Norse Ancient Origins: Stories Of People & Civilization

The Norse legends of Odin, Thor, Loki, and the gods of Asgard are well known, but the historical origins of civilization in Norway and Scandinavia are less well known. This book explores the ancient origins of the Norsemen and historical Norway, from the Stone Age to the Viking Age, and the migrations, culture, kings, literature, and sagas that created modern identity. It is the perfect companion to Norse Myths & Legends and is a must-have for anyone interested in the early world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 27 June 2023
Publisher: Flame Tree Publishing

The Norse legends of Odin, Thor, Loki, and all the gods of Asgard are well-known, but less so are the historical origins of civilization in the very early days of Norway and wider Scandinavia, which evolved this dramatic mythology. Archaeology furnishes us with fascinating evidence of the progress of the peoples and their way of life, until later the skaldic poets began to write down and celebrate the life and exploits of their rulers, establishing divine authority through legend and myth. The various tribes of the more southerly regions – from the Geats (Gautar or Goths) of Götaland and the Swedes (Suiones) to the Cimbri of Jutland – migrated and expanded north to evolve from tribal systems into fully fledged kingdoms.

This fascinating book revives some classic historical works, with an insightful introduction explaining context and modern knowledge. Trace the ancient origins of the Norsemen and historical Norway, from the Stone Age, through the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Roman Iron Age, to the famous Viking Age and its impact across Europe; discover the migrations, culture, kings, literature, and sagas that combine to create modern identity, tracing ancestry back to the gods. This new book is the perfect companion to Norse Myths & Legends in the same series of beautiful Collector's Editions, and sits alongside the other great cultures of the early world.

Flame Tree Collector's Editions present the foundations of speculative fiction: authors, myths, tales, and history without which the imaginative literature of the twentieth century would not exist, bringing the best, most influential, and most fascinating works into a striking and collectable library. Each book features a new Introduction and a Glossary of Terms or lists of Ancient Leaders.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 118 x 175 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804175781