A Writing Root for Norse Myths

Overview and Outcomes:

This is a 20-session Literary Leaf for Norse Myths by Kevin Crossley-Holland, covering all aspects of the Lower Key Stage 2 content domain. We thought this text would make a perfect text for a Literary Leaf because of the opportunity to study a broad range of short stories with familiar characters and compelling plot lines.  Children will follow the gods Odin, Thor and Loki as they navigate the magic and mystery of the Norse world.  Children will examine the author's use of language to entice the reader, as well as compare and contrast characters and their motivations.  There will be numerous opportunities for predicting, summarising and making inferences, and children will use their developing knowledge of myths to give their opinions and make suggestions.

This Literary Leaf finishes after the chapter Thor’s Great Journey to Utgard (page 141) and covers fourteen of the twenty-three chapters.  The rest of the book can be read and enjoyed for pleasure if time is limited.   

Synopsis of Text:

This beautifully written and illustrated text tells the truly epic tale of the Norse gods from the creation of the universe to their eventual end – and the rebirth of all things again. The Carnegie Medal-winning author, Kevin Crossley Holland, regales readers with the back and forth struggles between the gods of Asgard and the frost giants of Jotunheim. He delves into the intricate relationships between the gods themselves and how the treacherous Loki embroils them in various troubles time and time again. Jeffery Alan Love’s illustrations are striking and create a truly theatrical and animated backdrop for these colourful, ancient stories.

Links:

Myths, gods, Vikings