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Viking Myths and Sagas
Viking Myths and Sagas: Retold from Ancient Norse Texts | Rosalind Kerven
2 posts | 3 read | 3 to read
This is an accessible, meticulously researched introduction to the oral tradition passed down since the Viking Age. Based on the oldest texts, Vikings Myths and Sagas is authentically interpreted and retold by a highly-acclaimed storyteller. A wide range of information is provided brings to life the most significant Viking Age stories. From the true accounts of their discovery of North America 500 years before Christopher Columbus, to the myths and legends that pushed the Vikings to the ends of the Earth. The text is written with the consultation of leading Icelandic academics. Complete with detailed notes, a comprehensive glossary, and an assortment of authentic proverbs, poems, riddles, and spells no other source so thoroughly goes into Norse history. Read the important myths from the mighty gods who dominated Viking pagan worship, like Thor the giant slayer and the mysterious, one-eyed Odin. Be shocked by the earth-shaking treachery of the trickster Loki, and discover the secret of eternal youth. Learn how they believed the world was created, and how it is predicted to end. Iconic Viking women are introduced and profiled. From Aud the Deep Minded, one-time queen who set up a Utopian community, to Melkorka, the abducted princess who brought dignity to slavery. Admire legendary female role models such as the goddess Frigg, who persuaded the whole of creation to weep with her and Gudrun who single-handedly destroyed the mightiest king in Europe. The mystery behind ancient Viking Age carvings are also explained. Myths such as Thor fishing up the World Serpent, Sigurd slaying a dragon, Odin riding an 8-legged horse, Gunnar condemned to death in a snake-pit, and many other extraordinary stories.
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Pash
Pickpick

This is amazing. The sagas are laid out really well and easy to read. The way it is written is unputdownable, and it isn't too graphic that a child wouldn't be able to read it and enjoy it. I loved it and will definitely read it again. Of course, it is only a hand-picked selection of saga stories, and obviously, I cannot account for how true to the traditional sagas it is, but I think it's pretty close to what I've heard before.

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PuddleJumper
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Mehso-so

The Notes section is the best part of this book. It can't decide if it wants to be a retelling or an academic book.

It's boring. The writing is awful. The author manages to make stories about betrayal, war, gods, read like a shopping list.

It's interesting and I enjoyed the content of the retellings but not the writing.

⬇️

PuddleJumper This is a great resource book for those interested in textual transmission of Norse texts, from oral histories to text, the mythology and history side of things. It's just not necessarily a fun read 2y
aperfectmjk 😬 2y
20 likes3 comments