Whether you're a fan of Marvel movies and comics, the works of Tolkien, video games, or a certain Canadian historical drama, you will likely find yourself somewhat adjacent to Norse mythology. Even if none of these applies to you, you've probably had at least vague exposure to this canon. "Vague" as compared to Greek and Roman mythology, at least. While the fingerprints of Norse mythology are everywhere, from our entertainment to the days of the week, we tend to have gaps in our knowledge. (And many of those gaps end up filled by modern takes on the characters and scenarios.)

I've never fancied myself an expert on Norse mythology, so I was excited to dive into this one. Norse Mythology: The Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes Handbook is exactly what the title says: a Who's Who of major figures throughout this particular lineage of myths and legends.

Many books along these lines have to choose between being thorough and being accessible to the layperson; however, Dr. Kelsey A. Fuller-Shafer achieves both. This is an extremely approachable volume, written to entertain as much as to educate. Dr. Fuller-Shafer leads with context about the social structure and values of the people to whom these myths belong, along with a bit of mythbusting as regards our modern perception of Vikings.

From there, the book is divided up into sections on the Aesir and Vanir, Jotun and other villains, and human heroes. While this book can be either read through at one go or referenced using the index, there is benefit to reading the "Human Heroes" section in order as it tells its story chronologically. Both within the text proper and in endnotes, space is given to a run-down of cultural (pop and otherwise) references to these characters and their different versions.

Dr. Fuller-Shafer's easy and informative prose reads like a lecture from that one college professor whose class you never wanted to miss. And even though it can be referenced piecemeal, a narrative does emerge if you read it cover to cover. (For instance, Odin popping up with all the dread reliability of Michael Eisner in a Defunctland playlist.) With that said, this is not a one-and-done read, no matter how you approach it. This is something to be kept handy and referred to regularly.

Throughout the book are full-color illustrations by Sara Richard, depicting the human and superhuman heroes of these tales. These gorgeous otherworldly renderings bring to life the cast and events of the legends explored, lending a beautiful uncanniness to them. That said, my personal favorite image in the book is of its most human subject: Snorri, author of the Prose Edda, looking extremely contented as he enjoys a drink in his legendary hot tub.

Whether you're a fan of media inspired by Norse mythology or just crave knowledge, this handbook is a beautiful addition to your library.

Norse Mythology: The Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes Handbook is available now.