The Saga of King Hrolf Kraki (Penguin Classics)

by Anonymous

Other authorsJesse L. Byock (Translator)
Paperback, 1999

Status

Available

Call number

839.63

Collection

Publication

Penguin Classics (1999), Edition: Penguin Classics, 144 pages

Description

Composed in medieval Iceland, Hrolf's Saga is one of the greatest of all mythic-legendary sagas, relating half-fantastical events that were said to have occurred in fifth-century Denmark. It tells of the exploits of King Hrolf and of his famous champions, including Bodvar Bjarki, the 'bear-warrior'- a powerful figure whose might and bear-like nature are inspired by the same legendary heritage as Beowulf. Depicting a world of wizards, sorceresses and 'berserker' fighters - originally members of a cult of Odin - this is a compelling tale of ancient magic. A work of timeless power and beauty, it offers both a treasury of Icelandic prose and a masterful gathering of epic, cultic memory, traditional folk tale and myths from the Viking age and far earlier.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member isabelx
As King Hrolf Kraki was referred to in the last poem in The Poetic Edda, I decided it would be a good time to get round to reading his saga. King Hrolf Kraki was a legendary Danish King, and this saga mostly concerns power-struggles between members of his family over several generations.

There are
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versions of this story from other parts of Northern Europe, including "Beowulf" from England which was written down earlier than the Icelandic version. The king's champion Bodvar Bjarki is the saga's equivalent of Beowulf, but the monster he fights is rather different from Grendel.

If you decide to read any of the Icelandic sagas I would really recommend the Penguin Classics editions. They have fantastic introductions and lots of notes, which really help you understand the history, geography, mythology and culture of Northern Europe in the dark ages and early mediaeval period.
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LibraryThing member BittyCornwell
This saga tells some of the tales of King Hrolf, and his twelve champions. It is full of captivating tales of beasts attacking annually on Yuletide, an evil stepmother turning her stepson into a bear and having him killed, children born half man and half beast, and epic battles. The twelve
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champions are drawn to serve King Hrolf as he is considered a great ruler. He is liberal with rewards and fair to those that gain his trust, so these great warriors seek to prove themselves to him.

I like the supplemental material Penguin included in this edition. There are general notes on the material, family trees, and a glossary of names. I always find it helpful to have the answers to my questions in the book. It was also interesting that some of the stories included are underlying tales in Beowulf, which I hope to read again soon to examine how the tales work together. I thought this saga was an engrossing read. The only problem is it's a short tale, so it is over too soon. I highly recommend this book if you like the sagas, tales of King Arthur and his knights, or fantasy.
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LibraryThing member dylkit
Trolls AND Berserkers in the same story..what could go wrong?!

The berserkers were disappointingly crap, though. They seem to travel and do everything together in groups of twelve and possible share a brain. They are also easily defeated by our various heroes and we don't get to seem them in a
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battle frenzy. In what appears to be a later medieval interpolation, they also seem to wear armour. Some of these interpolations are a bit random.. at the very end of the saga it says 'And events turned out a expected' said Master Galterus. Who?! Some one who translated the life story of Alexander the Great into Icelandic, according to the notes,which sounds very interesting and has no place in this story.

But then again, there is what could possibly be a were-bear in the book.
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Language

Original language

English

Original publication date

c. 1400

Physical description

144 p.; 5.09 inches

ISBN

014043593X / 9780140435931

Local notes

DKR

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