XLeptodactylous

An Icelandic saga following the journey of the poet Gunnlaug as he travels around 10th Century Europe, hoping to return home in time to marry his betrothed, Helga the Fair.

A very good introduction to the Icelandic sagas and Norse Mythology of the time. Not being familiar with this kind of work, I cannot say how similar it is. I will say, however, that it is terribly written, though I assume that is the style of them all. There is no flow to the saga; instead it happens in short, sharp sentences. Whilst this gives it paces, there are too many times when people's family trees are listed off without much gumption. I realise this is the way of sagas, and the appeal is less the writing but the historical benefit and world building prowess, but sadly I do not think Icelandic or Norse sagas are for me.

What I did enjoy, however, was the visits to England as that kind of history will always excite me. I also could see the clear influence this kind of story had on Tolkien.