the reader without actually doing so directly:

    “The list kept expanding anyway in a slightly deluded way, not unlike what would be called TBR piles in the future. Unfortunately, similar to all owners of TBR piles, Frigg didn’t know which of her expectations were unrealistic.”

    The final story is The Well of Wise-Dom which has a number of insightful and somewhat prophetic comments to make about war. Sir Daddy Mímir is the leather-clad Wise-Dom who tries to stop Odin from seeking all knowledge by drinking from his well. But Odin being Odin is stubborn and determined to do whatever he wants. He gains insight into how to win wars – by having the best, strongest and hardest warriors:

    “The only way to stop a great army is to have an even greater army.”

    “…What I’m saying is that there is no such thing as inevitable when you have control.”

    Bjørn Larssen is an exceptionally talented comedic writer. His timing is perfect and the hilarity flows so well that you can read each of these novellas in one sitting. However there is always an intelligent social commentary to be found not too far beneath the surface satire of his stories. If you are a fan of absurd humour with a point of view, you will love this book as much as I did!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Sean B. Gibson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Hilarious and entertaining with more double entendres than you can shake Odin’s Stick at
    Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2022
    Hilarious and entertaining with more double entendres than you can shake Odin’s Stick at, Why Odin Drinks smashes you across the face with the force of an Yggdrasil-forged club. It’s hard to say which hits hardest: the brilliantly biting satire, penetrating insight into humanity’s foibles, or blissfully reckless absurdity.

    It’s safe(word) to say that Larssen’s tight prose is stuffed to bursting with wis(e)dom.
    One person found this helpful
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  • PatriciasBooks
    5.0 out of 5 stars Witty, funny as hell.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I don't know about you but I loved mythology when I was in my teens. I hadn't realized how much I still do till I read Bjørn Larssen's book Children. And now comes Why Odin drinks. Word of advice: dont drink while reading this. You'll just spit it out while laughing so hard. Its broken into four sections, each one wonderfully witty. The Gods in this book are hilarious screwups. Kinda. Odin is my favorite. The author has the best sense of humor and God knows (or is it Odin or Loki knows? Whatever) we really can all use a laugh right now.

    After you read this I highly recommend you look at his other books. Storytellers is brilliant.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Terry Tyler
    4.0 out of 5 stars He's the All-Father. Honest he is.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 10, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I read this via an ARC, for Rosie Amber's Review Team. The fact that it was free has not affected this honest review.

    I read the first episode of Bjørn Larssen's (very) alternative Norse mythology, Creation, which is now incorporated into this book - this is good, because I was able to re-read it before embarking on the confused All-Father's further adventures.

    I think I would need to know a lot more about Norse mythology than I do in order to fully appreciate this, though I did look up bits and bobs here and there, which helped. The idea of portraying Odin as rather hesitant and not quite sure of his role as ultimate creator, is inspired. Problem is that he and all the other gods (and versions of Odin in the past, present and future) know about everything that will be (which seems logical, what with them being deities), but are not always sure whether items or concepts actually exist yet. Like Odin's wife Frigg not being sure what a miniskirt is, but knowing she wants one.

    'What sort of tea will you have?'
    'They haven't discovered it yet,' said Urðr. 'He looks like the lapsang souchong type to me, though.'

    One of my favourite aspects was the occasional presence of 'literature'. She is an entity that whispers to Odin's mind a piece of information pertaining to something that has just been said, such as 'Loki is foreshadowing', but Odin cannot see her; he just hears the sound of her sneakers as she sprints away. I love that.

    In parts 2-4 we meet many more gods - Loki, Freya and Freyr, and Frigg. Freya, goddess of love, beauty, fertility, sex, war and gold (pretty much all the most important things to a Norseman, one imagines) is portrayed as a sort of Paris Hilton type, which I thought was genius.

    'As he travelled, Odin thoroughly investigated people of all shapes and sizes, casually letting it slip that he was the All-Father'.

    Some of the time the references went over my head because of my lack of knowledge of the subject, though other times I felt the prose needed a bit of tightening up; it seemed to career away with itself now and again. However, the good is very very good, and I also liked the pertinent observations about life and death, time and war, woven amongst the ridiculousness. And the ending. Clever.

    A light-hearted romp through Norse mythology, and a fitting development for Bjørn Larssen's comedic talent!
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  • Stephanie Jane (Literary Flits)
    4.0 out of 5 stars So funny!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 29, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    There are four stories in Why Odin Drinks. I read the first one already because it was published separately with the title Creation. The stories were very funny. I laughed so much. Odin is often a laughing stock because he is confused with the new world. I think that it is helpful to already know the original myths. It is difficult to understand some of Odin's decisions and choices without this knowledge.

    I like how Larssen uses literary devices such as foreshadowing. The idea of Literature whispering things and then running away is also entertaining. There are lots of clever ideas in these stories. He showed me a new way to see the Norse myths. I enjoyed the book and I hope there will be more soon.
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  • Maddie Nicholas
    2.0 out of 5 stars Dark
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 18, 2022
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    Lots and lots of dialogue, I found myself skipping as not enough characterisation to keep me interested, would not compare with Pratchett as per the strap line.
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  • Darrenbrad
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awsome book with an Awsome story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 30, 2022
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    The writer of this book should be very proud this is a funny we written book
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