Description
The Saga of the Volsungs is a classic work of world literature that tells the story of Sigurd, a heroic dragon slayer who gains knowledge from a Valkyrie. Set in a human world, the saga incorporates elements of mythology and legend, as well as historical events from the fourth and fifth centuries. It has been a source of inspiration for fantasy writers and has similarities to the Nibelungenlied and Wagner's Ring cycle. The book is translated and includes an introduction, notes, and glossary by Jesse L. Byock.
One of the great books of world literature--an unforgettable tale of jealousy, unrequited love, greed, and vengeance. Based on Viking Age poems and composed in thirteenth-century Iceland,
The Saga of the Volsungs combines mythology, legend, and sheer human drama in telling of the heroic deeds of Sigurd the dragon slayer, who acquires runic knowledge from one of Odin's Valkyries. Yet the saga is set in a very human world, incorporating oral memories of the fourth and fifth centuries, when Attila the Hun and other warriors fought on the northern frontiers of the Roman empire. In his illuminating Introduction Jesse L. Byock links the historical Huns, Burgundians, and Goths with the extraordinary events of this Icelandic saga. With its ill-fated Rhinegold, the sword reforged, and the magic ring of power, the saga resembles the
Nibelungenlied and has been a primary source for such fantasy writers as J. R. R. Tolkien and for Richard Wagner's
Ring cycle. Translated with an Introduction, Notes, and Glossary by Jesse L. Byock.
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