The Heimskringla is a remarkably good read. It’s a history of the kings of various bits of Scandinavia, from Oðin’s time up to the author’s present day, in the late 11th century. But despite being a medieval text, it’s just plain fun to read, and Snorri Sturluson (the author, one of the great scholars and politicians of his day, and possessor of a great-sounding name) does his best to give a real scholarly analysis, especially of the parts of the history that are furthest in the past and so hardest to verify. It’s got a very modern feel to it.
Besides, any history book with chapter titles like “King Fjolnir Drowns in a Mead Vat” can’t be that bad.
Yonatan Zunger’s Blog 
The name “Snorri” always makes me laugh.
The name “Snorri” always makes me laugh.
I think my favorite episode in the Heimskringla is “(some guy’s name) shows his ugly feet.”
However, the description of the Battle of Stamford Bridge almost sounds, for the later parts, like he heard the story of Hastings somewhere and got them confused, they being only a few weeks a part and so forth.
I think my favorite episode in the Heimskringla is “(some guy’s name) shows his ugly feet.”
However, the description of the Battle of Stamford Bridge almost sounds, for the later parts, like he heard the story of Hastings somewhere and got them confused, they being only a few weeks a part and so forth.
This is why I wrote Dwarf’s Blood Mead and will write the rest of that series.
This is why I wrote Dwarf’s Blood Mead and will write the rest of that series.
“some guy’s name” = “Thorarin.”
I actually talked about my love for Snorri in GHP #2, notable for using the words “Icelandic” and “butthole” in the same sentence.
“some guy’s name” = “Thorarin.”
I actually talked about my love for Snorri in GHP #2, notable for using the words “Icelandic” and “butthole” in the same sentence.
Mmm… Heimskringla. I really should get around to reading it one of these days.
Mmm… Heimskringla. I really should get around to reading it one of these days.
same here…
same here…