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.
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.
March 31 2005, 07:42:21 UTC 10 years ago
March 31 2005, 08:40:58 UTC 10 years ago
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.
March 31 2005, 13:08:09 UTC 10 years ago
I actually talked about my love for Snorri in GHP #2, notable for using the words "Icelandic" and "butthole" in the same sentence.
March 31 2005, 11:44:04 UTC 10 years ago
March 31 2005, 16:23:14 UTC 10 years ago
July 7 2005, 07:05:20 UTC 10 years ago