Mythical Hel Reimagined: Asgard Meets Orkney

Sally Magnusson's latest work, 'The Shapeshifter's Daughter,' offers a captivating reimagining of the Norse myth of Hel. The narrative artfully bridges the mythological realm of Asgard with the contemporary landscape of the Orkney Islands. Magnusson shares her deep-seated fascination with Scandinavia and the intricacies involved in retelling ancient myths.

The story centers on Helen Firth, who, facing a terminal cancer diagnosis, impulsively returns to Orkney after four decades. There, she reconnects with Thorfinn Coffin and confronts the true reason for her return: to embrace her final days. This human drama unexpectedly parallels Hel's own journey.

As Helen draws closer to mortality, the ancient goddess Hel finds herself intrigued by the mortal's quest. Hel, too, must confront a buried past and a crucial lesson: that her perceived identity may not be her true self. The novel beautifully intertwines these parallel narratives of self-discovery and acceptance.