Other editions of book Myths Of The Norsemen - From The Eddas And Sagas

Over the centuries, Northern mythology has exerted much influence on Western customs, language, and literature. Its principal theme of the perpetual struggle of the beneficent forces of nature against the injurious, and its twin characteristics of dark tragedy and grim humor, tinge much European literature and music, most notably Wagner’s Ring Cycle.In this volume, a noted scholar of myth and folklore has assembled a rich collection of Northern mythology as preserved in the Eddas and sagas of Iceland. These are perhaps the purest versions of the original myths, thanks to the island’s remoteness and lack of contact with outside influences. Both grand and tragical, the age-old tales tell of the creation of the world; the heroic deeds of such gods and heroes as Odin, Thor, and Siegfried; the machinations of the evil Loki; the fantastical adventures of giants, dwarfs, and elves; the twilight of the gods; and much else. Sixty-four marvelous, atmospheric illustrations add an additional dimension of charm.In this convenient, reliable edition, Myths of the Norsemen offers not only hours of reading entertainment but also valuable insights into the nature and meaning of myth and how it constitutes part of the deep and ancient wellspring of Western culture.

The prime importance of the rude fragments of poetry preserved in early Icelandic literature will now be disputed by none, but there has been until recent times an extraordinary indifference to the wealth of religious tradition and mythical lore which they contain.The long neglect of these precious records of our heathen ancestors is not the fault of the material in which all that survives of their religious beliefs is enshrined, for it may safely be asserted that the Edda is as rich in the essentials of national romance and race-imagination, rugged though it be, as the more graceful and idyllic mythology of the South. Neither is it due to anything weak in the conception of the deities themselves, for although they may not rise to great spiritual heights, foremost students of Icelandic literature agree that they stand out rude and massive as the Scandinavian mountains. They exhibit "a spirit of victory, superior to brute force, superior to mere matter, a spirit that fights and overcomes." "Even were some part of the matter of their myths taken from others, yet the Norsemen have given their gods a noble, upright, great spirit, and placed them upon a high level that is all their own." "In fact these old Norse songs have a truth in them, an inward perennial truth and greatness. [xii]It is a greatness not of mere body and gigantic bulk, but a rude greatness of soul."...

Over the centuries, Northern mythology has exerted much influence on Western customs, language, and literature. Its principal theme of the perpetual struggle of the beneficent forces of nature against the injurious, and its twin characteristics of dark tragedy and grim humor, tinge much European literature and music, most notably Wagner’s Ring Cycle.In this volume, a noted scholar of myth and folklore has assembled a rich collection of Northern mythology as preserved in the Eddas and sagas of Iceland. These are perhaps the purest versions of the original myths, thanks to the island’s remoteness and lack of contact with outside influences. Both grand and tragical, the age-old tales tell of the creation of the world; the heroic deeds of such gods and heroes as Odin, Thor, and Siegfried; the machinations of the evil Loki; the fantastical adventures of giants, dwarfs, and elves; the twilight of the gods; and much else. Sixty-four marvelous, atmospheric illustrations add an additional dimension of charm.In this convenient, reliable edition, Myths of the Norsemen offers not only hours of reading entertainment but also valuable insights into the nature and meaning of myth and how it constitutes part of the deep and ancient wellspring of Western culture.

The prime importance of the rude fragments of poetry preserved in early Icelandic literature will now be disputed by none, but there has been until recent times an extraordinary indifference to the wealth of religious tradition and mythical lore which they contain. The long neglect of these precious records of our heathen ancestors is not the fault of the material in which all that survives of their religious beliefs is enshrined, for it may safely be asserted that the Edda is as rich in the essentials of national romance and race-imagination, rugged though it be, as the more graceful and idyllic mythology of the South. Neither is it due to anything weak in the conception of the deities themselves, for although they may not rise to great spiritual heights, foremost students of Icelandic literature agree that they stand out rude and massive as the Scandinavian mountains. They exhibit “a spirit of victory, superior to brute force, superior to mere matter, a spirit that fights and overcomes.” “Even were some part of the matter of their myths taken from others, yet the Norsemen have given their gods a noble, upright, great spirit, and placed them upon a high level that is all their own.”“In fact these old Norse songs have a truth in them, an inward perennial truth and greatness.It is a greatness not of mere body and gigantic bulk, but a rude greatness of soul.”

“This is the great story of the North, which should be to all our race what the Tale of Troy was to the Greeks—to all our race first, and afterwards, when the change of the world has made our race nothing more than a name of what has been—a story too—then should it be to those that come after us no less than the Tale of Troy has been to us.”—William Morris.This new edition of H. A. Guerber’s classic work contains all the original text and includes introductory matter from two earlier editions, along with indices, glossary, and pronunciation guide. It has been hand-edited and entirely reset in 446 pages along with 64 marvellous illustrations. It is a comprehensive overview of Norse legend and mythology, and a treasure trove of historical marvels, tales of glory and death, defeat and victory.As the author wrote in the forward: “The aim of this handbook is to familiarize the English student with the religion of his heathen ancestors, and to set forth, as clearly as possible, the various myths which have exercised an influence over our customs, arts, and literature. “As Danes, Swedes, Icelanders, Germans, English, and French all came originally from the same stock and worshiped the same gods, so these tales formed the basis not only of their religious belief, but also of their first attempts at poetry.”Drawing upon the rich legacy of the Eddas and Sagas, this work traces not only the full pantheon of the Northern Gods and their foes, but also provides a fascinating insight into the historical origins of some of the main characters—who appear to have been based on real-life characters whose deeds immortalized them into legend—and finally a comparison with classical Greek mythological characters, showing the interrelatedness of the great Indo-European peoples.It also discusses in detail how the early Christian missionaries merged many of the Norse beliefs into Christianity—such as the transference to the Christian holiday of Easter the attributes of the goddess Eástre (Ostara), from whom it took its name, “Christmas” from Yule, and Hell from the Norse goddess of the underworld, Hel, among many others.Read also of the Norse origins of well-known legends such as Sleeping Beauty, the Pied Piper of Hamelin, customs and rituals such as Yule, days of the week, and much, much more.This marvelous anthology is highly recommended for any person wishing to gain a better understanding of one of the most important belief systems in northern Europe before the introduction of Christianity. Contents:Chapter I: The Beginning; Chapter II: Odin; Chapter III: Frigga; Chapter IV: Thor; Chapter V: Tyr; Chapter VI: Bragi; Chapter VII: Idun; Chapter VIII: Niörd; Chapter IX: Frey; Chapter X: Freya; Chapter XI: Uller; Chapter XII: Forseti; Chapter XIII: Heimdall; Chapter XIV: Hermod; Chapter XV: Vidar; Chapter XVI: Vali; Chapter XVII: The Norns; Chapter XVIII: The Valkyrs; Chapter XIX: Hel; Chapter XX: Ægir; Chapter XXI: Balder; Chapter XXII: Loki; Chapter XXIII: The Giants; Chapter XXIV: The Dwarfs; Chapter XXV: The Elves; Chapter XXVI: The Sigurd Saga; Chapter XXVII: The Story of Frithiof; Chapter XXVIII: The Twilight of the Gods; Chapter XXIX: Greek and Northern Mythologies; Index to Poetical Quotations; Glossary and Index.

This vintage book contains a comprehensive encyclopedia of ancient Scandinavian mythology. It includes explanations of many important tales and explores the meanings and symbolism of the characters and deities, all of which is interspersed with authentic poetry. Contents include: “The Beginning”, “Odin”, “Frigga”, “Thor”, “Tyr”, “Bragi”, “Idun”, “Niörd”, “Frey”, “Uller”, “Forseti”, “Heimdall”, “Hermod”, “Vidar”, “Vali”, “The Norns”, “The Valkyrs”, “Hel”, “Balder”, “Loki”, “The Giants”, “The Dwarfs”, “The Elves”, “The Sigurd Saga”, et cetera. Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction. This book was first published in 1909.

This vintage book contains a comprehensive encyclopedia of ancient Scandinavian mythology. It includes explanations of many important tales and explores the meanings and symbolism of the characters and deities, all of which is interspersed with authentic poetry. Contents include: “The Beginning”, “Odin”, “Frigga”, “Thor”, “Tyr”, “Bragi”, “Idun”, “Niörd”, “Frey”, “Uller”, “Forseti”, “Heimdall”, “Hermod”, “Vidar”, “Vali”, “The Norns”, “The Valkyrs”, “Hel”, “Balder”, “Loki”, “The Giants”, “The Dwarfs”, “The Elves”, “The Sigurd Saga”, et cetera. Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction. This book was first published in 1909.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Myths and Sagas of the North: All you need to know about Thor, Odin, Sigurd, Forseti and all the other important gods and goddesses of Norse and Germanic Mythology! You'll be fascinated: "Myths of the Norsemen" tells the exciting story of our world from the creation to the End of Days, and it also features descriptions of all of the Norse and Scandinavian gods. Why you'll love it: It's the most exciting and thorough book about Norse Mythology, including the Sigurd saga, the Thor legend, and how Odin lost his eye.