Product Description

Composed in medieval Iceland, Hrolf’s Saga is one of the greatest of all mythic-legendary sagas, relating half-fantastical events that were said to have occurred in fifth-century Denmark. It tells of the exploits of King Hrolf and of his famous champions, including Bodvar Bjarki, the ‘bear-warrior’: a powerful figure whose might and bear-like nature are inspired by the same legendary heritage as Beowulf. Depicting a world of wizards, sorceresses and ‘berserker’ fighters – originally members of a cult of Odin – this is a compelling tale of ancient magic. A work of timeless power and beauty, it offers both a treasury of Icelandic prose and a masterful gathering of epic, cultic memory, traditional folk tale and myths from the Viking age and far earlier.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #40312 in Books
• Published on: 2005-06-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 144 pages

About the Author
Jesse Byock has also translated the Saga of Volsungs, published by Penguin.

Customer Reviews

One of the best sagas
I've read a number of Icelandic sagas but this is one of the best and also most accessible I've come across. Part of the story resembles Beowulf but there's also a tragic tale of incest, a blood feud, sorcery, a warrior queen and a guest appearance by Odin - all in the space of 78 pages! The translation, by Jesse Byock (who also did Volsung Saga), is outstanding. Don't miss it!