Reviews

The Saga of the Volsungs, by Jesse L. Byock

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thebigness's review

5.0

This book was very interesting. If you've ever wondered where Tolkien got his source material this is definitely one of his inspirations. An excellent look at "barbarian mythology" that was very compelling to read.

ckoogle's review

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adventurous slow-paced

5.0

littleredhood's review against another edition

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4.0

J’ai très apprécié ce livre d’autant plus en voyant les différences bien présentent à l’histoire originale comparé à l’adaptation populaire de la série Vikings. J’ai trouvé fascinant de voir l’héritage de la famille Volsung qui sont descendants du dieux Odin jusqu’aux Ragnarssons qui en sont pas moins des descendants direct de par leur mère Aslaug ainsi que tout ce dont ils ont accompli. Ivar étant non seulement l’aîné, il est celui des fils de Ragnar avec le rôle le plus important et probablement l’un des vikings les plus respectés

valeriasabrina's review against another edition

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5.0

Definitivamente uma saga que merece (e precisa) ser lida mais de uma vez. Leitura obrigatória para quem quer que nutra o desejo de aproximar-se das sagas islandesas, da mitologia e do povo nórdico. Pretendo um dia aprender islandês e vivenciar uma experiência ainda mais intensa com tudo isso que me chama tanto.

luthien_tinuviel's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional fast-paced

5.0

I really love the tragedy and absurdity in the Norse sagas. These two were very entertaining and were easier to understand after having read the Poetic Edda, which contains a shorter version of the Saga of the Volsungs, as I was already familiar with the characters and a rough plot of the events that happened. I liked Jackson Crawford's translation, and the extra notes were also really informative.

hangsangareader's review against another edition

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adventurous dark fast-paced

4.0

After my test about the Viking age in Alfred's and Ethelred Il's reigns and watching all the Viking series on Netflix, the time came when I had to start reading the
Sagas.
These were my first sagas, I had a class about this literary genre, and I enjoyed them a lot. Of course, the translations probably don't compare to the metric and
rhythmic beauty of the original, but this translation was a good read.
It's great to experience the way a people sees itself, and what the Scandinavians thought were important characteristics for Kings and Vikings. Interesting how they
valued beauty, everyone who was someone was the most beautiful, when the commoner were ugly. The need for great deeds and courage are expected.
Since I've enjoyed learning about this time period, being able to, trough literature, enter the world of the Viking Era is my new favorite thing.