Icelandic Folktales and Legends

Jacqueline Simpson, Jon Arnason

University of California Press, 1972 - Social Science - 206 pages

A translated selection devoted to supernatural beings, ghosts, and magic practices.

What people are saying

LibraryThing Review

User Review  - cassiopeia - LibraryThing

Crystalline, light-hearted translation and fascinating notes to every tale make this a delight for general readers as well as an indispensable work for reference and research in the area.

User Review -

I used to own this book as a kid. Got it in Iceland on a visit. So glad to have found it again. Greet sparse and haunting tales. I read them and I'm transported back.

Contents

• The Origin of Elves: 14
• Dr Skapti Sĉmundsson: 20
• Let Us Take Him: 26
• The Church Builder at Reynir: 33
• The RedHeaded Whale: 40
• The Elves Dance on New Years: 52
• The Elves Move House: 58
• Trolls: 64
• Some SheTrolls: 68
• The NightTroll: 81
• The SeaCows: 94
• The Lovers: 107
• The Miserly Ghost: 120
• The Boy who Knew no Fear: 122
• The Deacon of Myrka: 132
• The Girl who Turned in her Grave: 139
• Black Magic: 149
• The Priest and the Farmer: 158
• Lappish Breeches: 167
• The Speaking Spirit: 174
• The Witchs Bridle: 180
• The Dreamer and the Treasure: 186
• The Halibut the Lumpsucker and the Jellyfish: 191
• General Index: 204

Bibliographic information

• Title: Icelandic Folktales and Legends
• Authors: Jacqueline Simpson, Jon Arnason
• Editor: Jacqueline Simpson
• Compiled by: Jacqueline Simpson, Jon Arnason
• Publisher: University of California Press, 1972
• ISBN: 0520021169, 9780520021167
• Length: 206 pages
• Subjects: Social Science / General