The Saga of the Volsungs
Translated by Jesse L. Byock
This Nordic story is really the precursor to the aforementioned Nibelungenlied. The names and events are changed somewhat, but the characters are cut from the same stock. It's interesting to read these back to back and compare them in light of their cultures. Whereas The Nibelungenlied is most definitely a courtly work, fixing itself unnaturally on the clothing of the participants, the Icelandic saga version of the story is much grittier and to the point. Unlike in the former book, I could actually figure out what exactly was going on without unnecessary adornment while enjoying enough details to make the story real (enough).
The story is essentially the legacy of a family (the Volsungs) descended directly from the Norse god Odin, and the saga functions as a chronicle of them and their descendants. Though the entire work doesn't adequately knit itself together into a fully coherent story, the common thread of familial ties and the passing of the torch from father to son propels the action. The limited focus also allows the author to be blunt and remain steady on his point- if a supporting character needs to be written out, he is simply "out of the saga," an absolutely candid remark by the author that cracked me up.
Being an absolutely quick read, I'd recommend the book to those looking for a quick and lively read of an old tale of Scandinavia. Though the tale gets a little complicated at times, throwing out names left and right, the plot is easily followed to the end, full of twists and turns only given away by the chapter names. But perhaps those, too, are meant to fit in with the general theme of the great epic- you are your fate.
Grade: A-
Translated by Jesse L. Byock
This Nordic story is really the precursor to the aforementioned Nibelungenlied. The names and events are changed somewhat, but the characters are cut from the same stock. It's interesting to read these back to back and compare them in light of their cultures. Whereas The Nibelungenlied is most definitely a courtly work, fixing itself unnaturally on the clothing of the participants, the Icelandic saga version of the story is much grittier and to the point. Unlike in the former book, I could actually figure out what exactly was going on without unnecessary adornment while enjoying enough details to make the story real (enough).
The story is essentially the legacy of a family (the Volsungs) descended directly from the Norse god Odin, and the saga functions as a chronicle of them and their descendants. Though the entire work doesn't adequately knit itself together into a fully coherent story, the common thread of familial ties and the passing of the torch from father to son propels the action. The limited focus also allows the author to be blunt and remain steady on his point- if a supporting character needs to be written out, he is simply "out of the saga," an absolutely candid remark by the author that cracked me up.
Being an absolutely quick read, I'd recommend the book to those looking for a quick and lively read of an old tale of Scandinavia. Though the tale gets a little complicated at times, throwing out names left and right, the plot is easily followed to the end, full of twists and turns only given away by the chapter names. But perhaps those, too, are meant to fit in with the general theme of the great epic- you are your fate.
Grade: A-
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