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Viking Sagas: The Captivating Tale of Ragnar Lothbrok, Ivar the Boneless, Lagertha, and More, in Their Historical Context
The period between the end of the eighth century CE and the middle of the eleventh is often called the “Viking Age” because this is the period in which Scandinavian people expanded their contacts with the outside world through trade, raiding, exploration, and colonization.
This volume presents a version of Ragnar’s saga compiled from different modern sources, along with information providing additional historical and documentary context, followed by a discussion of some aspects of modern appropriations and representations of ancient Norse culture.
The first section of the book provides historical context for Ragnar’s saga through an exploration of daily life in ninth-century Scandinavia and of contemporary Viking culture and history.
The text of the saga itself forms the second part of the book, along with notes giving further information about how this version of the saga is presented and about elements within the story that might not be familiar to modern readers.
The third section of the book deals with representations of ancient Norse cultures in modern popular media.
Within this book, you'll find the following the Viking Sagas and topics covered:
The World of Ragnar Lothbrok
The Saga of Ragnar Lothbrok and His Sons
Representations of Norse Myths and History in Modern Media
The Clash of History and Drama in the History Channel Television Series Vikings
And much more!
This volume presents a version of Ragnar’s saga compiled from different modern sources, along with information providing additional historical and documentary context, followed by a discussion of some aspects of modern appropriations and representations of ancient Norse culture.
The first section of the book provides historical context for Ragnar’s saga through an exploration of daily life in ninth-century Scandinavia and of contemporary Viking culture and history.
The text of the saga itself forms the second part of the book, along with notes giving further information about how this version of the saga is presented and about elements within the story that might not be familiar to modern readers.
The third section of the book deals with representations of ancient Norse cultures in modern popular media.
Within this book, you'll find the following the Viking Sagas and topics covered:
The World of Ragnar Lothbrok
The Saga of Ragnar Lothbrok and His Sons
Representations of Norse Myths and History in Modern Media
The Clash of History and Drama in the History Channel Television Series Vikings
And much more!
113 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2020
174 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 1, 2020
I received this book as an offer from Captivating History.com. I reviewed, because for me, Viking and Celtic mythology makes for some interesting reading. Add in the popular television series, “Vikings” and you’ve got a recipe for success.
This is not your typical history book, although there are many citations to back up this author’s references. The style of writing is clear and concise, and easy to understand. There are detailed descriptions of Viking culture, many gleaned from recent archaeological evidence.
I found the “shield maiden,” research to be most interesting. This female Viking, who lived and died around the year 900, was first excavated from a farm in Solør, Norway, in 1900. Recent discoveries reveal that she was a woman, overturning the centuries-old assumption that Viking warriors were only men.
The author deciphers many of the myths surrounding the television series, “The Vikings.” There was a man named Ragnar in the ancient texts who could have been the character in the series. The series has done a decent job in my estimation of showing Viking culture. Even more interesting to me was how many of the Norse myths found their way into the show. Read the ancient myths included in the book. The Norse were superb storytellers.
I also found the connection to a magic sword and the slaying of a dragon from the ancient Norse myths could have been the basis for the King Arthur myths. This is only my speculation and not collaborated with research. I think these older myths found their way into Celtic society repurposed to fit the needs of the time.
As a poet, the information relating to the Norse and Icelandic Skalds, (poets) caught my attention. Skalds were the poets of the Vikings, and poetry and storytelling were the most-prized art forms in Norse culture. Poetry was a gift from Odin, the Allfather chief god of the Vikings, and just being a skald with the ability to speak in rhyme also was a way to distinguish themselves as having a connection to Odin.
If you love Norse mythology and want to find out the factual truth behind the “Vikings” television series, this book will shed some light on the truth of the matter. It was a fabulous read!
This is not your typical history book, although there are many citations to back up this author’s references. The style of writing is clear and concise, and easy to understand. There are detailed descriptions of Viking culture, many gleaned from recent archaeological evidence.
I found the “shield maiden,” research to be most interesting. This female Viking, who lived and died around the year 900, was first excavated from a farm in Solør, Norway, in 1900. Recent discoveries reveal that she was a woman, overturning the centuries-old assumption that Viking warriors were only men.
The author deciphers many of the myths surrounding the television series, “The Vikings.” There was a man named Ragnar in the ancient texts who could have been the character in the series. The series has done a decent job in my estimation of showing Viking culture. Even more interesting to me was how many of the Norse myths found their way into the show. Read the ancient myths included in the book. The Norse were superb storytellers.
I also found the connection to a magic sword and the slaying of a dragon from the ancient Norse myths could have been the basis for the King Arthur myths. This is only my speculation and not collaborated with research. I think these older myths found their way into Celtic society repurposed to fit the needs of the time.
As a poet, the information relating to the Norse and Icelandic Skalds, (poets) caught my attention. Skalds were the poets of the Vikings, and poetry and storytelling were the most-prized art forms in Norse culture. Poetry was a gift from Odin, the Allfather chief god of the Vikings, and just being a skald with the ability to speak in rhyme also was a way to distinguish themselves as having a connection to Odin.
If you love Norse mythology and want to find out the factual truth behind the “Vikings” television series, this book will shed some light on the truth of the matter. It was a fabulous read!
March 14, 2021
I decided to read this book as I’m watching the Vikings TV show and wanted to know more about Ragnar Lothbrok. When I started the show I wasn’t aware that Ragnar and many of the other characters are based on The Saga of Ragnar Lothbrok and His Sons.
It was a quick read with basic information, some of which felt tacked on. I wasn’t that interested in the section that compared dragons in Norse myth to the dragons in Tolkien’s Middle-Earth.
I enjoyed the first two sections the most, a basic introduction to the Viking Age and a summary of Lothbrok’s Saga. It was interesting to see the changes that were made in the making of TV series. The actual section comparing the TV show to the Saga was rather short though. I found more detailed information online.
It was a quick read with basic information, some of which felt tacked on. I wasn’t that interested in the section that compared dragons in Norse myth to the dragons in Tolkien’s Middle-Earth.
I enjoyed the first two sections the most, a basic introduction to the Viking Age and a summary of Lothbrok’s Saga. It was interesting to see the changes that were made in the making of TV series. The actual section comparing the TV show to the Saga was rather short though. I found more detailed information online.
January 28, 2021
This book gives a very specific and fresh view for such things like Vikings tv series or Assasins Creed Valhalla game. Altough it is not quite historic in any way, it may be used to describe how Northmens was looking at themselves, and their history. I would recommend it, as a cool refreshment for every fan of Vikings era.
January 30, 2021
I enjoyed parts of this book for some context as to the history behind the Vikings show I had watched on History Channel. Other parts were difficult to follow from the writings in Norse mythology and poetry. Overall It satisfies my need to know history vs fiction.
July 5, 2020
This is my favorite type of history. The author lays out how the populace lived before starting the rest of the story. Learning how the average man lived helps the reader understand the unique features and skills of the leaders (who rise to the top) and who are considered to be the best their culture has to offer. The explanations were clear and the author clearly states when the story moves into the area between history and myth.
The sagas are well-explained and quite interesting. I was not aware that there was a Vikings television series. The author explains where the director took license with the series. The notes after each section add much to the understanding and enjoyment of the stories.
The sagas are well-explained and quite interesting. I was not aware that there was a Vikings television series. The author explains where the director took license with the series. The notes after each section add much to the understanding and enjoyment of the stories.
May 4, 2022
Second book with Ragnar’s Saga. This book includes Ragnar’s 3 wives, something the previous translation I read did not. Considering the role Lagertha plays in the tv show Vikings, it’s kind of disappointing how little she matters in this Saga. Also, this translation does not include Aslaug going to battle with her sons and becoming Randalín - included in Jackson Crawford’s translation.
Interacting with different versions of the narrative my thoughts on Alsaug changed - in the tv show she is an antagonist to Lagertha, easily hated. In the Saga she is more easily loved (the tv show makes her the bitch type), but it’s the going into battle and becoming Randalín that made me admire Alsaug the most.
What makes this book good is all the information relating to the Viking Age: how the Scandinavians lived their lives, how they built their ships, their culture, etc. The author also compares Tolkien’s dragons to the ones in the Saga - interesting for every fan of Tolkien, as he borrow immensely from Nordic culture/stories/mythology. The author also compares certain aspects of the tv show with those of the Sagas and historical accuracy. For me, personally, knowing the truth is much more captivating than any adaptation. And as fantasy is one of my favorite genres, the Sagas will always one up any movie/tv series. I mean, dragons, am I right!?
Interacting with different versions of the narrative my thoughts on Alsaug changed - in the tv show she is an antagonist to Lagertha, easily hated. In the Saga she is more easily loved (the tv show makes her the bitch type), but it’s the going into battle and becoming Randalín that made me admire Alsaug the most.
What makes this book good is all the information relating to the Viking Age: how the Scandinavians lived their lives, how they built their ships, their culture, etc. The author also compares Tolkien’s dragons to the ones in the Saga - interesting for every fan of Tolkien, as he borrow immensely from Nordic culture/stories/mythology. The author also compares certain aspects of the tv show with those of the Sagas and historical accuracy. For me, personally, knowing the truth is much more captivating than any adaptation. And as fantasy is one of my favorite genres, the Sagas will always one up any movie/tv series. I mean, dragons, am I right!?
July 24, 2020
Viking sagas by Matt Clayton
Free ebook bonus about other legends and sagas.
This collection includes viking sagas, world of regnar lothbrok and Ragnar and his sons, representations of Norse myths and history in modern media.
Super enjoy learning more about the vikings and how they live but found the tv series a bit different but a good show compared to the book version of events.
References are included from many sources at the end.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Free ebook bonus about other legends and sagas.
This collection includes viking sagas, world of regnar lothbrok and Ragnar and his sons, representations of Norse myths and history in modern media.
Super enjoy learning more about the vikings and how they live but found the tv series a bit different but a good show compared to the book version of events.
References are included from many sources at the end.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
September 2, 2024
A little disappointed by this one as it didn't really have as much info as I was hoping. A lot of the analysis is really shallow, like there's a whole chapter on dragons and Tolkein, which sounds awesome. But the book is just like, "There's dragons in the viking sagas, and there's a dragon in The Hobbit, pretty neat huh?"
Was hoping for more info on the sagas themselves. Anyone know of a complete collection?
Was hoping for more info on the sagas themselves. Anyone know of a complete collection?
January 17, 2021
Aunque tiene una muy amplia bibliografía de investigación, se nota que se trata de parte de una serie masiva de libros con un perfil enciclopédico. El tema es interesante, pero por momento se sienten carrereado.
May 30, 2020
This book was a wonderful introduction to one of my favourite subjects. I loved it! It was exciting and interesting!
I received a free copy from Mr. Clayton in return for an honest review.
I received a free copy from Mr. Clayton in return for an honest review.
August 1, 2020
This was very interesting. As a huge fan of the Vikings TV show, it was cool to see what was actual history and what was artistic liberty.
February 5, 2021
Interesting read, however, not as well edited as the last book I read in the Captivating History series.
October 19, 2021
Simplified, aseptic collection of common Viking tales, with a brief critical summarization of the History channel series "Vikings."
December 16, 2021
I did not like this book. There was not enough history and too many fairy tales. For example I do not want to read about slaying dragons, etc.
December 16, 2023
I was a little disappointed in this book. I've read better versions.
July 29, 2021
I had to read this because I am a huge fan of The Vikings TV Show on The History Channel. I had no idea that many of my favorite characters in the series actually existed like Ragnar Lothbrok, Lagertha and Ivar the Boneless. Just wow. This book explained all the important Vikings and their accomplishments, or lack thereof, and lesser known Vikings as well. I was definitely captivated and intrigued with this history lesson and am buying it to re-read.
Recommended series of brief history lessons and especially for people like me that love The Vikings on the History Channel to learn more about the actual people.
Recommended series of brief history lessons and especially for people like me that love The Vikings on the History Channel to learn more about the actual people.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews