Anonymous

Snorri Sturluson

Hélène Adeline Guerber

Sturla Þórðarson

Saemund Sigfusson

Conrad Hjalmar Nordby

Nora Kershaw

This meticulously edited collection of Norse literature and mythology – epic stories of legendary Viking voyages and battles, of migration, of feuds between families, the heroic tales from the ancient Nordic history – bring us closer to these people and transmit through time the true spirit of the Vikings._x000D_ Contents:_x000D_ The Elder Eddas of Saemund _x000D_ The Younger Eddas of Sturleson _x000D_ Norse Sagas_x000D_ Kings' Sagas _x000D_ Sagas of Icelanders _x000D_ Legendary Sagas _x000D_ Norse Ballads _x000D_ Norse Mythology:_x000D_ The Beginning_x000D_ Odin_x000D_ Frigga_x000D_ Thor_x000D_ Tyr_x000D_ Bragi_x000D_ Idun_x000D_ Niörd_x000D_ Frey_x000D_ Freya_x000D_ Uller_x000D_ Forseti_x000D_ Heimdall_x000D_ Hermod_x000D_ Vidar_x000D_ Vali_x000D_ The Norns_x000D_ The Valkyrs_x000D_ Hel_x000D_ Ægir_x000D_ Balder_x000D_ Loki_x000D_ The Giants_x000D_ The Dwarfs_x000D_ The Elves_x000D_ The Sigurd Saga_x000D_ The Story of Frithiof_x000D_ The Twilight of the Gods_x000D_ Greek and Northern Mythologies

Collection of Norse Eddas, Sagas, Mythology & Ballads

The Spirit of the Vikings

The editor, from some particular advantages he enjoyed, was encouraged to collect such inedited fragments as might elucidate antient history. He, lately, published Anecdotes of Olave the Black, king of Man; and now lays before the learned the Norwegian account of Haco's celebrated expedition against Scotland. It was the editor's intention to have given a succinct detail of the descents made by the northern nations upon the British isles, but an increase of materials induced him to reserve that subject for a future work. At present, therefore, he thinks it sufficient to premise that the bud were, long, the cause of much dispute between various kingdoms. They seemed naturally connected with Scotland; but the superior navies of Lochlin rendered them liable to impressions from that quarter. The situation of the Kings of the Isles was peculiarly delicate; for, though their territories were extensive, yet they were by no means a match for the neighbouring states. On this account, allegiance was extorted from them by different Sovereigns. The Hebridian Princes considered this involuntary homage, as, at least, implying protection: and, when that was not afforded, they thought themselves justified in forming new connexions more conducive to their safety. The Alexanders of Scotland having united Galloway, then a powerful maritime state, to their dominions, began to think of measures for obtaining a permanent possession of the Hebrides by expelling the Norwegians. The preparatory steps they took were first to secure the Somerled family, and next to gain over the insular chieftains. Haco was no less earnest to attach every person of consequence to his party. He gave his daughter in marriage to Harold King of Man; and, on different occasions, entertained at his court King John, Gilchrist, Dugall the son of Rudri, Magnus Earl of Orkney, Simon bishop of the Sudoreys, and the abbot of Icolmkil. All this, however, did not effectually conciliate the Somerlidian tribe. The Norwegian Monarch, disappointed in his negotiations, had recourse to the sword, and sailed with a fleet, which both the Sturlunga-saga, and the Flateyan annals represent as the most formidable that ever left the ports of Norway. It would be improper for the editor to draw any comparison between the Scottish and Norwegian narratives; he, therefore, leaves it to the discernment of the reader to fix what medium he thinks reasonable.

The Norwegian Account of Haco's Expedition Against Scotland, A.D. MCCLXIII.

Sturla Þórðarson

About

Books

Join the club