Marvelous Mythology

If you're a fan of Marvel Comics' take on Norse mythology, you're soon in for a treat. The trailer for the movie "Thor" was released this week, and the film is scheduled for release May 6, 2011. Here's a synopsis of the film from the Marvel website:

"Thor spans the Marvel Universe from present day Earth to the realm of Asgard. At the center of the story is the mighty Thor, a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth by his father Odin and is forced to live among humans. ... It’s while here on Earth that Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth."

In the meantime, if you'd like to brush up on your Norse mythology as told by a master storyteller, get one of Dag Rossman's six books on the subject, including "The Dragonseeker's Saga: New Tales of the Nine Worlds," (Skandisk, 2009) or "The Northern Path: Norse Myths and Legends Retold...And What They Reveal" (Seven Paws Press, 2005). Rossman, who got his start as a storyteller at District 5 Masse Moro language camp, is a member of Valdres 1-503 in Decorah, Iowa, and was featured in the February 2010 issue of Viking.

Amy Boxrud is editor of Viking magazine. She lives with her family in Northfield, Minn., where she’s a member of Nordmarka 1-585.