
Preface
List of Illustrations
The Legend of the King’s Three Sons
Helga
Lineik and Laufey
The Five Brothers
Hermod and Hadvör
Ingebjörg
The Giantess and the Granite Boat
Litill, Tritill, the Birds, and the Peasant Lad
A warm, gently edited anthology of Icelandic folklore invites listeners into a world where the rugged North meets tender storytelling. The tales retain the raw charm of their original form while shedding harsher elements, so the vivid landscapes, quirky giants and clever witches shine through. Unlike many familiar European legends, these stories often place brave maidens at the heart of the adventure, letting them confront danger and, in turn, rescue the princes caught in enchantments.
One of the standout narratives follows a wise king’s three sons and his beloved adopted daughter, Isolde. Charged with returning the most precious treasure after a year’s quest, each brother sets out on a very different path, while Isolde watches and waits, her own courage quietly tested. Their journeys weave together humor, peril, and the timeless moral that true worth comes from heart and wit, not just glittering riches. The collection offers a fresh glimpse of Norse magic, perfect for listeners who love folklore with strong, resourceful heroines.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (363K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
United Kingdom: Frederick Warne & Co., 1897.
Credits
Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net/ for Project Gutenberg (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
Release date
Jan 2, 2022
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
These old Icelandic tales bring trolls, giants, brave children, and sharp-witted heroines to life in a style that still feels lively and inviting. The collection has the charm of a fireside story, with a clear love for folklore and for younger readers.
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