I have always loved mythology, in particular, Greek Mythology. Unlike my son who has an affinity to all things Norse. So when Genevieve Gornichec’s The Witch’s Heart was recommended to me while browsing on Amazon, it had a long excerpt available, I couldn’t stop reading. I was so intrigued that I pre-ordered it.
I’m so glad I did.
The Witch’s Heart is the story of Angrboda and Loki, of the life they shared until it was ripped apart by Odin and Thor and Frigg, and Freya (yup, they’re not your friendly Marvel superheroes, though Loki is true to his nature), It’s a story of loss, and love, and loss again, and betrayal until the events in Angrboda’s life are allowed to take their natural course towards Ragnarok.
To say, the least, I suddenly developed a desire to know more about Norse Mythology, about Loki and his women. I wanted to know more about his children whom he betrayed; yet he said he did this to save them.
I have to say this was difficult reading particularly when Ms Gornichec beautifully tells Angrboda’s story and I like that she provides us with a different perspective of who Loki’s wife was even though Norse Mythology paints her as the Hag of Ironwood. Reading The Witch’s Heart has also led to discussions about Norse Mythology with my son, something I will always treasure.
I am nearing the end of the book and yet, I don’t want to finish it knowing how it will end. I feel so much of Angrboda’s pain, the sacrifices she was forced to make, and her love for Loki.
As for Loki…(I see Tom Hiddleston here!) He is also a misunderstood soul. Yet so many times, he has been given the chance to see the error of his ways. He refuses to, defaulting to the justification that he is a god. And how can he not? When the very people who vilify him in Asgard are themselves fallible. Ms Gornichec provides us with a glimpse of who Loki is and why he does what he does despite Angrboda’s love.
This is one book that will stay with you even after the last page has been read.
Isobelle Cate 