Secret Path to Asgard

Atticus O'Sullivan, the last Druid, embarks on a dangerous mission to Asgard, the realm of the Norse gods, to fulfill a promise. He seeks a golden apple from Idunn, the goddess of youth, as part of a bargain with a powerful witch. Despite his apprentice Granuaile's skepticism, Atticus insists that the giant squirrel Ratatosk, who travels the World Tree Yggdrasil, holds the key to a secret entrance into Asgard. As he climbs the tree's massive roots, Atticus reflects on the dangers ahead, knowing that his actions could provoke the wrath of the gods.

Deception and Divine Theft

Atticus convinces Ratatosk to transport him to Asgard by fabricating a story about a threat to the Norns, the weavers of fate. Upon reaching Asgard, Atticus faces the Norns, who perceive him as a threat and attack. In self-defense, he kills them, an act that will have far-reaching consequences. With the Norns dead, Atticus seizes the opportunity to steal a golden apple from Idunn's hall. He leaves a misleading note to divert suspicion and makes his escape, aware that the gods will soon be on his trail. The theft is successful, but Atticus knows he has made powerful enemies.

Escape from Asgard's Fury

As Atticus flees Asgard, he is pursued by Odin and the Valkyries. Using his wits and magical abilities, he evades capture, but not without leaving a trail of chaos in his wake. He abandons his sword Moralltach to ensure a swift escape and shifts to his stag form to increase his speed. Despite the danger, Atticus manages to return to Midgard, the human world, but he knows the Norse gods will not rest until they find him.

Allies and Vendettas

Back in the mortal realm, Atticus meets with his allies, including the vampire Leif and werewolf Gunnar, to plan an assault on Thor. They are joined by other powerful beings, each with their own reasons for wanting the thunder god dead. Atticus shares his knowledge of Asgard's layout and defenses, and they strategize on how to lure Thor into a trap. Despite the risks, the group is determined to proceed, driven by personal vendettas and the promise of glory.

Tales of Betrayal and Loss

As the night deepens, Atticus and his companions gather around a fire, sharing a meal and stories. Each ally has their own vendetta against Thor, and they must bond to ensure their success in Asgard. Gunnar speaks of a life changed by a werewolf bite, orchestrated by Thor's machinations. Väinämöinen, the Finnish shaman, tells of a sea serpent slain by Thor, robbing him of a unique friendship. Each tale adds to the group's resolve, binding them together in their shared purpose.

Battle in Asgard

The group finally arrives in Asgard, where they confront Thor and his allies. The battle is fierce, with each member facing their own challenges. Despite their efforts, the cost is high, with losses on both sides. The confrontation with Thor is a culmination of their shared grievances, but it leaves them questioning the true cost of vengeance.

Earthly Consequences

Returning to Earth, Atticus and the survivors must deal with the consequences of their actions in Asgard. The loss of allies weighs heavily, and the threat of retribution from the Norse gods looms large. Atticus reflects on the nature of revenge and the price of keeping one's word, as he navigates the uncertain future that lies ahead.

Characters

Atticus O'Sullivan

Atticus is the last of the Druids, a wise and resourceful figure who has survived for centuries by outsmarting gods and mortals alike. He is bound by a promise to steal a golden apple from Asgard, a task that puts him at odds with powerful deities. Atticus is fiercely protective of his apprentice, Granuaile, and his loyal hound, Oberon. His actions are driven by a sense of duty and a desire to protect those he cares about, even as he navigates the treacherous world of gods and magic.

Granuaile MacTiernan

Granuaile is Atticus's apprentice, eager to learn the ways of the Druids despite the dangers involved. She is intelligent, resourceful, and unafraid to challenge her mentor's decisions. Granuaile's loyalty to Atticus is unwavering, and she is willing to make sacrifices to follow in his footsteps. Her journey is one of growth and discovery, as she learns to harness the power of the earth and navigate the complexities of the magical world.

Leif Helgarson

Leif is a powerful vampire and one of Atticus's closest allies. He harbors a deep hatred for Thor and is determined to see the thunder god dead. Leif's calm demeanor and strategic mind make him a valuable asset in planning the assault on Asgard. Despite his undead nature, he shares a bond of friendship with Atticus, and their mutual respect is evident in their interactions.

Gunnar Magnusson

Gunnar is the alpha of the local werewolf pack and another of Atticus's allies. He is driven by a desire for revenge against Thor, who has wronged him in the past. Gunnar's strength and leadership skills are crucial to the group's plans, and he is willing to risk everything to achieve his goal. His relationship with Atticus is one of mutual respect, though there is an underlying tension due to their differing natures.

Ratatosk

Ratatosk is a massive squirrel that travels the World Tree Yggdrasil, serving as a messenger between the eagle at the top and the wyrm at the roots. He is the key to Atticus's secret entrance into Asgard, and his assistance is crucial to the Druid's mission. Despite his size and strength, Ratatosk is easily deceived by Atticus's fabricated story, highlighting the Druid's cunning and resourcefulness.

Bacchus

Bacchus is a powerful deity with a grudge against Atticus, seeking retribution for past insults. He is relentless in his pursuit, using his divine powers to track and attack the Druid. Bacchus's presence adds an additional layer of danger to Atticus's already perilous journey, forcing him to rely on his wits and allies to escape the god's wrath.

Perun

Perun is a formidable deity with control over lightning, joining Atticus's group to take down Thor. His gift of fulgurites, which protect against lightning strikes, is invaluable to the group's plans. Perun's jovial nature and willingness to share his power make him a welcome addition to the team, though his presence also underscores the gravity of their mission.

Väinämöinen

Väinämöinen is a legendary figure from Finnish mythology, known for his magical prowess and wisdom. He joins Atticus's group as a powerful ally, using his skills to create a magical concealment that hides their presence from the Norse gods. His experience and knowledge of the magical world are assets to the group's plans, though his enigmatic nature adds an air of mystery to their interactions.

Zhang Guo Lao

Zhang Guo Lao is one of the Eight Immortals of Chinese mythology, bringing his unique abilities and perspective to Atticus's group. His calm demeanor and strategic mind make him a valuable ally in the assault on Asgard. Zhang's presence highlights the diverse nature of the group, as beings from different cultures and mythologies unite for a common cause.

The Norns

The Norns are powerful beings responsible for weaving the threads of fate in Norse mythology. Their encounter with Atticus leads to their untimely demise, an act that will have far-reaching consequences for the Druid and the world. Their deaths symbolize the disruption of fate and the uncertainty that follows, setting the stage for the challenges Atticus will face in the future.

Plot Devices

Yggdrasil and Ratatosk

The World Tree Yggdrasil serves as a hidden entrance to Asgard, accessible only through the assistance of Ratatosk, the giant squirrel. This plot device allows Atticus to bypass the traditional defenses of the Norse gods and infiltrate their realm. It highlights the Druid's resourcefulness and cunning, as he uses his knowledge of mythology to achieve his goals.

Golden Apples

The golden apples of Idunn are a central plot device, representing the promise of youth and immortality. Atticus's mission to steal one of these apples sets the entire narrative in motion, driving him into conflict with the Norse gods. The apples symbolize the high stakes of the Druid's journey, as he risks everything to fulfill his promise and protect those he cares about.

Fulgurites

The fulgurites gifted by Perun provide magical protection against lightning strikes, a crucial advantage in the group's assault on Asgard. This plot device underscores the importance of alliances and the sharing of power, as the diverse group of allies unites to take down a common enemy. The fulgurites also highlight the theme of divine intervention, as the gods themselves become involved in the mortal struggle.

Seeming and Concealment

Väinämöinen's use of magical concealment, or seeming, allows the group to hide from the watchful eyes of the Norse gods. This plot device emphasizes the importance of strategy and deception in the group's plans, as they must outwit their powerful adversaries to succeed. The seeming also reflects the theme of hidden truths and the blurred lines between reality and illusion in the magical world.

Divine Pursuit

The relentless pursuit of Atticus by Bacchus and the Norse gods serves as a constant source of tension and danger throughout the narrative. This plot device highlights the high stakes of the Druid's mission, as he must rely on his wits and allies to evade capture and complete his task. The divine pursuit also underscores the theme of hubris and the consequences of challenging the gods, as Atticus's actions have far-reaching implications for himself and the world.

Analysis

"Hammered" by Kevin Hearne explores the themes of vengeance, loyalty, and the consequences of challenging divine authority. Through Atticus's journey, the narrative delves into the complexities of personal vendettas and the high stakes of fulfilling promises in a world where gods and magic intertwine. The diverse cast of characters, each with their own grievances against Thor, highlights the universal nature of betrayal and the lengths to which individuals will go to seek justice. The book underscores the delicate balance of power between mortals and gods, and the potential fallout of challenging divine authority. Ultimately, "Hammered" is a story of courage, resourcefulness, and the enduring power of friendship in the face of overwhelming odds.

Last updated: March 1, 2025