Long-time friend of Wigtown Book Festival, we are delighted to welcome Sally Magnusson back to discuss her latest novel
Set in Orkney, The Shapeshifter’s Daughter retells the Norse myth of Hel, goddess of the underworld.
Image credit: Derek Prescott
Sunday Times bestselling novelist, TV presenter, journalist Sally Magnusson is a much-loved and respected figure in Scottish life. We are delighted to welcome her back to Wigtown Book Festival to discuss her latest novel The Shapeshifter’s Daughter. Set in Orkney it retells the Norse myth of Hel, goddess of the underworld.
What attracted you to writing about Hel?
I was keen to write a novel that incorporated the fascinating world of Norse mythology, and Hel of the underworld was a character I could really get my teeth into. Her story has in the past always been told from the perspective of Odin and the other gods, to whom she was merely one of the monstrous children of Loki whose very existence threatened theirs. I saw the potential of turning that round and telling her story from the inside.
Can the recasting of ancient folklore from a feminist perspective offer insights on the contemporary world?
The whole point (and joy) of myths is that in their telling and retelling they reflect and sometimes challenge the concerns of the here and now, whether that’s medieval Christianity’s idea of hell, Victorian obsessions with death and heroes, or our modern reluctance to talk about death and our interest in the pursuit of individual identity, which includes a feminist slant. The reimagined story of Hel of the underworld speaks to all of these.
If people are interested in delving into Norse and Scottish cultural heritage, where would be some good places to start?
The Shapeshifter’s Daughter is a great way to start obviously! Also Snorri Sturluson’s Prose Edda, which is the main Norse source material, and the Orkneyinga Saga, which tells the Viking history of Orkney (where my book is set) and how it merges with Scottish history.
Is there a book you read as a child and still go back to?
The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkein. I think my obsession with northern-ness and the myths of the north started right there.
You have a long association with Wigtown Book Festival, what would you say to encourage visitors to come along?
Book festivals are a marvellous opportunity for cultural and intellectual debate. Real flesh and blood people speaking live to an audience and engaging with their questions…where else does that happen? Wigtown is one of the best.
You can purchase tickets for Sally Magnusson's event - and 17 other early bird events - until 31st May with 10% off the ticket price. The full programme of 2026 events will be released to the public on 24th July.