Valkyrie

Name: Valkyrie
Brand: Allen & Unwin
SKU: 9781350230309
Price: 29.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

The Women of the Viking World

By Jóhanna Katrín Friðriksdóttir

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( 485 ratings, 72 reviews)

Summary

Valkyrie by Jóhanna Katrín Friðriksdóttir delves into Norse mythology to explore the roles and perceptions of women in ancient Scandinavian society. The book combines historical analysis with literary sources to uncover the powerful and complex identities of Valkyries, examining how these mythological figures reflect the real-life status and influences of women in Viking culture. It provides an insightful look at both warrior women and everyday females’ lives in the Viking Age.
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Format: Paperback / softback

$29⁹⁹

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Valkyrie

$29⁹⁹

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by the rich tapestry of Norse mythology and history, especially the legendary Valkyries and their influence in both ancient and modern contexts. It explores the captivating roles Valkyries played in folklore and their enduring impact on culture, making it a compelling read for those interested in Nordic traditions and powerful female figures in history.

Description

Longlisted for the 2020 Cundill History Prize

Valkyries: the female supernatural beings that choose who dies and who lives on the battlefield. They protect some, but guide spears, arrows, and sword blades into the bodies of others. Viking myths about valkyries attempt to elevate the banality of war – to make the pain and suffering, the lost limbs and deformities, the piles of lifeless bodies of young men, glorious and worthwhile. Rather than their death being futile, it is their destiny and good fortune, determined by divine beings. The women in these stories take full part in the power struggles and upheavals in their communities, for better or worse.

Drawing on the latest historical and archaeological evidence, Valkyrie introduces readers to the dramatic and fascinating texts recorded in medieval Iceland, a culture able to imagine women in all kinds of roles carrying power, not just in this world, but pulling the strings in the other-world, too. In the process, this fascinating book uncovers the reality behind the myths and legends to reveal the dynamic, diverse lives of Viking women.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Valkyrie by Jóhanna Katrín Friðriksdóttir is widely praised for bringing the Viking Age women to life through a blend of Old Norse literature, archaeology, and insightful scholarly analysis. Reviewers highlight the book's ability to interweave mythological tales with historical realities, providing a richly detailed and engaging portrayal of women's roles from birth to death in that era. This work is noted for its accessibility and depth, offering new insights into the complex nature of the Viking Age and becoming an essential read for both scholars and enthusiasts.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781350230309

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 July 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic

Illustration: 1 Maps

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 156.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 440g

Pages: 272

Collections

European History History & Archaeology History & Military Jóhanna Katrín Friðriksdóttir Non-Fiction

About the Author

Jóhanna Katrín Friðriksdóttir currently works at the National Library of Norway in Oslo. She was a historical consultant on Robert Eggers’ epic Viking film, The Northman. Her research focuses on Vikings, old Norse-Icelandic sagas, mythology and poetry, late medieval Iceland, medieval manuscripts and gender.