The Saga of the Volsungs
The Norse Epic of Sigurd the Dragon Slayer
Author: Jesse Byock Series: Penguin Classics
Combines mythology, legend and human drama. This book focuses on the heroic deeds of Sigurd the dragon slayer who acquires magical knowledge from one of Odin's Valkyries. It incorporates strands from the oral narratives of the fourth and fifth centuries, when Attila the Hun and other warriors fought on the northern frontiers of the Roman Empire.
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Summary
Combines mythology, legend and human drama. This book focuses on the heroic deeds of Sigurd the dragon slayer who acquires magical knowledge from one of Odin's Valkyries. It incorporates strands from the oral narratives of the fourth and fifth centuries, when Attila the Hun and other warriors fought on the northern frontiers of the Roman Empire.
Description
A tale of princely jealousy and vengeance, the Saga has been an inspiration for Wagner and J.R.R. TolkienBased on Viking Age poems, The Saga of the Volsungs combines mythology, legend and sheer human drama. At its heart are the heroic deeds of Sigurd the dragon slayer who acquires magical knowledge from one of Odin's Valkyries. Yet it is also set in a very human world, incorporating strands from the oral narratives of the fourth and fifth centuries, when Attila the Hun and other warriors fought on the northern frontiers of the Roman Empire. One of the great books of world literature, the saga is an unforgettable tale of princely jealousy, unrequited love, greed and vengeance. With its cursed treasure of the Rhine, sword reforged and magic ring of power, it was a major influence for writers including William Morris and J. R. R. Tolkein and for Wagner's Ring cycle.
About the Author
The Icelandic author of THE SAGA OF THE VOLSUNGS is unknown and based his prose epic on strories found in earlier Norse poetry.Jesse Bycock is Professor of Icelandic and Old Norse Literature at the University of California and has published work on Medieval Iceland.
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