Description
By Jennie Hall, illustrated by Victor R. Lambdin. Set sail across the stormy northern seas and enter the adventurous world of the Vikings in this classic collection of Norse legends, exploration, and heroic saga.
In Viking Tales, author Jennie Hall brings to life the legendary adventures of the Norse seafarers whose courage and voyages carried them across the North Atlantic centuries before the age of Columbus. Drawing upon the Icelandic sagas and Scandinavian traditions, this beloved classic introduces readers to a world of dragon-prowed ships, icy seas, fearless explorers, and distant unknown lands.
The stories follow legendary Viking heroes such as Leif Erikson and other daring adventurers as they voyage from Norway and Iceland to Greenland and the shores of North America. Readers encounter storms, exploration, hardship, discovery, and the fierce determination that defined the Viking spirit. Alongside tales of seafaring adventure, the book also offers vivid glimpses into Viking customs, homes, beliefs, and daily life during the age of the Norse explorers.
Jennie Hall’s lively and accessible storytelling makes the ancient sagas understandable and exciting for younger readers while preserving the atmosphere and heroism of the original legends. Themes of courage, endurance, loyalty, and exploration run throughout the narrative, introducing readers to one of the great maritime cultures of history.
Enhancing the volume are the striking illustrations of Victor R. Lambdin, whose artwork vividly captures the drama of Viking ships, northern landscapes, and heroic adventure. His illustrations help bring the world of the Norse sagas powerfully to life.
This carefully restored reprint revives a beloved historical and mythological classic for modern audiences. Ideal for students, families, lovers of Viking history, and readers fascinated by Norse exploration and legend, Viking Tales remains a timeless gateway into the heroic age of the Vikings.
About the author: Jennie Hall (1875–1921) was an American teacher and writer best known for her historical books and retellings of Norse and classical legends for young readers.
Her works introduced generations of children to mythology, exploration, and ancient history through vivid, engaging, and educational storytelling.
About the illustrator: Victor R. Lambdin was an American illustrator known for his artwork in historical and educational books during the early twentieth century.
His illustrations for adventure stories and historical works helped bring scenes of exploration, mythology, and heroic legend vividly before young readers.
Contents
What the Sagas Were
Part I: IN NORWAY—The Baby—The Tooth Thrall—Olaf’s Farm—Olaf’s Fight with Havard—Foes’-fear—Harald is King—Harald’s Battle—Gyda’s Saucy Message—The Sea Fight—King Harald’s Wedding—King Harald Goes West-Over-Seas
Part II: WEST-OVER-SEAS—Homes in Iceland—Eric the Red—Leif and His New Land—Wineland the Good
Descriptive Notes—Suggestions to Teachers—A Reading List—A Pronouncing Index
