Norse Fighting Heroes: Kings, Conquerors and Shieldmaidens
About
Vikings. One of history’s most recognisable archetypes. These hardy warriors enjoyed fighting and conquering, but there was much more to the culture than physical might. A deep sense of spirituality and purpose permeated the Norse societies that dreamed beyond their borders. And Norse history is a tapestry of adventurers, kings, wayfarers, queens and conquerors who etched their names into legend. Norse Fighting Heroes tells the stories of some of the most (in)famous Vikings in history. From the wanderlust of Bjorn Ironside to the boundless ambition of Harald Hardrada, the lives of these people were anything but black and white. Get to the heart of their wants, loves, fears, reasons for living and dying.
Praise for this book
"A fantastic and informative read. I particularly liked how he ties in the Norse with the formation of Normandy.
Not only has Ryder created a fresh view of old legends he even throws in philosophical nuggets along the way:
"It teaches us that we’re all more than one thing and we don’t have to be defined by what we believe in."
Great read!"
"This book is beautifully written and flows very well. The level of detail is awesome! Jamie has brought the lost world of Norse Fighting Heroes to life. His latest book takes the reader beyond the cartoon-like view most of us have about the world of Norsemen and show us how they really lived their lives."
“An excellent book that is easy to pick up for those unfamiliar with Norse history and mythology, while still offering enough depth for seasoned Norse enthusiasts. A well-written, easy-to-read retelling of myths and history, presenting a raw and unique perspective on the Norse heroes of the past and their human reflection in the gods, myths, and folklore — while avoiding the romanticised interpretations often seen in modern media. "
“This is a solid introduction to the sagas. Ryder’s work is accessible to people who want to be familiar with the stories but not shift through translations.
It also gives far more depth and historical context than the modernised bedtime stories most people are familiar with."