King Harald's Saga

by Snorri Sturluson

Paperback, 1966

Status

Available

Call number

909

Publication

Penguin Books (1966), Edition: Later Printing

Description

This compelling Icelandic history describes the life of King Harald Hardradi, from his battles across Europe and Russia to his final assault on England in 1066, less than three weeks before the invasion of William the Conqueror. It was a battle that led to his death and marked the end of an era in which Europe had been dominated by the threat of Scandinavian forces. Despite England's triumph, it also played a crucial part in fatally weakening the English army immediately prior to the Norman Conquest, changing the course of history. Taken from the Heimskringla--Snorri Sturluson's complete account of Norway from prehistoric times to 1177--this is a brilliantly human depiction of the turbulent life and savage death of the last great Norse warrior-king. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member Jamie638

This is the saga of Harald Hardradi (the ruthless), the last viking king of Norway. He led a fascinating life, including a stint as the chief of the Varangian guards in Constantinople where he became a lover of the empress Zoe. He died in the battle of Stamford Bridge (9/25/1066), when he invaded

England as an ally of Harold Godwinsson's ill-fated brother Tostig. This battle so depleted Harold Godwinsson's forces that he was defeated and killed by William of Normandy at Hastings 19 days later.

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LibraryThing member DarthDeverell

Magnus Magnusson and Hermann Pálsson structure their prose translation of Snorri Sturluson's King Harald's Saga into three parts: an introduction with historic background on Harald and the larger Heimskringla, the saga itself, and additional materials such as genealogical tables, a glossary of

names, and maps. The story focuses on the life of Harald, most well-known as one of the kings who tried to conquer England in 1066 and who likely weakened Harold's forces enough that William the Conqueror was able to achieve his victory nineteen days later.
Modern translators would try to retain Sturluson's original verse structure, but this is a serviceable translation with excellent footnotes to clear up historic inaccuracies or explain the relationships between the people Sturluson discusses. The story will appeal to those who have read other Scandinavian sagas like Egil's Saga (based on Egill Skallagrímsson and possibly written by Sturluson as well) or English histories like Robert Glover's Kings of England Ever Since it was So Called.

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LibraryThing member DinadansFriend

This is a portion of Sturluson's much longer work, the Heimskringla, dealing with one monarch of Norway . Harald was the king of Norway who died at Stamford Bridge in battle with Harold Godwinsson in 1066. Harald's earlier life had already included an attempt to seize the throne of Norway, and a

stint as a mercenary commander in the Byzantine Empire.This saga is a discrete biography as ably translated by Magnus Magnusson and Herman Palsson, a justly celebrated team. Harald's life is very interesting, and a good entry point for more specialised study of this great body of literature.

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