Mages & Mapmakers — November 2025
In which we discuss myths, monsters, and the magic of the North
Welcome, Explorers!
The air has turned crisp, the days shorter, and the world feels just a little more enchanted under a layer of frost. This month, we’re heading north—to the land of long winters, shimmering auroras, and stories older than time itself. From clever tricksters to brave explorers, Norse myths remind us that even in the darkest months, light always returns.
✒️ Behind the Quill ✒️
I’ve spent the past few weeks surrounded by snowstorms, both real and imaginary. Charmless is almost ready to make its way into the world—if all goes well, it’ll arrive just in time for Thanksgiving!
At the same time, I’m diving headfirst into the third book, currently titled Powerless, and challenging myself to write 50,000 words in November. This next story takes Mariah and her friends far into the frozen north—a land of ice caverns, ancient runes, and secrets buried beneath the snow.
To set the scene, I’ve been looking back at my own trip to Norway in 2023. From misty fjords to mountaintop views, it’s full of adventures, and the perfect inspiration for the next phase in Mariah’s journey.
🧭 Adventurer’s Guild 🧭
The nights are getting longer, the air is getting colder, which means it is the perfect time to curl up with a book!
Or better yet, how about a Winter Reading Challenge? This month’s quest is Winter Reading Bingo—a cozy mix of snow, myth, and magic. Complete five in a row, four corners, or go for a full black-out!
Need ideas? Follow me on Instagram @kjhansenwrites for more book recommendations!
Have suggestions for winter reads? Comment below!
📚 Bookshelf of Wonders 📚
This month, we’re traveling through myth and ice with stories drawn from Norse legend and northern lands. I could probably write an entire post about all of the fiction inspired by Norse mythology that I’ve consumed over the years (if you want that, let me know in the comments!), but I’ll stick with the highlights for now.
Frigg’s Journey to Anasgar by Deb Cushman
When her home is attacked by trolls, young dwarf Frigg sets out on an adventure to get help from a legendary dwarf colony. I love the world here—the realms and peoples of the Norse myths are brought to life in fresh and vivid detail. I also love the strong friendships and the friends themselves—Ping the fairy, Cricall the unicorn, and Tip the elf come to life right alongside Frigg.Eight Days of Luke by Diana Wynn Jones
At home for summer the summer with his horrible relatives, David meets a mysterious boy named Luke and finds himself caught up in a series of increasingly impossible events. I love the way the Norse myths come to life while at the same time lonely outcast David finally gets the chance to find the family he deserves.The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan
Magnus Chase finds out he is the son of a Norse god—and possibly the only one who can save the world from ending in an all-out war with other gods, giants, trolls, and other monsters. While similar in theme and structure to both Riordan’s earlier Percy Jackson and Kane series, Magnus Chase’s world is a little darker and more mature, so I would recommend it for older MG readers.🎶BONUS: SONG OF THE MONTH
I can’t think about Norway, Norse mythology, or Vikings without this banging on in my head. Check out this Viking acapella anthem by VoicePlay.
✨ Real-Life Magic ✨
Norway is a hiker’s paradise. When I was there, I hiked to Trolltunga—“The Troll’s Tongue”—a rock ledge jutting out nearly 700 meters above an alpine lake. It was one of the most breathtaking (literally and figuratively) adventures I’ve ever had. The climb was long, the air thin, and the ground snowy (even in June!), but the view… the view was worth every step.
Standing there, surrounded by clouds and snow-capped peaks, it’s easy to image this as the home of Thor, Loki, Freya, and the rest of the Norse pantheon. Maybe there’s a dragon asleep under the mountain, or maybe a troll guarding the lakeshore. There’s still magic in a place like this, you just have to look for it.
I feel like I could write a whole post on that incredible 13-mile journey to Trolltunga, but I’ll keep it short for this newsletter. If it’s something you’re interested in reading about, comment below!
Farewell For Now
Thanks for adventuring with me this month!
Stay warm and cozy as the cold weather sets in. Next month, we’re continuing the wintery theme with Snow & Starlight — an ode to all things cozy and snowy as we wrap up the year.
📣 Your Quest:
Do you have a favorite fairy tale or myth? Let me know in the comments!
Until next time,
💌 KJ
fjord-hopper, myth-weaver, founding member of the Out-of-Breath Hiking Society