Written around AD 1200 by an unnamed Icelandic author, the Orkneyinga Saga is an intriguing fusion of myth, legend and history. The only medieval chronicle to have Orkney as the central place of action, it tells of an era when the islands were still part of the Viking world, beginning with their conquest by the kings of Norway in the ninth century. The saga describes the subsequent history of the Earldom of Orkney and the adventures of great Norsemen such as Sigurd the Powerful, St Magnus the Martyr and Hrolf, the conqueror of Normandy. Savagely powerful and poetic, this is a fascinating depiction of an age of brutal battles, murder, sorcery and bitter family feuds.
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About the Author
Hermann Palsson was General Editor of the New Saga Library and author of many books on the history and literature of medieval Iceland. He has translated many sagas for Penguin Classics.
Hermann Palsson was General Editor of the New Saga Library and author of many books on the history and literature of medieval Iceland. He has translated many sagas for Penguin Classics.
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First Sentence
THERE was a king called Fornjot who ruled over Finland and Kvenland, the countries stretching to the east of what we call the Gulf of Bothnia, which lies opposite the White Sea. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
THERE was a king called Fornjot who ruled over Finland and Kvenland, the countries stretching to the east of what we call the Gulf of Bothnia, which lies opposite the White Sea. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
By Freewheelin
Format:Paperback
This was the first of the Icelandic saga's that I read. Any misconceptions about them being overly scholarly or dull were completely removed within a few pages. I found the text surprisingly 'alive' and was gripped throughout. Tales of mythology, murder, intrigue with a flowing narrative and writing style, all based around the isles of Orkney. Without a doubt one of my very favourite books and one that has lead me into many other superb sagas. Particularly of interest if you've any connection to Orkney, Shetland or Northern Scotland, as the book gives in depth details of dates, names and place names throughout.
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
It is truly incredible how these old stories remain gripping to the sensitive reader of today. The characters are surprisingly well rounded, and the events have a magic halo due to the many centuries that have gone by, so the result is a mix of myth, history, poetry, epic and legend that will no doubt appeal to any curious reader.
9 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
My interest in the Norse Vikings relates to my R1a1 DNA. I had felt a thrill of being a descendant of Norse Vikings but having read the Orkneyinga Saga I must admit to being somewhat embarrassed to having such a bloodthirsty set of ancestors!! This edition is carefully translated so that the language and story flow smoothly giving the reader a good idea of the raw power, double dealing, murder and intrigue that was the life of these seafarers who settled Orkney a millennium ago. A must read for anyone interested in Norse Viking matters
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