Paganism Explained: Part I: Thrymskvida

A very esoteric interpretation of the stanzas of the Prymskvida. Reminds me of Swami Lakshmanjoo's Kashmir Saivite interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita. Not so much in it's thesis, though similar, but rather it's methodology. I look foreword to reading his interpretation of the pre-proto-indo-european versions of other stories.

I like the book it made me think a lot compared to the the length of the book the book is short but full of meaning. Not like a lot of pop science book's where the scientist put in his idea in 20p spaced out in a 250p book and the cowrither or the scientist put in a lot of other science (mostly the same as in other pop science books) and somtimes small coments how it in some way connect to the subjects.The Intro is great and make a lot of sense.It meade me see paganism in a another lightI'd it made me understand a more of human nature and culture.The translation was of "Prymaskvida" (I unsure how to spell it whith English leters)Intresting.One improvement the Varg can make to the English version is to phush verse 5 to next page so the rest of the verses original and translations come on the same pages. I found myself fliping fort and back.The interpretation of the story was intresting. But I am not convinced jet so I have to read more and think more first.The build quality is wery solid even more solid then some hard backs resistant to teraring and force. Instead of curling of the cover you get from most paper backs you get the the front page standing up at a angle from the book. I prefer it to normal paper backs.Ps I am not a native English speaker.

The writings of Varg and his wife which perform an analysis of the origins and meaning of pagan practices and beliefs are, throughout the entirety of this series, truly excellent. I may be more theistic than Varg, but I believe that he has thoroughly uncovered certain elements that are at the root of Indo-European cultural identity. This book, and the others in its series, are an immensely important contribution to rebuilding a sense of Indo-European spiritual and cultural values in a society that wants to see us destroyed and marginalized.

Great book as far as concept and idea. I love Vargs way of thinking about the world. I do wish Varg had condensed all these pamphlets into one book, it would make for a more satisfying and fulfilling read. That being said, it's refreshing to read his take on tradition and spirituality. Would have been 5 stars if I didn't finish after 25 minutes feeling like I spent $6 on an article.

Amazing explanation of what is called the Norse myth Thrymskvida, of the Poetic Edda. Instead of a curious story about odd battles between mythical beings, Thor's hammer, etc., Marie Cachet's unique and very original explanation of the poem demonstrates that it was and is an intellectually advanced "scientific, medical" explanation of birth and a proof of rebirth as realized by the Nordic peoples of the so-called prehistoric times. Together with Varg Vikernes' presentation of the Norse-language poem and its English-language interpretation and with his translation of Marie Cachet's explanation (French to English) of the true meaning of the poem, the 30 minutes time for reading this short book, is one of the most beneficial 30 minutes of a half-century lifetime. I look forward to the next book (books) of this series.

Don't get too focused on grammar here. English is not the authors' first language; may not even be their second, and they tend to write in a speaking style.What is presented in these short and inexpensive books is an interpretation of mythology I have never heard anywhere else. The metaphors of birth, life and death, even reincarnation are explained realistically, not in a supernatural way as the Christianization of the religion has done.I have associated with Asatru/Heathenism/Paganism for years but not totally embraced it as I do now.I have Parts I through IV so far- awaiting more from Varg and Marie.

Short sweet and simple. Been a big fan of Varg for years, it's a shame his channel was taken down from Youtube. I bought this book, and to no surprised i loved it, no Abrahamic interpretations. Just the raw form of what our people truly believed. Not all of our beliefs are literal but in a sense they are riddles. Very cleverly showed this in the book. I bought all the other Paganism Explained books, waiting for them to arrive at the moment.

I enjoyed the book, and I have had a growing interest for several years now in European paganism and other traditions as well. I have no doubt that there are many interpretations, and people will argue that one set is more accurate or correct as another but that has no concern for me. As an educated historian, I have come to expect to have to read many sources and manage to pull what they hold in common as being most important.

It does nothing to explain what Paganism is... 90% of the pages are full of story lines between Thor and Loki!! It reads in a disjointed fashion of non related subject matter!! I can only assume that this is a self publication! Total rot.

Presents interesting theories, but without a shred of evidence or reference to back them up. Strident ranting and patronising simplification. No references. In a book such as this, academic-style reference are essential; you are treading on this ice, and you need to prove where you have walked from to stay credible, as well as permit your readers to explore your sources themselves and further the conversation. It doesn't stay credible, and there is no pretence at a dialogue with readers, or a "stand on the shoulders of giants" kind of intellectual legacy. And the author is a neo-nazi of the Nordic Nationalism breed. Very very disappointing on all counts.

Really interesting book and it makes a lot of sense! Given me a great appreciation for the knowledge the people from those times had, like that they knew how hormones were an integral part to some of the stages of childbirth.

A quite short book but it contains all that I expected from it. An introduction by Varg Vikernes, followed by the Þrymskviða with its English translation. Then an explanation of it and advice on how to interpret it by Marie Cachet. I was more than happy to read it because it gave me a completely new way of thinking about this for me, since long well known text. I am looking forward to read the coming next volumes in what is promised to be a series of booklets. Hopefully they might even come in a higher quality collection volume one day.

Although it’s kind of short it gives exactly what it says on the cover. I noticed a tiny typo/spelling mistake in the English translation but it’s not a big deal. I didn’t know anything about paganism really until now I’ve read this. It’s interesting if you want to get into the meaning (probably a very good interpretation) of this tale.I’m going to buy the rest as well .-)