Magnus Chase Guide
Magnus Chase Guide
Literature, Writing, Language, and Speaking and Listening. The broad CCR standards are
the foundation for the grade level–specific Common Core State Standards.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
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A bout the Books
Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious
death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping
one step ahead of the police and the truant officers. One day, he’s tracked down
by an uncle he barely knows — a man his mother claimed was dangerous. Uncle
Randolph tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god.
The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls,
giants, and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok,
Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for
thousands of years. When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose
between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a
fatal decision.
Thor’s hammer is missing again. The thunder god has a disturbing habit of
misplacing his weapon— the mightiest force in the Nine Worlds. But this time
the hammer isn’t just lost; it has fallen into enemy hands. If Magnus Chase
and his friends can’t retrieve the hammer quickly, the mortal worlds will be
defenseless against an onslaught of giants. Ragnarok will begin. The Nine
Worlds will burn. Unfortunately, the only person who can broker a deal for
the hammer’s return is the gods’ worst enemy, Loki — and the price he wants
is very high.
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Who’s Who Fenris Wolf: an invulnerable wolf born of Loki’s affair
with a giantess. His mighty strength strikes fear even in
Aegir: lord of the waves the gods, who keep him tied to a rock on an island. He is
destined to break free on the day of Ragnarok.
Aesir: gods of war, close to humans
Folkvanger: the Vanir afterlife for slain heroes, ruled
Alf seidr: elf magic
by the goddess Freya
Andskoti: the Adversary; the new, magic-infused rope
Frey: the god of spring and summer; the sun, the rain, and
binding Fenris the Wolf
the harvest; abundance and fertility; growth and vitality.
Balder: god of light; the second son of Odin and Frigg, Frey is the twin brother of Freya and, like his sister, is
and twin brother of Hod. Frigg made all earthly things associated with great beauty. He is lord of Alfheim.
swear to never harm her son, but she forgot about mistletoe.
Freya: the goddess of love; twin sister of Frey;
Loki tricked Hod into killing Balder with a dart made of
ruler of Folkvanger
mistletoe.
Frigg: goddess of marriage and motherhood; Odin’s wife
Bifrost: the rainbow bridge leading from Asgard
and the queen of Asgard; mother of Balder and Hod
to Midgard
Ginnungagap: the primordial void; a mist that
Draugr: Norse zombies
obscures appearances
Eikthrymir: a stag in the Tree of Laeradr whose horns
Gleipnir: a rope made by dwarves to keep Fenris Wolf
spray water nonstop that feeds every river in every world
in bondage
Einherjar (Einherji, sing.): great heroes who have
Heidrun: the goat in the Tree of Laeradr whose milk
died with bravery on Earth; soldiers in Odin’s eternal army.
is brewed for the magical mead of Valhalla
They train in Valhalla for Ragnarok, when the bravest of
them will join Odin against Loki and the giants in the battle Heimdall: god of vigilance and the guardian of Bifrost,
at the end of the world. the gateway to Asgard
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Hel: goddess of the dishonorable dead; born of Loki’s Idun: a goddess who distributes the apples of immortality
affair with a giantess that keep the gods young and spry.
Helheim: the underworld, ruled by Hel and inhabited Jormungand: the World Serpent, born of Loki’s
by those who died in wickness, old age, or illness affair with a giantess, whose body is so long it wraps
Hlidskjalf: the High Seat of Odin around the earth
Honir: an Aesir god who, along with Mimir, traded Loki: god of mischief, magic, and artifice; the son of
places with Vanir gods Frey and Njord at the end of the two giants; adept at magic and shape-shifting. He is
war between the Aesir and the Vanir alternately malicious and heroic to the Asgardian gods and
to humankind. Because of his role in the death of Balder,
Loki was chained by Odin to three giant boulders with a
poisonous serpent coiled over his head. The venom of the
snake occasionally irritates Loki’s face, and his writhing is
the cause of earthquakes.
Lyngvi: the Isle of Heather, where Fenris Wolf is bound.
The island’s location shifts every year as the branches of
Yggdrasil sway in the winds of the void. It only surfaces
during the first full moon of the year.
Magni and Modi: Thor’s favorite sons, fated to
survive Ragnarok
Mimir: an Aesir god who, along with Honir, traded
places with Vanir gods Frey and Njord at the end of the war
between the Aesir and the Vanir. When the Vanir didn’t like
his counsel, they cut off his head and sent it to Odin. Odin
placed the head in a magical well, where the water brought it
back to life, and Mimir soaked up all the knowledge of the
World Tree.
Mjolnir: Thor’s hammer
Muspell: fire
Naglfar: the Ship of Nails
Narvi: one of Loki’s sons, disemboweled by his brother
Vali, who was turned into a wolf after Loki killed Balder
Nidhogg: the dragon that lives at the bottom of the
World Tree and chews on its roots
Njord: god of ships, sailors, and fishermen; father of Frey
and Freya
Norns: three sisters who control the destinies of both
gods and humans
Hearthstone
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Norumbega: a lost Norse settlement in their farthest Tyr: god of courage, law, and trial by combat. He lost a hand
point of exploration to Fenris’s bite when the Wolf was restrained by the gods.
Odin: the “All-Father” and king of the gods; the god of Uller: the god of snowshoes and archery
war and death, but also poetry and wisdom. By trading one
Utgard-Loki: the most powerful sorcerer of Jotunheim;
eye for a drink from the Well of Wisdom, Odin gained
king of the mountain giants
unparalleled knowledge. He has the ability to observe all
the Nine Worlds from his throne in Asgard; in addition to Vala: a seer
his great hall, he also resides in Valhalla with the bravest of Valhalla: paradise for warriors in the service
those slain in battle. of Odin
Ragnarok: the Day of Doom or Judgment, when the Vali: Loki’s son, who was turned into a wolf after Loki
bravest of the einherjar will join Odin against Loki and the killed Balder. As a wolf he disemboweled his brother Narvi
giants in the battle at the end of the world before he was gutted himself.
Ran: goddess of the sea; wife of Aegir Valkyrie: Odin’s handmaidens, who choose slain heroes
Ratatosk: an invulnerable squirrel that constantly runs to bring to Valhalla
up and down the World Tree carrying insults between the Vanir: gods of nature; close to elves
eagle that lives at the top and Nidhogg, the dragon that lives
Yggdrasil: the World Tree
at the roots
Ymir: the largest of the giants; father to both the giants
Red gold: the currency of Asgard and Valhalla
and the gods. He was killed by Odin and his brothers, who
Saehrimnir: the magical beast of Valhalla. Every day used his flesh to create Midgard. This act was the genesis of
it is killed and cooked for dinner, and every morning it is the cosmic hatred between the gods and the giants.
resurrected; it tastes like whatever the diner wants.
Sessrumnir: the Hall of Many Seats, Freya’s mansion
in Folkvanger
Skirnir: a god; Frey’s servant and messenger
Sleipnir: Odin’s eight-legged steed; only Odin can
summon him; one of Loki’s children
Sumarbrander: the Sword of Summer
Surt: lord of Muspellheim
Svartalf: dark elf, a subset of dwarves
Thane: a lord of Valhalla
Thor: god of thunder; son of Odin. Thunderstorms are
the earthly effects of Thor’s mighty chariot rides across the
sky, and lightning is caused when he hurls his great hammer,
Mjolnir.
Tree of Laeradr: a tree in the center of the Feast Hall
of the Slain in Valhalla containing immortal animals that
have particular jobs
Blitzen
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The Nine Worlds
Asgard: the home of the Aesir Nidavellir: the home of the dwarves
Vanaheim: the home of the Vanir Niflheim: the world of ice, fog, and mist
Alfheim: the home of the light elves Muspellheim: the home of the fire giants and demons
Midgard: the home of humans Helheim: the home of Hel and the dishonorable dead
• Physical description
Samirah
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Exploring through Discussion and Writing
The following questions may be used throughout the study of the Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series, as targeted
questions for class discussion and reflection. Alternatively they can be used to as reflective writing prompts.
2 Early in the novel, readers learn that Magnus has been homeless for the past couple of years. He shares, “I don’t need
your sympathy. I’m used to being laughed at. I’m definitely used to being ignored.” What do you think an experience
like this has done to Magnus’s relationships with others and to his general attitude? How does Magnus change
throughout the course of the novel?
3 While thinking about his mother, Magnus shares, “After two years, my memories of her were still a minefield. I
stumbled over one, and instantly my composure was blown to bits.” Why do his memories of his mother have such
a profound effect on him? What can be inferred about his relationship with his mom?
4 Magnus shares, “Surt’s heat didn’t make me pass out. It just made me angry. I didn’t know who this fiery jack-hole was,
but I knew a bully when I met one. First rule of the streets: Never let a bully take your stuff.” Why does Magnus not
initially understand the magnitude of danger he faces?
5 The author uses some unusual titles and first lines to introduce the chapters. Which of them is your favorite? For
what reason?
6 The last thing Magnus’s mother told him was, “Magnus, run. Hide. Don’t trust anyone. I’ll find you. Whatever you do,
don’t go to Randolph for help.” Why do you think she was so adamant that he stay away from his uncle? What did she
fear for Magnus?
7 What were your first impressions of Blitz and Hearth? Were you surprised to learn who and what they are? What
makes this duo so important to Magnus? In what ways do they prove themselves to be heroic?
8 Why do you believe Magnus awakens in the Grove of Glasir? What about this space allows him to feel comfortable?
9 What is it about Hotel Valhalla that Magnus finds so unusual? In your opinion, what are the best parts? What are
the worst? Do you believe Magnus is really worthy of a place there?
10 Describe the Valkyries Gunilla and Sam. What are three things that you find most (or least) appealing about
each of them? Are there any similarities between the two? What roles do you expect the Valkyries will play in further
volumes of Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard?
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11 Consider the list of favorite fantasy and horror authors Magnus mentions: Stephen King, Darren Shan, Neal
Shusterman, Michael Grant, and Joe Hill. Are you familiar with the work of any of these writers? If so, is there
something written by them that you would recommend?
12 W hy is Sam so distrusted by some of those in Valhalla? Do you believe they are right to feel that way? To what
degree are we all really products of our families?
13 Magnus states, “In the old stories, Valhalla was for heroes who died in battle. I remembered that much. I definitely
didn’t feel like a hero.” Why does Magnus feel himself unworthy of an afterlife in Valhalla? Do you think he’s right to
think so? Why or why not?
14 In your opinion, do T.J., Mallory Keen, Halfborn Gunderson, and X prove themselves worthy friends to Magnus? If so,
in what ways? What do you predict their roles will be in the further adventures of Magnus Chase?
15 T hroughout the course of the novel, Magnus learns that the world as he knows it may never be the same. In what ways
will it be better or worse for him? Have you had an experience that reshaped your life? In what ways have you changed
due to this incident?
16 If you are familiar with Annabeth Chase from the Percy Jackson or Heroes of Olympus series, do you see any similarities
between Magnus and his cousin? In what ways are they different? In what ways will having a closer relationship with
Annabeth make life less challenging for Magnus?
17 In what ways does Magnus’s distress about wolves make his task of keeping Fenris Wolf bound so challenging? What
are some things you believe he can do to overcome this fear?
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The Sword of Summer features a number of characters who exhibit a variety of strengths. Who most impresses you with
their skills or gifts? Explain your choice.
19 Consider the conclusion of The Sword of Summer and predict what adventures and obstacles will be in store for Magnus
in the next installment of Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard.
2 Before his death, Magnus was homeless and regularly ignored or avoided. In what ways do those past experiences from
his life make his time at Hotel Valhalla somewhat challenging? What are the biggest lessons he has to learn upon arrival,
and how do those experiences shape the warrior he becomes?
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3 In what ways does knowing that his cousin Annabeth has had her own adventures and challenges with gods make
Magnus feel a kinship with her? From what you have observed so far, how would you describe their bond?
4 What makes Sam’s relationship with her father particularly challenging? In what ways is being Loki’s daughter so
difficult for her?
5 Consider Hearthstone and Blitzen’s need to find one of Mimir’s safe houses to remain protected. Why does this
pair remain so committed to protecting Magnus?
6 Magnus tells Sam, “Sam, you don’t need to protect me. I’m already dead. I’m a freaking warrior of Odin who lives in
Valhalla. Let me help.” Do you agree with Magnus’s attitude? Why does it seem he is willing to sacrifice himself no
matter what the cost?
7 Given the losses the team sustains, in what ways is the quest for retrieving the Sword of Summer actually an easy one
compared to retrieving Thor’s hammer? In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges of this particular mission?
8 For Sam, what makes juggling her life as a teen with being a Valkyrie so challenging? What is it about each of these
worlds she loves most? Least?
9 Magnus reflects that “I’d retrieved the Sword of Summer and defeated Fenris Wolf, but the majority of my fellow
warriors just saw me as the kid who’d gotten three Valkyries killed and almost started Ragnarok. . . . I wasn’t cool
enough to hang with the popular crowd—the children of war gods like Thor, Tyr, and Odin.” In what ways does
Valhalla feel like high school to Magnus? Which einherjar are most welcoming to him, and why?
10 Upon meeting Magnus, Mallory, Halfborn Gunderson, and Thomas Jefferson, Alex tells them, “Fine, I’ll introduce
myself. I’m Alex Fierro. Pleased to meet you all, I guess.
Mr. Raven, you can go now. I promise not to kill
them unless I have to.” Describe Alex. Do you see
her as the kind of person you’d want as a friend?
Why or why not? From what you have learned
about her so far, predict what role she’ll play
in events to come.
Magnus Chase
9
13 T.J. tells Magnus, “My point is, Loki can do many things. Don’t ever underestimate him.” Do you believe Magnus
really understands the degree to which Loki can cause problems for him? Do you believe that Loki is a dangerous foe?
Explain your position.
14 Utgard-Loki states, “I care nothing about Thor’s hammer one way or the other! The Aesir have always relied too
much on the fear it inspires. It is a mighty weapon, yes, but when Ragnarok comes, Thor will be outnumbered.” Do
you believe Utgard-Loki can be trusted? Why is the retrieval of Mjolnir so critical? What role does Thor’s hammer
play in securing peace?
15 During an ax-throwing contest with giants, Sam offers, “This is Fear, which strikes quickly and always hits its mark.
The only way to conquer Fear is to attack it head-on. That’s what I did.” How does Sam use her wits to recognize and
defeat her enemies? Have you personally had an opportunity to defeat fear? Share what you did to to overcome it.
16 After being freed by Randolph and waiting for Magnus and his friends to attack, Loki tells them, “Come on, then,
warriors of Odin . I’m unarmed and weak. You can do it!” Why does Loki encourage them to try to attack? What makes
the reality of Loki being freed so dangerous for the warriors? Predict what kind of trouble Loki will create for the gods
of Asgard in the future.
Correlates to Common Core Standards Reading Literature: Key Ideas and Details RL.6.2.; Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
SL.6.1., 6.2., 6.3; Reading Literature: Key Ideas and Details RL.7.2.; Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration SL.7.1., 7.2., 7.3.
Classroom Connections
R eading, Writing, and R esearching Extension Activities
1 The gods of Asgard and Norse mythology in general have become increasingly popular in film, TV, and books. Ask
students to select up to three popular references to Norse mythology and offer a comparison of the treatment of these
characters in different media types (books, movies, TV shows, games) and the Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard
series. Explore ways in which these Norse gods are similar and different, depending on the format.
2 Thor’s hammer is incredibly important and valuable; besides being the inspiration for the title of the second book in
the series, much of the action in that book involves Magnus and his friends searching for this irreplaceable armament.
Ask students to start with what they’ve learned from The Hammer of Thor and then use library and Internet resources to
enrich their knowledge of this weapon. They should
begin by answering the following:
• Who made Thor’s hammer?
• What is the hammer’s name, and why was it given
that name?
• What does the symbol of a hammer mean?
• Why is Thor the one who can best wield it?
• Why is it so sought after?
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3
Social Story: Students regularly retell their own “stories” using social media tools. Have groups of students work
together to select a favorite scene from one of the Magnus Chase novels and use a created social media tool (Snapchat,
Twitter, or Facebook, for example), to retell the scene. Alternatively, have students set up a Fauxbook profile for a
character and create a number of posts as that character.
4 In the Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series, preparing for battle is an ongoing pastime of those residing in
Valhalla, and a driving force for the characters. The Norse people are famous in history for being fierce warriors who
terrified those who might fall to one of their raids. Have students use library and Internet resources to discover more
about Norse warriors, being sure to investigate:
• Attire (what did these warriors wear?)
• Symbols of power
• Weapons
• Modes of transportation
• Additional facts you found fun or interesting
5 Investigate real longboats by taking your class on a virtual visit to the Viking Ship Museum in Norway: http://www.
khm.uio.no/english/visit-us/viking-ship-museum. Students should pay special attention to the three longboats on
display: Gokstad, Oseberg, and Tune. Upon conclusion, students can demonstrate their understanding by creating an
informational article on one of the boats, including a description of the boat, where it was found, and what its discovery
helps us understand about life in that time period.
6 Norse explorer Leif Erikson’s visit to the edge of North America is regarded as a hugely monumental event in history.
Using library resources and the Internet, students can learn more about Erikson. Ask them to be sure to specifically
answer the following:
• Who was Leif Erikson?
• When and where did he live?
• What were his greatest accomplishments?
• What other interesting facts did you learn?
After gathering their information, they should use a digital tool of their choice to share their findings.
7 In the opening of The Sword of Summer, readers learn about Leif Erikson’s statue in Boston and Uncle Randolph’s strong
belief of a Norse presence and influence in the area. Have students go beyond Erikson, digging deeply to learn what they
can about New England’s Viking connections. Ask them to consider:
• Did the Vikings come to North America?
• What evidence (if any) is there?
• What makes their presence in North America important?
• What interesting or unusual things did you learn?
Students should then share their findings with their classmates.
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8 The descendants of the Norse Gods have some of their ancestors’ attributes. Make a chart of the main characters in the
Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series, listing their traits, and then compare and contrast each character with the
ancestor he or she is descended from. In what ways are the characters the same as their ancestors? In what ways are they
different? Encourage students to support their answers with text-based details.
9 On a basic level, the Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard books are about the battle between good and evil, with
most characters clearly identified as either one or the other. Have each student create a chart that details and divides the
novel’s characters into these groups, offering textual evidence as support for each classification. Are there any characters
that might fit in both categories? What do you believe is the greatest benefit of examining good versus evil? How does
good ultimately triumph in the novel? After creating your list, pair up with a classmate and compare your lists.
10 T hroughout the series, Magnus Chase is supported and saved by Sam, Blitz, and Hearth. Have students consider the
motivations for their actions or those of another important secondary character, by completing a “Become a Character”
project. Consider using ReadWriteThink’s guidelines (found at http://www.readwritethink.org/lesson_images
/lesson168/912-becomecharac.pdf: After choosing which character you will “become,” pick ten adjectives that best
describe you (as that character). Next, select three other characters and describe them by listing
ten adjectives for each one (making sure to keep the perspective of your chosen character).
After checking to make sure your descriptions are appropriate and accurate, write a list
for each character, but leave out the name of the character. Exchange papers with classmates
and begin to identify the characters described and which character offered the description.
11 Readers see tremendous growth in Magnus’s character from the events that transpire in
the books. Have students write a journal entry about a single experience that made them
stronger and wiser in some way. Perhaps they struggled through a difficult task or helped
a friend with a problem. What did this experience teach them? Remind them to offer
specific details about the experience.
Sound Learning
Educational Benefits of Listening to Learn
Enhance student learning with these audiobook activities for the Magnus
Chase and the Gods of Asgard series.
Loki
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Listening Lesson: Sketchnoting: Visual Note-Taking
Sketchnoting is a form of visual notetaking that is crafted while reading a text or listening to a speaker. As you play a
Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard audiobook for students, have them listen for key details and illustrate the symbols,
sayings, or favorite details that stick out in their minds. Periodically pause the audio to allow students to share their notes.
Correlates to Common Core Standards Reading Literature: Key Ideas and Details RL.6.2.; Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
SL.6.1., 6.2., 6.3; Writing: Research to Build and Present Knowledge W.6.4; Writing: Research to Build and Present Knowledge W.7.4.
awards in the mystery genre. He lives in Boston, Massachusetts, with his wife and
two sons.
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This guide was created by Dr. Rose Brock, an assistant professor at Sam Houston State University. Dr. Brock
holds a PhD in Library Science, specializing in children’s and young adult literature.
Many more guides can be found on the Disney • Hyperion website at www.disneybooks.com.
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