Captivating History has combined two of their previous books about Vikings together in one longer work. The stories are fascinating and give insight into the psyche of Viking mythology. As the author states, these people do things just as we would expect humans to do. Vikings were pragmatic people.
Viking Sagas --
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.
Tales from the Viking Age --
Sometimes it is great to leave wars behind and spend some time with another culture's literature. Matt Clayton has offered his readers an introduction to Viking sagas and lore. There are three sagas included here: King Heidrek the Wise, Ãrvar-Oddr, and Vinland. King Heidrek the Wise's story was about a magical sword and how it was passed down through the generations. I was surprised that Heidrek was considered wise because he often did not act so.
Orvar-Oddr was introduced in the first story and continues in his own tale. Finally, "The Voyages of Vinland" is about the discovery of Canada. Until reading the Captivating History versions of mythology, I've always thought mythology was a bit of a yawn. However, these tales are told in an interesting and engaging manner. They are well worth a reader's time.
Viking Sagas --
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.
Tales from the Viking Age --
Sometimes it is great to leave wars behind and spend some time with another culture's literature. Matt Clayton has offered his readers an introduction to Viking sagas and lore. There are three sagas included here: King Heidrek the Wise, Ãrvar-Oddr, and Vinland. King Heidrek the Wise's story was about a magical sword and how it was passed down through the generations. I was surprised that Heidrek was considered wise because he often did not act so.
Orvar-Oddr was introduced in the first story and continues in his own tale. Finally, "The Voyages of Vinland" is about the discovery of Canada. Until reading the Captivating History versions of mythology, I've always thought mythology was a bit of a yawn. However, these tales are told in an interesting and engaging manner. They are well worth a reader's time.
