Shadowhite reviewed The Saga of the Volsungs
Saga of the Volsungs was good
4 stars
A fascinating glimpse into mythology and culture. The glossary was most helpful
English language
Published April 27, 1999
The Saga of the Volsungs
4 stars
(9 reviews)
One of the great books of world literature--an unforgettable tale of jealousy, unrequited love, greed, and vengeance.
Based on Viking Age poems and composed in thirteenth-century Iceland, The Saga of the Volsungs combines mythology, legend, and sheer human drama in telling of the heroic deeds of Sigurd the dragon slayer, who acquires runic knowledge from one of Odin's Valkyries. Yet the saga is set in a very human world, incorporating oral memories of the fourth and fifth centuries, when Attila the Hun and other warriors fought on the northern frontiers of the Roman empire. In his illuminating Introduction Jesse L. Byock links the historical Huns, Burgundians, and Goths with the extraordinary events of this Icelandic saga. With its ill-fated Rhinegold, the sword reforged, and the magic ring of power, the saga resembles the Nibelungenlied and has been a primary source for such fantasy writers as J. R. R. Tolkien and …
One of the great books of world literature--an unforgettable tale of jealousy, unrequited love, greed, and vengeance.
Based on Viking Age poems and composed in thirteenth-century Iceland, The Saga of the Volsungs combines mythology, legend, and sheer human drama in telling of the heroic deeds of Sigurd the dragon slayer, who acquires runic knowledge from one of Odin's Valkyries. Yet the saga is set in a very human world, incorporating oral memories of the fourth and fifth centuries, when Attila the Hun and other warriors fought on the northern frontiers of the Roman empire. In his illuminating Introduction Jesse L. Byock links the historical Huns, Burgundians, and Goths with the extraordinary events of this Icelandic saga. With its ill-fated Rhinegold, the sword reforged, and the magic ring of power, the saga resembles the Nibelungenlied and has been a primary source for such fantasy writers as J. R. R. Tolkien and for Richard Wagner's Ring cycle.
Sergio reviewed The Saga of the Volsungs
Review of 'The Saga of the Volsungs' on 'Goodreads'
3 stars
You've heard of "fuck around and find out", not get ready for "find out and fuck around".
altlovesbooks reviewed The Saga of the Volsungs
Review of 'The Saga of the Volsungs' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
Enjoyed this series of stories a lot. A friend who's into mythology recommended this to me and I don't regret it. It was pretty short, but each story was nice and self-contained and clearly translated. I especially appreciated the 30 page introduction setting some historical and cultural context, and the notes to reference at the end were helpful.
