Author: Ian Cumpstey
Publisher: Self-Published
Publication Date: August 2014
Pages: 85
Format: E-Book - EPUB
Genre: Folklore/Mythology
Source: Review Copy from Author
Warrior Lore is the second collection of Scandinavian folk ballads translated into English verse by Ian Cumpstey, following Lord Peter and Little Kerstin. These narrative ballads were part of an oral tradition in Scandinavia, and were first written down around 1600. Included in this book are stories of heroes and fighters, Vikings, and trolls.
The legendary hero Widrick Waylandsson comes face to face with a troll in the forest. Thor resorts to cross-dressing in a bid to recover his stolen hammer. The daughter of the King of Sweden is abducted from a convent in the Swedish countryside. A young fighter has to show off his prowess in skiing and shooting for King Harald Hardrada. And more...
All the ballads included are: Widrick Waylandsson's Fight with Long-Ben Reyser; Twelve Strong Fighters; Hilla-Lill; Sir Hjalmar; The Hammer Hunt; The Stablemates; Sven Swan-White; The Cloister Raid; Heming and the Mountain Troll; Heming and King Harald. (Goodreads Synopsis)
Warrior Lore presents a wonderful collection of Scandinavian folk ballads translated into English. The stories are fun and engaging and very nicely rendered into English verse. The Hammer Hunt will interest readers of the Poetic Edda as it is a folk retelling of the cross-dressing visit of Thor and Loki to retrieve Mjolnir from Thrym. A highly recommended read for lovers of Scandinavian folklore and mythology.
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