The Saga of King Hrolf Kraki (Penguin Classics)

First off, this is an excellent translation of a saga which, as another translator said of it, is more like what people expect a saga to be than most of the real ones. In other words, it is about ancient kings and viking-style adventures, not Icelandic farmers and their lawsuits and domestic disputes.But I'm writing this review to point out that the conversion to Kindle format garbled portions of the introduction: Something I discovered after ordering it to replace a missing paperback copy.The extended captions to some of the illustrations were originally in a different type, and therefore easily distinguished from the main text.This is not the case in the Kindle version: only one face and size is used. So the reader often has to skip forward a couple of pages to find the conclusion of a sentence in the introduction proper.This is a minor annoyance once the problem is recognized, but until it is the impression is given of an incoherent text, with sudden changes of subject, and sentences without beginnings or ends.

If you aren't quite ready for the novel-like epics about Njal, Grettir, or Kjartan (and the cast of characters in their respective sagas), this is a fun heroic biography or about 80 pages centered on Hrolf of Denmark, his heroes, and his vexing, bloody-minded family. Starting with the back story of his conception and youth, "Hrolf-Kraki" includes many of the hallmarks of saga literature--berserkers (of course), intense family strife, demons and enchanters, laconic dialog, heroic battles, crafty plot turns, psychologically rich characters, other worldly encounters, and an epic sweep.Its elusive relationship to "Beowulf" is an additional and substantial reason to read this as well.Finally, the introduction is sensible, long, detailed, and enriching. Overall, a really fine addition to one's normal list Icelandic saga.

What do I review: the saga or the translation? Either way this was an awesome text. Byock has once again given the English language a magnificent translation. His introduction is filled with pertinent information that helps position the reader to better understand some of the main characters within the saga itself and the saga’s place within the larger corpus of Icelandic writings.Byock’s illustrations, maps, and family trees help orientate the reader to the landscape of the saga. If that were not enough Byock’s notes help elucidate difficult passages as well as offer a deeper look into the culture from which the saga grew out of.As for the saga itself there’s plenty of magic, berserking, shape shifting, back stabbing, intrigue, revenge, magical beings, and epic battles to pull even the most ADD reader into its pages.While there’s plenty of wisdom to be gained from King Hrolf Kraki’s Saga, one line in particular struck a chord: “It is not mentioned that King Hrolf and his champions worshiped the old gods at any time. Rather, they put their trust in their own might and main” (71). That sums up the saga quite nicely.****Check out my books Rune Yoga: Staða & Galdr Rune Correspondences by Frodi Ingsson

I like the publications from penguin. You can slog through medieval texts, but sometimes it's nice to read something in layman's terms. This book fits that bill, and it's a wonderful read.

You can't go wrong with ths saga. It has everything you might want in a story produced in the time period. It is a favorite of readers and academics alike. If you think the previous sagas you have read were boring, this one will be something a little more exciting.

A must read for every heathen.

Hrolf Kraki's Saga has been somewhat controversial regarding its historical accuracy, but it is important to remember that the Sagas were as much "historical novels" as they were histories per se.Also I know some people don't like Byock's translation style, but personally, I find it enjoyable.This particular saga is remarkable for the numerous perspectives it offers on Norse religious and magical practices. Hrolf himself did not trust the gods (even after he meets Odin, he refuses Odin's gifts on this basis), but only his own might and main. Skuld (whose name she shares with one of the Norns) is a sorceress who is capable of causing the dead to rise up and continue to fight. And there are yet more magical events in this story.In the end, I would recommend this saga to anyone studying older literature, the Vikings, beliefs in the supernatural, and the like.

I've yet to read a Saga I didn't enjoy and this is one of the better ones. Great for its entertainment value but not a whole lot as far as clues as to what the religious practices of Heathen Scandinavians were. There are lots of obvious similarities between Hrolf Krakis Saga and Beowulf but the story also goes in a lot of other directions that are not in Beowulf. Byocks introduction and notes are a great added bonus to this. I also like that where I live now is in close proximity to where all of this occured. The remains of what they believe may be the Hall of Hrolf Kraki is about a 45 minute train ride from here.

Excellent read. The saga itself makes for an interesting and engaging tale with a wonderful cast of characters vying for power and honour. The additional notes provided at the start and end of the core text are invaluable and provide excellent background, context and comparisons between the tale here and other versions that exist in other texts. It also provides a comparison of the name spellings, comprehensive glossary and an incredibly useful summary for each character's actions with references to the relevant chapters, which helps to orient the reader when returning to the text at a later date.

Excellent read, highly recommended.

Super !

Une saga « légendaire » fascinante, dont le souffle vous emporte et vous tient en haleine jusqu'au bout ! Une des meilleurs sagas de la catégorie (avec peut-être quelques thatr, traduits en français dans « les sagas miniatures » par Régis Boyer, aux Belles-Lettres), où les personnages sont particulièrement attachants.De plus, les personnages principaux se retrouvent dans d'autres textes (la Gesta Danorum de Saxo Grammaticus [Gallimard], mais dans un style nettement moins vif, ou dans le Beowulf anglo-saxon), Hrolf Kraki lui-même étant cité dans de nombreuses sagas ou dans le Ladnamabok ; ce qui ajoute à l'intérêt de ce texte.Cette saga est maintenant traduite en français, par Régis Boyer, aux éditions Anacharsis.

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