Snorri Sturluson: Heimskringla: Volume II — Olafr Haraldsson (The Saint)

Description

This second part in the three-volume translation of Heimskringla includes the life of Óláfr Haraldsson, king of Norway from 1015 until his fall in the battle of Stiklarstaðir in 1030, and the subsequent beginnings of the cult that established him as patron saint of the Northern lands. Following the practice of the Íslenzk fornrit edition on which the translation is based, it also includes passages from Snorri”s earlier version of the king”s life, the so-called Separate Saga of St Óláfr, where these are not reproduced in the Heimskringla version. Comparison of these passages with the Heimskringla version gives an insight into Snorri”s working practices, showing how the Separate saga was adapted for inclusion in the compendium. The Prologue to the Separate saga, believed to be a later reworking of the Prologue to Heimskringla, is also included. As in Volume I, the Introduction is by Alison Finlay, who also translated the verses. The prose has been translated by Anthony Faulkes.