Review by Choice Review
As Magnus Magnusson notes in his foreword to this volume, this second edition updates the classic collection first published in 1972, which included many stories taken from a mid-19th century collection by Jon Arnasson and Magnus Grimsson. Simpson focuses on tales of events and fantastic creatures--trolls, elves, ghosts, water dwellers, and magic (black and white). Drawn from both pagan and Christian traditions, the stories range from simple magical spells--for example, how to make a witch's bridle--to full-blown ghost stories such as "The Deacon of Myrka." Simpson updated and expanded the original collection, including here recent translations of tales in the earlier edition and works that have been translated since the last volume. She also updated and expanded bibliographical information, including references to comparative texts from other folk traditions. The stories are readable and provide insight into the culture of medieval Iceland. This collection will interest not only to those with a special focus on Icelandic or Scandinavian literature or folklore but also anyone with a general interest in folktales from all traditions. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. All collections; all levels. L. J. Larson Our Lady of the Lake University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
