Written in consultation with leading academics.

A trip to the furthest edgelands of the Viking world via the drama of the Old Norse sagas -- from the Arctic Circle to Constantinople, North America to Kievan Rus.

The medieval Norse-Icelandic saga is one of the most important European vernacular literary genres of the Middle Ages. This Introduction to the saga genre outlines its origins and development, its literary character, its material existence in manuscripts and printed editions, and its changing reception from the Middle Ages to the present time. Its multiple sub-genres - including family sagas, mythical-heroic sagas and sagas of knights - are described and discussed in detail, and the world of medieval Icelanders is powerfully evoked. The first general study of the Old Norse-Icelandic saga to be written in English for some decades, the Introduction is based on up-to-date scholarship and engages with current debates in the field. With suggestions for further reading, detailed information about the Icelandic literary canon, and a map of medieval Iceland, this book is aimed at students of medieval literature and assumes no prior knowledge of Scandinavian languages.

The Saga of the Greenlanders and Eirik the Red’s Saga contain the first ever descriptions of North America, a bountiful land of grapes and vines, discovered by Vikings five centuries before Christopher Columbus. Written down in the early thirteenth century, they recount the Icelandic settlement of Greenland by Eirik the Red, the chance discovery by seafaring adventurers of a mysterious new land, and Eirik’s son Leif the Lucky’s perilous voyages to explore it. Wrecked by storms, stricken by disease and plagued by navigational mishaps, some survived the North Atlantic to pass down this compelling tale of the first Europeans to talk with, trade with, and war with the Native Americans.

Combining an accessible approach with innovative scholarship, Carl Phelpstead draws on historical context, contemporary theory, and close reading to deepen our understanding of Icelandic saga narratives about the island's early history.

The anthology 'Norse Sagas' is a riveting collection that embodies the rich tapestry of Norse mythology, hero tales, and historical epics, presenting a broad spectrum of literary styles from the enigmatic to the epic. This compilation, which traverses the stark landscapes of ancient Scandinavia, offers readers an unprecedented exploration of timeless themes such as honor, vengeance, and destiny. Among its pages, standout pieces capture the imagination with tales of gods, giants, and heroes, underscoring the anthologys significance within the broader context of mythological and epic literature. The diversity within this collection not only entertains but enlightens, providing a panoramic view of Norse cultural heritage. The contributing figures to this anthology, notably including the historian and poet Snorri Sturluson, alongside works attributed to Anonymous skalds, bring a depth of scholarly and creative insight to the Norse sagas. Their contributions reflect not only the literary prowess of medieval Scandinavia but also its profound philosophical and existential queries. Embedded within historical, cultural, and literary movements, these texts reveal the syncretic blend of pagan beliefs and societal norms that characterize the Viking Age. This anthology, by weaving together the varied threads of Norse oral and written traditions, offers a unique lens through which to understand these movements. 'Norse Sagas' is recommended for anyone drawn to the exploration of ancient cultures through their myths and stories. This anthology serves as both an educational resource and a portal to the distant past, offering insights into the values, struggles, and beliefs of the Norse people. With its rich array of narratives, it invites readers to engage in a dialogue with the ancients, fostering a deeper appreciation for the complexity and diversity of human thought and storytelling across ages.

From the translator of the bestselling Poetic Edda (Hackett, 2015) comes a gripping new rendering of two of the greatest sagas of Old Norse literature. Together the two sagas recount the story of seven generations of a single legendary heroic family and comprise our best source of traditional lore about its members—including, among others, the dragon-slayer Sigurd, Brynhild the Valkyrie, and the Viking chieftain Ragnar Lothbrok.