The Völsunga saga, is arguably the most well known saga/tale of the viking age. This manuscript was written in the 1200s but based on semi-mythological events coming from the 400s right in the middle of the great migration period. Some of the most known epic tales and poetry are included in this book. It 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.
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Product Details
Publisher- Penguin Classics (January 2000)
Language- English
Paperback- 160 pages
Item Weight- 0.3 pounds
Dimensions- 5 x 1 x 7.7 inches
ISBN- 9780140447385