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The Saga of the Volsungs is an Icelandic prose epic whose anonymous thirteenth-century author based his story on the legends of Old Scandinavian folk culture. A trove of traditional lore, it tells of love, jealousy, vengeance, war, and the mythic deeds of the dragonslayer, Sigurd the Volsung. The Saga is of special interest to admirers of Richard Wagner, who drew heavily upon this Norse source in writing his Ring Cycle. With its magical ring acquired by the hero, and the sword to be reforged, the saga has also been a primary source for writers of fantasy such as J. R. R. Tolkien and romantics such as William Morris. Byock's comprehensive introduction explores the history, legends, and myths contained in the saga and traces the development of a narrative that reaches back to the period of the great folk migrations in Europe when the Roman Empire collapsed.
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Review:
"This is a book of the highest importance. No one should attempt to teach about Viking society or claim to understand it without being familiar with this chilling and enduring myth." - Eleanor Searle, Past President of the Medieval Academy of America "Byock extends the background to the saga beyond the interest of 'Wagnerites' to the complex relationship between history and legend in the Middle Ages and the social context of the myths and heroes of the saga.... [Byock is] very successful in his adept renderings of Eddic rhythm.... The translation of prose is equally fine." - Judy Quinn, Parergon"
About the Author:
Jesse L. Byock teaches Old Norse and medieval Scandinavian subjects at the University of California, Los Angeles and is the author of Feud in the Icelandic Saga (1982).
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- PublisherUniversity of California Press
- Publication date1992
- ISBN 10 0520066839
- ISBN 13 9780520066830
- BindingHardcover
- Number of pages145
- Rating
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The Saga of the Volsungs: The Norse Epic of Sigurd the Dragon Slayer
Published by
University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles
(1990)
ISBN 10: 0520066839
ISBN 13: 9780520066830
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Hardcover
First Edition
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Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. 1st Edition. 1st edition, 1st printing. dust jacket in Brodart wraps. light edge wear to dust jacket. small bit of edge wear on boards. light foxing on head of book. text is unmarked. binding tight. Seller Inventory # 4431780
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