The Shadow of the Gods

For The Shadow of the Gods, John Gwynne took heavy inspiration from Norse mythology. The novel’s world, Vigrið, is one shaped by the aftermath of a great divine war known as the Battle of the Gods, during which the gods destroyed each other. The concept mirrors the Norse idea of Ragnarök, the apocalyptic battle that leads to the death of gods and the reshaping of the world.

One of the most significant ways Gwynne invokes Norse mythology is through his portrayal of fate. In Norse lore, fate (or wyrd) is an inescapable force, often personified by the Norns, divine beings who weave the destinies of gods and men. Similarly, the characters in The Shadow of the Gods are bound by forces beyond their control, whether it be the influence of their bloodlines, the consequences of past actions, or the lingering shadows of the gods. For instance, Orka’s story reflects the inevitability of vengeance cycles often seen in Norse sagas. Her quest to rescue her son from kidnappers ties into the theme of Familial Bonds and Sacrifice, reminiscent of myths like those of Sigurd’s family in the Völsunga Saga.

Similarly, Varg’s efforts to uncover the truth of his sister’s death showcase the Norse preoccupation with uncovering hidden truths and fulfilling obligations to kin.