The Saga of the Volsungs: With the Saga of Ragnar Lothbrok (Hackett Classics)

I’ve started reading the Saga of the Volsungs at least three or four times over the years, but Dr. Crawford’s new translation is the first and only one I’ve finished. As a casual reader, the language and style of the sagas can be daunting, requiring a familiarity with the material that most non-scholars won’t have. Dr. Crawford’s use of contemporary language in his translations overcomes that barrier to entry, and does a beautiful job of opening the world of Viking Age Scandinavian myth and legend to everyone. As with his earlier translation of the Poetic Edda, the introduction clearly provides the requisite information we’ll need going forward, including an extremely useful family tree. (Bookmark that page right away--most of the relationships in these stories are best described as “it’s complicated”.) The objective style of works like this can often make translations feel like dry recitations of names and events, but this is where this translation shines. Dr. Crawford infuses spirit and an energy to these stories and people, making them come alive. I found myself cheering when some of these men and women died horribly, and feeling sad for some others, for the profound loss and heartbreak that defined their lives. (#TeamGuðrún all the way.) The greatest achievement for the drengr or skǫrungr of these stories of the Volsungs is for their names and deeds to be remembered for all time. In order for these myths and legends to live on, accessible translations like this are so important. In the hands of a dedicated, masterful steward like Jackson Crawford, I believe they will.

While studying Norse myth and legend has become something of a passion for me personally over the last few years, I admit that finding the time to sit down and do so is often a challenge. A challenge accepted, to be clear, but it's a special pleasure to find translations that make it even easier, and Dr. Crawford's work here is one such example. As others have mentioned, the work is not only accessible but engaging, and both the solid introduction, well-organized glossary, and referents to poems in the Poetic Edda serve to provide helpful information or points of access for those looking to delve deeper into the world of Norse myth. It's a versatile translation- one that stands perfectly well on its own as a tale, but provides plenty of avenues for learning more. It grows with you, which is probably one of the highest recommendations I can give . Matching the Saga of the Volsungs to their 'sequel' is also an inspired choice that keeps a reader invested in both tales, and it's an excellent way to showcase the importance of both sagas in Norse legend as well as their influence in other literature. If I have any complaints, it's that this translation was addictive enough that I stayed up far too late reading (and finishing) it. Definitely a version worth losing sleep over, however, and one I plan to recommend to others in the future.

This book captures the tales of Norse sagas bringing clarity and thoughtfulness to astory often referred to in literature and entertainment. If you are a fan of Lord of the Rings or Thor you will want to know more about the Norse sagas. This book will take you a long way towards that goal. The adventures and battles are another reason to read this book as pure enjoyment for those who are fond of action stories.

Great works by Dr. Jackson Crawford, the direct translations are precise and easy to understand. I have found these books easy to read and understand the poems and lives of the Elder Gods and Heroes of old. I own the pocket Voluspa and Havamal for the troops which is a Bellows Translation and though Dr. Crawford's translations are to the point, I like trying to make sense of the Old English translations of this little book. After all, everything in life is just an Interpretation. Thank you for these books and I highly recommend them to anyone and everyone.

Dr. Crawford once again brings to life these ancient sagas in this follow up to his Poetic Edda. This is a closer look at the lives of the Volsungs which we are introduced to in his previous translation. This book adds a deeper view on Scandinavian society as it focuses on the heroes of the time or rather the stories about them that had been handed down over generations. Also included is the saga of Ragnar Lothbrok.

Jackson Crawford’s translations are incredible and all his books are gems! That is, if you’re interested in Icelandic Sagas. He also does good work wresting these writings from the foggy morass of neo-pagan and neo-Nazi’s reimaginings and ahistorical misappropriations of texts and elements. He has brilliant, kooky videos he makes or bundled out in the wild translating and talking his texts. Highly recommended!

So far a good read

As states in my review of Dr. Crawford's Poetic Edda, I like the modern twang to his translations, as well as the wit. I'm a fan.