The Tale of Thorstein Staff-Struck (Þorsteins þáttr Stangarhöggs) (Paperback)

The Tale of Thorstein Staff-Struck is a significant piece of Icelandic literature that reflects on themes of honour, masculinity, and warriorship. It tells the story of Thorstein, a strong and well-ruled son of Thorarin, and old and feeble man. The tale is often examined for its artistic merit and the saga characteristics it exemplifies. It is of appropriate length to examine in its entirety, making it a valuable text for understanding Icelandic sagas and their cultural significance.

This new translation of The Tale of Thorstein Staff-Struck is in a dual-language English and Old Norse format with annotations, vocabulary, maps, and notes. It includes all the tools necessary to read a complete short saga in both English and the original Old Norse.

Each chapter contains a specific vocabulary of Old Norse words and phrases. The book includes a full vocabulary removing the need to consult outside dictionaries. Maps, notes, and cultural sections about Iceland’s feuding society supplement the English translation, Old Norse text, and targeted Old Norse word lists. This edition is an example of textual archaeology, unearthing a crucial saga text from Iceland’s East Fjords recounting the lives of people in Weapon’s Fjord a thousand years ago.