The Saga of the Volsungs: The Norse Epic of Sigurd the Dragon Slayer - Softcover

Byock, Jesse

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0520272994 ISBN 13: 9780520272996

Publisher: University of California Press, 2012

Synopsis

The Saga of the Volsungs is an Icelandic epic of special interest to admirers of Richard Wagner, who drew heavily upon this Norse source in writing his Ring Cycle and a primary source for writers of fantasy such as J. R. R. Tolkien and romantics such as William Morris.

A trove of traditional lore, it tells of love, jealousy, vengeance, war, and the mythic deeds of the dragonslayer, Sigurd the Volsung.

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.

About this title

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 is Professor of Old Norse and Medieval Scandinavian Studies, Scandinavian Section, Cotsen Institute of Archaeology at the University of California, Los Angeles.

About this edition

• Publisher: University of California Press
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0520272994
• ISBN 13: 9780520272996
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 160