Many links to different types of mythology are evident in the novel. The two most prevalent are Norse mythology and Native American mythology. Certain examples are subtly referenced, such as in the name of the Felds' car, Skidbladnir, known in Norse myths as the legendary vehicle of Freyr, so well crafted it can fold up and fit in his pocket. Also, the name of Thor Wignutt is a reference to the Norse god of storms, Thor. Coyote introduces himself as Loki, Norse god of chaos at one point, and the term "Ragged Rock", meaning the end of the world, translates to the Norse Ragnarok, the final battle in which the world is destroyed and reborn in the Skaldic poems. Finally, the Lodgepole, tree of the worlds, is based on Yggdrasil, the world tree of the Norse, and Murmury Well (the well Coyote means to poison) is Mimir's Well.
The names and actions of Coyote (aka Glooscap, Satan and other monikers), and Raven are of Native American origin, while the legend of La Llorona is of Mexican origin. The tales of the Big Liars are taken from heroes of American folklore:
- The Tall Man with the Axe (Paul Bunyan),
- The Tall Man with the Big Maul (Joe Magarac),
- The Tall Man with the Harpoon (Old Stormalong),
- The Tall Man with the Pole (Mike Fink),
- The Man with the Knife in His Boot (possibly Stagger Lee),
- The Man with the Rattlesnake Necktie (Pecos Bill),
- The Tall Man with the Hammer (John Henry),
- Annie Christmas (Female Mississippi keelboat pilot), and
- Judge Roy Bean, owner of the Jersey Lily Saloon.
The "big one-eyed bully" referenced by Coyote near the end of the book may be a reference to Odin. Chiron Brown (Ringfinger) the scout who recruits Ethan as a hero, is named after the Centaur Chiron (His nickname probably comes from the Hall of Famer Mordecai Brown though); the role of Chiron in the Prometheus myth (Prometheus being one of the masks of Coyote) adds depth and resonance to the character Ringfinger Brown. Chiron's role in finding Ethan is also appropriate as Chiron the centaur was known for training great men and heroes. Old Mr. Wood may be a reference to Odin, who is also known as Woden, which is close to the name Wood. Additionally, in the epilogue, or the section titled "Home" the baseball that appears in the New Jersey Park signed "Van Lingle Mungo" is an allusion to the baseball player of the same name.
