MYTH IN A MODERN WORLD: RIORDAN'S REWORKING OF NORSE TRADITION IN MAGNUS CHASE AND THE GODS OF ASGARD Authors Ritu Rani

This paper examines Rick Riordan’s Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard as a contemporary retelling of Norse mythology that strikes a balance between mythological veracity and narrative originality. Drawing on intertextuality and mythic adaptation theories, the study investigates how Riordan reimagines traditional Norse cosmology, deities, and apocalyptic themes—particularly Ragnarok—in a modern young adult context. While retaining key elements from the Poetic Edda and Prose Edda, Riordan uses humour, contemporary settings, and varied characters to make ancient mythology more approachable and relevant to modern readers. The study focuses on the series' emphasis on inclusive representation with characters like Alex Fierro, Samirah al-Abbas, and Hearthstone, demonstrating how myth can be a dynamic arena for negotiating identity, resilience, and social inclusion. Finally, the paper contends that Riordan's adaption shows the adaptability of myth, demonstrating that Norse tradition can evolve while retaining its thematic essence of fate, valour, and regeneration.