54 pages • 1 hour read
John GwynneThe Shadow of the Gods
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Background
Cultural Context: Norse Mythology
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. Gwynne also incorporates the idea of the “berserker” into the Tainted characters. While only those descended from the bear god are referred to by the term “Berserkir,” the battle frenzy that Varg and Orka experience—during which they are given superhuman strength, endurance, and rage—still makes use of the concept.
Genre Context: Grimdark Fantasy
Grimdark fantasy is a subgenre known for its morally ambiguous characters, bleak settings, and narratives that emphasize the harshness and cruelty of life. Grimdark offers a counterpoint to traditional epic fantasy, eschewing idealism and clear-cut heroes for gritty realism.
The term “grimdark” originates from the tabletop game Warhammer 40,000. Though it initially described the dystopian tone of the game, the term was adopted by the fantasy community to describe works with similarly bleak aesthetics and themes. Several authors and series form the backbone of grimdark fantasy’s canon. Some major examples include George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, Mark Lawrence’s The Broken Empire Trilogy, and The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie—who is sometimes referred to as the “Lord of Grimdark.”
Unlike traditional fantasy, where heroes and villains are clearly delineated, grimdark fantasy thrives on moral complexity. The noble knight may be corrupt, the chosen one might fail, and victory often comes at a great personal or moral cost. Characters act out of self-interest, desperation, or survival instincts, blurring the lines between good and evil. Choices in these books are rarely simple, and their consequences are often significantly more dire than they might be in other fantasy subgenres due to the settings being far harsher and unforgiving. Grimdark doesn’t shy away from depicting the visceral realities of conflict and power struggles through cruelty and graphic violence.
While the gritty realism of grimdark fantasy has attracted a significant following, the subgenre is not without critics. Some argue that grimdark fantasy novels can lean too heavily on shock value, with gratuitous violence and cynicism overshadowing meaningful storytelling. Others feel it risks becoming formulaic, with grimdark tropes replacing the very clichés they try to deconstruct.
The Shadow of the Gods fits many of grimdark fantasy’s defining characteristics. The characters are driven by personal motivations that often conflict with traditional notions of heroism. Orka, for example, is trying to save her son, but her brutal methods and violent past walk a fine line between justice and vengeance. True to grimdark form, the novel does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of its setting: Battles are visceral, and the cost of survival is steep.
