Best products from r/Norse

We found 72 comments on r/Norse discussing the most recommended products. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 99 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.

Top comments mentioning products on r/Norse:

u/only-chickens-here · 3 pointsr/Norse

I haven’t been carving for long myself, but I recommend investing in a Mora Woodcarving 120 knife. Good for small jobs and is a really handy knife in general. Plus you can take it camping for random carving fun.

Next, maybe some cheap wood carving chisels. Link is here for a $15 set. They won’t be nearly as good as the expensive ones, but it’ll save you money if it’s something you want to just give woodcarving a go without a major investment. If you don’t like it, no biggie.

Worst thing I see with any hobby is people buying a bunch of expensive stuff they don’t end up using. The best thing i see is when hobbyists buy themselves a really good tool as a reward for sticking with it. Nothing makes you appreciate good equipment than making do with substandard stuff for a while :)

This piece was carved onto a bit of dry twig I found in the nearby park. I use old sun-bleached driftwood too, as it’s super soft. The best, and cheapest way to figure out the different properties of wood is to try out deadfall from local trees. That is until progressing to proper blocks of wood. I’m not there yet at all.

I’m sure some carving maestros will be able to make all sorts of better suggestions but this setup has worked for me so far.

Would love to see pics of any pieces you make, feel free to share!

Oh, and don’t forget: cut away from yourself. And keep a stack of bandaids handy ;)

u/Subs-man · 4 pointsr/Norse

I'm no expert in Medieval or Old-Norse studies, however I've do have an interest in it & from some searching on various different aspects of the Vikings I come across these:

The Cambridge History of Scandinavia: Volume 1. Prehistory to 1520 it's a anthological survey book consisting of both historiographical and hagiographical (biographies of saints) primary & secondary sources ranging from prehistory ( before historical events were documented) through to medieval history of Scandinavia. It's quite pricey but definitely worth the money if your serious...

>The first part of the volume surveys the prehistoric and historic Scandinavian landscape and its natural resources, and tells how man took possession of this landscape, adapting culturally to changing natural conditions and developing various types of community throughout the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages. The rest - and most substantial part of the volume - deals with the history of Scandinavia from the Viking Age to the end of the Scandinavian Middle Ages (c. 1520). The external Viking expansion opened Scandinavia to European influence to a hitherto unknown degree. A Christian church organisation was established, the first towns came into being, and the unification of the three medieval kingdoms of Scandinavia began, coinciding with the formation of the unique Icelandic 'Free State'.

The History of Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Denmark,Finland and Iceland) is similar to Cambridge History yet significantly cheaper

The Viking World by Stefan Brink & Neil Price is a mid-range anthological book compromising of many articles from various scholars.

>I would really appreciate material that covers linguistics.....philology, morphology and the like
As for the other categories, I would really appreciate some introductory material on archaeology.

This book will probably be the best one for you because it includes all of the above.

Myth and Religion of the North: the Religion Ancient Scandinavia this book is a good overview of the different mythologies before the christianisation of the nordics.

Women in the Viking Age is a good book on the niche subject area of Women roles within the viking age nordics & its various colonies (from Greenland to Russia). Jesch uses various pieces of evidence from archaeological finds, runic inscriptions, historical records & Old Norse literature.

I would also recommend you look into the Icelandic sagas & Eddas. I'd use SagaDB because there are many various different icelandic sagas & in a variety of languages including English, Icelandic & Old Norse. If you'd like to go about learning O.N. you check the Viking Society for Northern Research or check out the books: A New Introduction to Old Norse: I Grammar: 1 or Viking Language 1: Learn Old Norse, Runes, and Icelandic Sagas

If you're interested at all in the presence of the Vikings (and later scandinavians) in Eastern Europe check out Viking Rus: Studies on the Presence of Scandinavians in Eastern Europe

Hopefully this helps if you have any more specific questions don't be afraid to ask :)

u/[deleted] · 11 pointsr/Norse

As other people have said, read the sources themselves. Neil Gaiman is good but he doesn't get as good as the original! Caroline Larrington's translation of the Poetic Edda is quite cool: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Poetic-Edda-Oxford-Worlds-Classics/dp/0199675341/ref=dp_ob_title_bk Here is a good translation of the Prose Edda with commentary: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Prose-Edda-Mythology-Penguin-Classics/dp/0140447555/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=AK4RMWSXZRA97ZZRP1WH

Just to make it clear, "The Prose Edda" and "The Poetic Edda" are very different texts from Medieval Iceland, which both happened to be called Eddas later because of a literary tradition. The Poetic Edda is a collection of short narrative poems on mythological and heroic subjects - these poems have no known authorship, and were likely written over a few centuries and then collected on one manuscript. The Prose Edda is basically a summary of Old Norse mythology written by an Icelandic bloke called Snorri Sturluson, about whom you will be hearing a lot further on. An amazing storyteller, Snorri did more or less what Neil Gaiman did, that is, wrote a book outlining the most important mythological stories - but he did so for 13th century audience, which makes for a more complex and more fascinating read.

If you are more interested in narratives about heroes like Ragnar loðblók, there are numerous Old Norse sagas to read. If you are interested in mythology more that with history, I recommend Saga of King Hrolf Kraki and Saga of the Volsungs to start with. They go heavy on Odin, dragons, berserkir, armies of living dead etc. Penguin has really good annotated editions of these sagas (both translated by Jesse Byock).

u/Corbinoski · 6 pointsr/Norse

I strongly reccomend 'Norse Myths: Gods of the Vikings' by Kevin Crossley-Holland. It was recommended to me a few months ago and I've only jsut got around to reading it, and I'm only part way through but it is pretty fantastic. It is exactly what you are looking for as it is very well written and easy to understand.

"A series of intertwined tales which together form a strange and fantastical world teeming with gods and goddesses, heroes and monsters, battles and couplings, the Norse myths are as exciting to read as they are of vast cultural and historical importance.

Taking us from the creation of the world through the building of Asgard's Wall to the final end in Ragnorak, and featuring the exploits and adventures of such legendary figures as Odin, Thor and Loki, The Penguin Book of the Norse Myths brings alive the passion, cruelty and heroism of these unforgettable stories."

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Penguin-Book-Norse-Myths/dp/0241953219/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375095688&sr=8-1&keywords=penguin+book+of+norse+myths

u/shamalamastreetman · 2 pointsr/Norse

The best FREE online source (http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/ice/)

The most important works on the subject are the EDDAS, the poetic and prose and your collection cannot be called complete without them (http://www.amazon.ca/The-Prose-Edda-Mythology-Classics-ebook/dp/B002RI9HRU/ref=pd_sim_kinc_8?ie=UTF8&refRID=0M032MEETG0CVXAT539W) (http://www.amazon.ca/Poetic-Edda-Oxford-Worlds-Classics-ebook/dp/B00LKGBK1Q/ref=pd_sim_kinc_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1CGS5F6Q2WWB3HR2DKFR)

Sagas of the Icelanders is a pretty comprehensive book and an easier than scholarly text read (http://www.amazon.ca/Sagas-Icelanders-Penguin-Classics-Deluxe/dp/0141000031/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1425947217&sr=1-1&keywords=sagas+of+the+icelanders)

A great historical (a little mythology) view of the Vikings in John Clements the Vikings (http://www.amazon.ca/Brief-History-Vikings-Jonathan-Clements-ebook/dp/B00AJN9KHC/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1425947425&sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=the+vikings+john+clements)

A great dictionary/listing of Viking myths can be found in Cassell's Dictionary of Norse Myth & Legend (http://www.amazon.ca/Cassells-Dictionary-Norse-Myth-Legend/dp/0304363855/ref=sr_1_cc_8?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1425947500&sr=1-8-catcorr&keywords=dictionary+of+norse+myths+and+legend)

A great source for the kings of Norway and their (mis)adventuires would be the Heimskringla but there isn't as much mythology in there, more historical (http://www.amazon.ca/Heimskringla-History-Norway-Snorri-Sturluson/dp/0292730616/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1425947617&sr=1-1&keywords=heimskringla)

There's a bunch of other sagas you may want to sink your teeth into: Njal's, Grettir's, etc... If you want to listen about some Viking sagas via podcast, I'd recommend Saga thing, both entertaining and informative (https://sagathingpodcast.wordpress.com/)

u/bilbo_elffriend · 4 pointsr/Norse

I am an norse enthusiast who has only superficial knowledge.

I found this book Norse Myths by Kevin Crossley-Holland. It is a book for people exactly like me - people who don't have extensive knowledge of the Norse Myths and are yet interested in the overall culture. The book has each myth as a story and it is cyclical - it begins with the creation of the world and ends with Ragnarok. So basically, it contains all the stories in the Eddas - in a much more reader friendly manner than the usual academic works.

All in all, a very enjoyable book. I'd highly recommend it.


...although, the price mentioned in Amazon seems pretty high. I bought a different version of the book at my place for less than half that price.

u/VikingKittays · 1 pointr/Norse

There were swords that looked as equally great or better that would of had silver and copper inlaid in the hilt, pommel and even the blade sometimes. That cross guard on that sword is way too thick, heavy and of no design that I have seen from any archeological finds which makes this sword inspired at best. While the pattern on the blade may work, the Norse would have engraved the weaving pattern and inlaid it with silver or had pattern welded design. A better example of "king" swords that are more accurate and reenactment approved come from Templ.net and look like this, this, this, or even this[http://www.templ.net/pics-weapons/143-sword/143-hilt-v.jpg].

You want to see a catalogue of real Viking Age swords and how they are categorized, I suggest this book since some of the swords they had back in the day even for jarls or freemen were extraordinarily embelished.

u/AtiWati · 7 pointsr/Norse

You will get more out of them without question, but is that "more" worth the effort? I don't think so, unless you want to really nerd out and/or pursue the subject academically. Get some good, recent translations by folks like Jackson Crawford or Carolyne Larrington. And then if you are still looking to squeeze some "more" out of the texts, go get some good, thorough introductive litterature to contextualize the sagas and poems you are reading, like The Vikings, A Handbook to Eddic Poetry, Norse Mythology: A Guide to Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs, The Viking World etc.

And this is coming from someone who do know Old Norse.

u/izwald88 · 3 pointsr/Norse

The Christian historian Snorri Sturluson, IIRC, claimed that many of the gods were ancient warriors who came to be worshiped as gods. That is, of course, an easy way to dismiss the divinity of Norse mythology.

But there are many gods in other cultures who bear similarities with Norse gods. Thor and Perun come to mind. The gods are largely early explanations for natural phenomena like thunder, the seasons, and other similar things.

You'll find that today's pagans tend to flock to Odin as that is what they are used to, embracing the one head god.

A great primer for Norse mythology is this http://www.amazon.com/Penguin-Book-Norse-Myths-Vikings/dp/0241953219

It puts the myths in plain language and doesn't really have any bias.

u/RedShirtDecoy · 1 pointr/Norse

Here are the books I started with that have been very helpful...

I did not start with the Eddas, I started with this book...

[The Norse Myths by Kevin Crossley-Holland](
http://www.amazon.com/Norse-Myths-Pantheon-Folklore-Library/dp/0394748468)

It is a modern launguage retelling of the Lore in an easier to follow format. I read this book first so I have an understanding of the specific myth then I dive into the Eddas.

I also purchased a few Asatru specific books that give an overview of the Gods and Goddesses, give a brief history lesson, and discuss some of the rituals of Asatru like Blots, holidays, toasts, ect.

Essential Asatru: Walking the Path of Norse Paganism

A Practical Heathens Guide to Asatru

and

Heathenry: A Study of Asatru in the Modern World This one I have not read yet so I have no idea how good it is.

I also purchased The Prose Edda: Norse Mythology

I have a really hard time reading the Eddas since I have always had a hard time with that type of poetry so I have only purchased the one Edda and I am slowly making my way through it. There are a few different Eddas out there so read reviews of them on Amazon before buying to see what everyone is saying about it.

I didnt do this with the Asatru Edda and after I bought it found out they tend to fill in holes in the myths with their own assumptions. Im not educated enough to give examples but most of the reviews mention it. I was advised not to read that version until I become more familiar with the Lore as it was written first. Also, this book is as physically large as a school text book. It is soft cover but very awkward to hold and read.

Good luck. I am very much a beginner but have found the above resources helpful.

u/gamegodone · 3 pointsr/Norse

books that i have read that you may enjoy.
"The Children of Odin"

"Myths of the Norsemen"

"The Poetic Edda"

"The Younger Edda"

also the AFA has some great recommendations on the Website

Enjoy! :)

u/S4MH41N · 1 pointr/Norse

Oh, yes I guess I can see that now that you mention it; the myths explaining why, not to be as much taken as a guide for life but more of an explanation.

As far as Vimur, the version of the myth I read specifically said it was menstrual blood, and also mentioned it again when Thor and Loki arrived at their destination that they were caked with blood from the river. But I'm sure there are different versions depending on the translator/author.

Regarding taking the myths literally, yes, that may be foreign to me. I am from America, specifically a VERY Christian region, so many of the stories I grew up on were parables told to teach us morals. Honestly though, I like digging into these myths more. I was reading them, looking for lessons in life rather than explanations of "why" or "how". I think it's something I could grasp once I get my mindset working that way.

u/Evan42 · 2 pointsr/Norse

Ok well I tried harder and I found a few on amazon, I'll share links in case someone else has trouble and googles something like the name of this thread.

Egil's saga in monolingual old norse

A series of dual language sagas I have one of these, It's ok but I should mention that while it's dual-lingual, the languages are not parallel. the Norse version is in the back. Another thing is that some of them are actually modern Icelandic, though that shouldn't make a huge difference because the language used is still archaic, just with updated spellings (og vs ok, hestur vs hestr)

Here's a good one, The poetic Edda in parallel text old-Norse and English That's the version I have and I think it's a really nice, high quality volume, but one thing I should mention is it's a scan of an older edition. Personally I don't mind that, I actually think it's kind of cool, but if that idea bugs you maybe check out this version which I don't have so I can't speak for the quality of it but it seems to be newly printed instead of scanned.

u/Powerslave1123 · 8 pointsr/Norse

I would highly recommended this book as an introduction to Norse mythology. It's easy to read without being dumbed down, and it's very fun and engaging. Really fantastic read.

u/DonkeyManda · 1 pointr/Norse

Hey sorry, but I've been hunting around for a copy of the Poetic Edda by Byock, and all I have managed to find is this, which is pretty clearly the Prose Edda haha, are you 100% that Byock did a version of the poetic? I'm having no luck finding anything about it

u/Yarcofin · -1 pointsr/Norse

Hi all, I thought this Kindle ebook on Ragnar Lothbrok might be interesting to members of the community, it's free to download until April 8th.

If you enjoy it, an honest review on Amazon would be appreciated. But if you have any criticism, I would prefer you let me know via PM or leave a message here instead of leaving a negative review, so I can get it corrected right away for future readers.

Thanks!

The link above is for the US Amazon site, for your country's regional equivalent, you can change the URL suffix such as:

Canada - https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B06XXWMXRR

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XXWMXRR

u/thewhaleshark · 3 pointsr/Norse

Good answer. If you don't mind, I'll elaborate on a couple of points.

There are many translations of the Poetic Edda, and they all differ somewhat. There's a thread a ways down asking about different translations. The key thing to remember is that no translation is perfect - every translator has to make their best effort to capture the "sense" of a piece, and that leads to varied interpretations.

Hollander and Bellows are the standards, and you can't go wrong with those. I recommend the Terry or Larrington translations if you're looking for something more accessible.

If you're interested in the Prose Edda, I recommend picking up the Everyman edition of it, as it's the only print version I've found that contains the third book, Hattatal. That's Snorri's treatise on skaldic poetry - 102 verse-forms explained.

u/MagnusMagi · 7 pointsr/Norse

This is where I usually send people looking into the Sagas for the first time. It is a compilation of the more popular Sagas, and the translation is in a moder, easy to understand format. The only downside is that the book is like 5 inches thick! So it's not really the best for bed time reading.

The Sagas occasionally reference one another, or overlap in their details, but they are not linear, and can be read in any order.

Good luck!

u/stellalugosi · 3 pointsr/Norse

The Icelandic Saga Database
The Sagas of the Icelanders

I have a huge copy of the entire collected sagas entitled "The Icelandic Sagas", but I can't find a link to it online. While it may not be a "book" per se, they are out there as collected works in various forms and editions. Considering that many of the sagas demonstrate various values and traditions of the Norse culture, as well as giving some insight into the relationship between humanity and the gods, I think dismissing it as "low-context folk belief" is to ignore the importance of these "folk beliefs" to the overall world view.

u/Lukos413 · 1 pointr/Norse

The prose edda is pretty good, penguin has a print of it you can get off of amazon for pretty cheap. https://www.amazon.com/Prose-Edda-Mythology-Penguin-Classics/dp/0140447555

u/stahlhammer · 3 pointsr/Norse

https://www.amazon.com/Poetic-Edda-Stories-Hackett-Classics/dp/1624663567/ The Poetic Edda by Jackson Crawford is good, he makes pretty interesting videos on youtube about Old Norse as well.

u/clydetorrez · 1 pointr/Norse

A very comprehensive book in encyclopedic format is John Lindow's Norse Mythology: A Guide to Gods, Heroes, Rituals and Beliefs. Again, no narrative, but an excellent reference work. Highly recommended.

http://www.amazon.com/Norse-Mythology-Heroes-Rituals-Beliefs/dp/0195153820/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1321988188&sr=8-1

u/koncertkoala · 2 pointsr/Norse

Great video! His translation of the Poetic Edda is also another awesome resource.

u/SuttonWhooo · 2 pointsr/Norse

Haven't read it but a book called Cnut the Great by Timothy Bolton might be worth checking out.

https://www.amazon.com/Great-English-Monarchs-Timothy-Bolton/dp/0300208332

u/Insanitarium · 5 pointsr/Norse

Probably so obvious that it doesn't need mentioning, but I will say that my first exposure to Norse mythology was D'Aulaires' Book of Norse Myths (although it used to be called Norse Gods and Giants), and it's still a favorite of mine today. I started reading it to my son around age 5 and he liked it right away (much moreso than the D'Aulaire Greek book, probably because the motivations of the gods are less convoluted and the monsters are way more awesome).

u/aleppe · 1 pointr/Norse

This was my first Norse book to buy on Amazon, I completely love it and recommend it.

u/Freyjugratr · 4 pointsr/Norse

This book is probably a good place to start. While it does not contain all sagas (such a book would be immensely thick), it has some of the best ones, such as Egill’s saga and Eirik the Red’s saga.
https://www.amazon.com/Sagas-Icelanders-Penguin-Classics-Deluxe/dp/0141000031

u/Firecracker3 · 5 pointsr/Norse

From what I'm told, this is one of the best books to start with: https://smile.amazon.com/Viking-Language-Learn-Norse-Icelandic/dp/1480216445/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483301517&sr=8-1&keywords=learn+old+norse

I'm currently learning as well so definitely curious as to what resources you find!

u/Praeshock · 5 pointsr/Norse

Viking Language 1 and 2 by Jesse L. Byock. Here's the first one:

https://www.amazon.com/Viking-Language-Learn-Norse-Icelandic/dp/1480216445

You can get audio recordings for the lessons on Amazon or iTunes as well.

The courses are by far the most modernized, user-friendly courses available. A close second would be 'A New Introduction to Old Norse,' which can be purchased here:

https://acmrs.org/publications/catalog/new-introduction-old-norse-part-i-ii-and-iii-discount-set

u/katieofavalon · 5 pointsr/Norse

I don't remember if the Poetic Edda is included in this anthology, but I've always gone to Jane Smiley's The Sagas of Icelanders for the other sagas! It's pretty reasonably priced too, for an 800 page book.

u/Chevey0 · 1 pointr/Norse

I got this Book of Norse myths and legends for my son when he was born. I read him stories from it at bed time. His cousins love it when they sleep over :D

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/159017125X/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1375996878&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX110_SY190

u/SuperFlyGuyJohnnyP · 2 pointsr/Norse

In the past, Jackson Crawford has recommended this translation by Anthony Faulks:


https://www.amazon.com/Edda-Everymans-Library-Snorri-Sturluson/dp/0460876163/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=prose+edda+anthony+faulkes&qid=1574252206&sprefix=prose+edda+an&sr=8-2

I haven’t read it yet so I can’t attest to it, but there it is.

Edit: If you haven’t gotten it yet, I can highly recommend Dr. Crawford’s translation of the Poetic Edda.

u/umlaut · 2 pointsr/Norse

Ah, ok. The problem with those is usually the cheap fit between the wood base and the horn.

A lot of people use Envirotex to seal their horns, that would certainly work in your case: https://www.amazon.com/Environmental-Technology-32-Ounce-Pour--Finish/dp/B000BZYYQ0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432588567

u/Peacekraft · 4 pointsr/Norse

The Viking World edited by Stefan Brink in collaboration with Niel Price.

The book is made up of small chapters and articles usually just a few pages long each (all written by respected academics), each of which introduces and explains the main themes you encounter in the study of the Vikings and their world, with bibliographies for further reading.

I can't recommend it enough, it has helped me out even now I am reading for an MA on the Vikings.

Check out the contents page on the preview Amazon offers.

u/Malkyre · 1 pointr/Norse

There are entire fields of study and degrees to be had, dedicated to such a question.

If you had a reference of its location within the Edda, you could pick up a translation that will tell you.

u/Rohasfin · 2 pointsr/Norse

Depending on what age group you're dealing with, or exactly how basic an introduction is required, D'Aulaires' Book of Norse Myths might be a good start.

https://www.amazon.com/DAulaires-Norse-Myths-Ingri-dAulaire/dp/159017125X

u/skadipress · 1 pointr/Norse

If you want to read retellings of the Edda into stories, I could recommend Kevin Crossley Holland's book.

u/IMTZMTZ · 2 pointsr/Norse

Hey man, thank you very much! Only one little thing, the links for Canada and UK you posted are from an Egyptian Mythology book, not this one, the correct ones should end in B06XXWMXRR:

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XXWMXRR
Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B06XXWMXRR

u/Ragnrok · 4 pointsr/Norse

Your new book? You're Kevin Crossley-Holland? That's awesome!

Anyway, I already have this one (and by the way, thank you for giving me not only an informative book, but on that looks freaking gorgeous). Should I buy the new one too?

u/H8Blood · 2 pointsr/Norse

If you're looking for an intro, try Our Father's Godsaga by Viktor Rydberg. Other than that, you can't go wrong with the already mentioned one by Kevin Crossley-Holland.

Besides that, Dr. Jackson Crawford (Ph.D., Scandinavian Studies; Taught Old Norse, Norse myth, Sagas, Vikings, etc. at UCLA) is releasing a version of the Poetic Edda which is worth checking out. It's available for Pre-Order here

u/-R-o-y- · 1 pointr/Norse

Buy both Eddas and for example something like this.

u/WeoftheThing · 3 pointsr/Norse

Clean it well. Seal the inside with a food safe sealant. Bee's wax is the most common, but you can get other hardier things like this bar top sealer. bee's wax shouldn't be washed with hot water, or used with hot beverages it'll damage the seal.

u/HeyZeusChrist0 · 1 pointr/Norse

Is there any difference in the above book and the book by Kevin titled "The Norse Myths (Pantheon Fairy Tale and Folklore Library)?"
It can be found here:
http://www.amazon.com/Norse-Myths-Pantheon-Folklore-Library/dp/0394748468/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375423728&sr=8-1&keywords=norse+mythology