Myth and Fiction in Early Norse Lands

Ursula Dronke, Emeritus, University of Oxford, UK

• Contents: Classical influence on early Norse literature; Völuspá and Sibylline traditions; The prologue of the prose Edda: explorations of a Latin background; Eddic poetry as a source for the history of Germanic religion; The scope of the Corpus Poeticum Boreale; Völuspá and satiric tradition; The war of the Aesir and Vanir in Völuspá; Óminnis hegri; Art and tradition in Skírnismál; Sem jarlar forÆ’um. The influence of Rígsula on two saga-episodes; Beowulf and Ragnaroµk; Pagan beliefs and Christian impact: the contribution of Eddic studies; Le caractère de la poésie germanique héroïque; The poet's persona in the Skalds' sagas; The saga of Hrómund Gripsson and orgilssaga; The role of sexual themes in Njáls Saga; Index.

'...an invaluable resource, not to say essential reading, for all who interest themselves in Old Norse/Icelandic literature and mythology and can respond to the palpable enthusiasm of a fine scholar and teacher.' Parergon, Vol. 16, No. 1