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Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 398
EAN num: 9780140447385
ISBN number: 0140447385
Label: Penguin Classics
Manufacturer: Penguin Classics
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 160
Printing Date: January 01, 2000
Publishing house: Penguin Classics
Sale Popularity Level: 52454
Studio: Penguin Classics
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Product Description:
Based on Viking Age poems, 'The Saga of the Volsungs' combines mythology, legend and sheer human drama. At its heart are the heroic deeds of Sigurd the dragon slayer who acquires magical knowledge from one of Odin's Valkyries. Yet it is also set in a very human world, incorporating strands from the oral narratives of the fourth and fifth centuries, when Attila the Hun and other warriors fought on the northern frontiers of the Roman Empire. One of the great books of world literature, the saga is an unforgettable tale of princely jealousy, unrequited love, greed and vengeance. With its cursed treasure of the Rhine, sword reforged and magic ring of power, it was a major influence for writers including William Morris and J. R. R. Tolkein and for Wagner's Ring cycle.
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Rated by buyers 
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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.
Rated by buyers 
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This is the very 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.
Rated by buyers -
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 acess 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.
Rated by buyers -
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.
Rated by buyers -
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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