Padraic Colum 
The Children of Odin 

First published in 1920, ’The Children of Odin’ is the retelling of famous North myths for children by the acclaimed Irish poet, novelist, playwright, and children’s author Padraic Colum. With illustrations by Willy Pogany this volume brings classic Norse literature and mythology to a wider audience and makes it accessible to children of all ages. Born in 1881 in Ireland, Colum first rose to fame as a playwright and poet in Dublin and became a leading figure in the Irish Literary Revival. In 1914, Colum and his wife came to the United States and remained there for most of the rest of their lives. Once in America, Colum began to write children’s literature, beginning with the retelling of Irish folklore. In “The Children of Odin”, Colum’s masterful and award-winning storytelling brings the gods and goddesses of Asgard to life: the wise All-Father Odin, mighty Thor with his hammer, the wily and mischievous Loki, and the dragons, giants, dwarves, and Valkyries that inhabit their world as well. In his lyrical and beautiful prose, Colum tells the story of this rich world from its beginning to its final battle.