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The Saga of the Volsungs (Penguin Classics) | 
 enlarge | Author: Anonymous
Creator: Jesse L. Byock
Publisher: Penguin Classics
Category: Book
List Price: $14.00
Buy New: $7.98
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New (28) Used (66) from $7.45
Rating:  24 reviews
Sales Rank: 48432
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 160
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.1
Dimensions (in): 7.7 x 5 x 0.5
ISBN: 0140447385
Dewey Decimal Number: 398
EAN: 9780140447385
ASIN: 0140447385
Publication Date: January 1, 2000
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Shipping: International shipping available
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Product Description
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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| Customer Reviews: Read 19 more reviews...
 A rollicking venture into Germanic legends November 18, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
A very synthesized telling of the Sigurd myth, seen through the lens of an Icelandic telling. There is a lot more myth to this tale than, say, some of the Eddas or the Kalevala, which incorporate much more lore. While Siguard is still the main focus of the saga, there is much more done to incorporate his story into a larger Germanic tableau. This is a nice read, especially for those who would rather not wade through the larger Nibelungenlied. For those familiar with Wagner's magnus operas, Siguard will seem most familiar. Indeed, it is here the Germanic appears most heroic and pure, even if such characterization comes with the price of a lack of development or depth. An excellent introduction to Germanic legends, especially of interest to those familiar with modern practitioners of mythical material like Tolkien. With a careful eye, it is very easy to see where modern writers have plundered. Despite it's age, the saga remains a very human drama at it's core, able to deliver applicable messages to discerning readers of the present.
 Nice introduction to Icelandic Myths October 15, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is the first Icelandic Saga that I have read. I thought it was a good set of stories, and it has gotten me interested in reading more. As far as the translation goes, I can't say much as I am fairly ignorant on the subject. I did enjoy the prose while reading this version though. I also thought the notes throughout the text were very helpful. They were good in explaining things someone unfamiliar with this area of literature wouldn't know. They also did a good job of explaining references to other sagas. The last thing I enjoyed about the notes were explanations on passages that weren't able to be translated perfectly due to one reason or another. I didn't read the introduction, so I can't say anything on that part of the book. Overall I recommend this if you're a fan of sagas or are interested and new to them.
Reasonable translation, great work June 23, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
First, I would add that for serious students looking at this work, you are better off starting with Prof. Hollander's translation of the Poetic Edda. That work contains the surviving source material the saga author had access to in English translation. When compared to source material, one can see how the author toned down to some extent some of the mythic and magical aspects of the story.
This is one of the most important stories in Western culture, on a scale with the Illead and Beowulf.
I actually found Byock's translation readable and the introduction and notes were helpful. I don't think it can be a single source for understanding the story, however.
However, I would second the idea that facing page translation formats are probably better for the serious student, and often result in better translations from the original.
Siegfried Norse style April 1, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This is not the best Viking Saga I've read but it is pretty good. It is almost essential reading (if you're into understanding Viking culture). At times the story is confusing, because their are so many actors in this drama. There are some rather shocking/grisly bits in it, but on the whole it is one of those timeless stories, and so much better than "Lord of the Rings" (which was obviously inspired by this Saga). I will read it again - of that I am quite sure.
Greatest Saga March 8, 2007
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Epic, bloody and depressing. It's GREAT!!! Great fun for peoplewell versed and for the beginner. The classic root of the entire ring cycle myth. The Start of the Siegfried legend and inspiration for Wagner and Tolkien. Essential source material.
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