My Years of Reading Myths Paid Off
"The Sword of Summer", the first book in the "Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard" series, could be a smorgasbord. But Rick Riordan didn't pen an Americanized version of "Like Water for Chocolate". J.R.R. Tolkien could have written Magnus Chase's story, which in turn, was inspired from Arthurian legend. There were also similarities between Norse and Greek myths, even if some fans suspected it as another opportunity for Percy Jackson to do another crossover. They were dead wrong. (They forgot Annabeth Chase.) And Valhalla, where the heroic warriors of Odin lived, would become another East High School. Quite close.
The novel began with a homeless Magnus Chase looking forward to another aimless day in Boston. Blitz, a much older hobo (and a guardian of sort to the teenage boy), warned Magnus about an impending calamity. The young drifter had no idea he was the son of Frey, a Norse deity associated with sunshine and fair weather. He would play an important role in Ragnarök, where Frey and the other major figures (in Norse mythology) were killed. The title referred to a blade, encrusted with barnacles and glistening with mud and slime. Loki was pulling a leg!
Everyone was familiar with Loki, Thor's major adversary (and half-brother) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He was THE antagonist in the series, whose daily punishment (of acid being splashed to his right cheek) was similar to Prometheus's eternal suffering. (A Caucasian eagle devoured his regenerating liver.) All of these would make some readers skeptical of Riordan's new series. They read it before. And they don't want another street-smart teenager. But Riordan anticipated it.
"The Sword of Summer" featured assorted minor characters, who would make another appearance in the next book (or the book after next). And Riordan depicted Norse mythology as no less interesting than Greek myth. Readers must expect another character who tried too hard to make a fashion statement, but this would be the least of their concern. Here are the following subplots, which they must remember:
Magnus helped Utgard-Loki, and the gods didn't like it. The son of Frey had only nine days to find the Sumarbrander, the sword that would trigger Ragnarök. A huge eagle gave him valuable information, in exchange of Magnus finding Ydun's apple. (Ydun was the goddess of youth.) The lad had no other choice. The apple turned the eagle into a handsome king. Utgard-Loki introduced himself as a mountain giant and sorcerer, warning Magnus that they would find themselves on opposing sides someday. The giant chose the son of Frey over Thor's dense children, and the next book may reveal if it's good or bad.
Samirah al-Abbas is Riordan's most memorable heroine. Samirah's lineage traced back to the ties between the Vikings and the descendants of Babylonians. Samirah, or Sam for short, happened to be the daughter of Loki, and the valkyries mistrusted her for that. (It might remind some readers of Americans and their wary attitude towards Arab immigrants.) But Sam rose to the challenge. She proved them wrong. And Odin rewarded her with a high-risk assignment. Readers will learn about the details soon.
Will Magnus be a guest of honor in Camp Half-Blood? Annabeth had a few appearances in the book, and the final chapter hinted of Magnus making his presence in Camp Half-Blood. Can the daughter of Athena aid the son of Frey in delaying Ragnarök? Will she join him in another journey through the Nine Worlds? Don't be surprised if the cousins were interrupted and photobombed by the son of Poseidon.
Whatever happened to the hammer of Thor? Magnus was dismayed at Thor. He thought he was a gallant superhero, but he turned out to be a heavy sleeper (and loud snorer). Could this be the reason why his hammer was missing? The god made the teenage boy swore not to tell anyone, as news would prompt their enemies to invade Asgard. But Loki knew it all along. And he would force Randolph Chase, Magnus's uncle, to do the dirty work for him. This might not be Riordan's smartest move, but the writers of Marvel Studios have thought of it.
