The Story of Grettir the Strong By: William Morris (1834-1896)
The Story of Grettir the Strong by William Morris is a captivating and gripping saga that transports readers back to the age of Vikings. Based on the real-life adventures of the infamous Icelandic outlaw Grettir Ásmundarson, this narrative beautifully weaves together themes of heroism, fate, and the struggle between civilization and the untamed wilderness. Morris’s writing style is rich and immersive, transporting readers to the rugged landscapes and tumultuous times in which Grettir lived. His mastery of descriptive prose paints vivid scenes, whether it be the majestic beauty of the Icelandic wilderness or the perilous battles against supernatural creatures. Through his words, Morris skillfully captures the essence of a bygone era, leaving readers yearning for more. The protagonist, Grettir, is a truly complex and compelling character. While he possesses immense physical strength, he is also plagued by a restless spirit and an uncontrollable temper. Morris delves deep into Grettir’s psyche, delving into the motivations behind his actions and the internal struggles he faces. This exploration adds depth to the character, making him all the more relatable and human. One of the most engaging aspects of the book is the exploration of the themes of fate and the power of destiny. Grettir finds himself constantly confronted with challenges and trials, often driven by forces beyond his control. This exploration of the concept of fate gives the story an air of mysticism and inevitability, leaving readers pondering the role of destiny in their own lives. Another intriguing aspect of the narrative is the constant tension between civilization and untamed wilderness. Grettir, ever the outsider, is at odds with the social norms and expectations of his time. His banishment to the remote corners of Iceland serves as a metaphorical representation of his estrangement from society. Through Grettir's struggles against both nature and human adversaries, the book questions the boundaries of civilization and explores the inherent wildness within humanity. The Story of Grettir the Strong is not just a tale of adventure and epic battles; it is a profound exploration of the human condition. Morris expertly combines elements of history, folklore, and mythology to create a truly unforgettable saga. With its richly drawn characters, vivid prose, and thought-provoking themes, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking a journey into the heart of a Viking legend. First Page: THE STORY OF GRETTIR THE STRONG TRANSLATED FROM THE ICELANDIC BY EIRÍKR MAGNÚSSON AND WILLIAM MORRIS 1900 A life scarce worth the living, a poor fame Scarce worth the winning, in a wretched land, Where fear and pain go upon either hand, As toward the end men fare without an aim Unto the dull grey dark from whence they came: Let them alone, the unshadowed sheer rocks stand Over the twilight graves of that poor band, Who count so little in the great world's game! Nay, with the dead I deal not; this man lives, And that which carried him through good and ill, Stern against fate while his voice echoed still From rock to rock, now he lies silent, strives With wasting time, and through its long lapse gives Another friend to me, life's void to fill. WILLIAM MORRIS. PREFACE. We do not feel able to take in hand the wide subject of the Sagas of Iceland within the limits of a Preface; therefore we have only to say that we put forward this volume as the translation of an old story founded on facts, full of dramatic interest, and setting before people's eyes pictures of the life and manners of an interesting race of men near akin to ourselves. Those to whom the subject is new, we must refer to the translations already made of some other of these works,[1] and to the notes which accompany them: a few notes at the end of this volume may be of use to students of Saga literature... Continue reading book >>

The Story of Grettir the Strong By: William Morris (1834-1896)

The Story of Grettir the Strong by William Morris is a captivating and gripping saga that transports readers back to the age of Vikings. Based on the real-life adventures of the infamous Icelandic outlaw Grettir Ásmundarson, this narrative beautifully weaves together themes of heroism, fate, and the struggle between civilization and the untamed wilderness.

Morris’s writing style is rich and immersive, transporting readers to the rugged landscapes and tumultuous times in which Grettir lived. His mastery of descriptive prose paints vivid scenes, whether it be the majestic beauty of the Icelandic wilderness or the perilous battles against supernatural creatures. Through his words, Morris skillfully captures the essence of a bygone era, leaving readers yearning for more.

The protagonist, Grettir, is a truly complex and compelling character. While he possesses immense physical strength, he is also plagued by a restless spirit and an uncontrollable temper. Morris delves deep into Grettir’s psyche, delving into the motivations behind his actions and the internal struggles he faces. This exploration adds depth to the character, making him all the more relatable and human.

One of the most engaging aspects of the book is the exploration of the themes of fate and the power of destiny. Grettir finds himself constantly confronted with challenges and trials, often driven by forces beyond his control. This exploration of the concept of fate gives the story an air of mysticism and inevitability, leaving readers pondering the role of destiny in their own lives.

Another intriguing aspect of the narrative is the constant tension between civilization and untamed wilderness. Grettir, ever the outsider, is at odds with the social norms and expectations of his time. His banishment to the remote corners of Iceland serves as a metaphorical representation of his estrangement from society. Through Grettir's struggles against both nature and human adversaries, the book questions the boundaries of civilization and explores the inherent wildness within humanity.

The Story of Grettir the Strong is not just a tale of adventure and epic battles; it is a profound exploration of the human condition. Morris expertly combines elements of history, folklore, and mythology to create a truly unforgettable saga. With its richly drawn characters, vivid prose, and thought-provoking themes, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking a journey into the heart of a Viking legend.

First Page:

THE STORY OF GRETTIR THE STRONG

TRANSLATED FROM THE ICELANDIC

BY EIRÍKR MAGNÚSSON AND WILLIAM MORRIS

1900

A life scarce worth the living, a poor fame Scarce worth the winning, in a wretched land, Where fear and pain go upon either hand, As toward the end men fare without an aim Unto the dull grey dark from whence they came: Let them alone, the unshadowed sheer rocks stand Over the twilight graves of that poor band, Who count so little in the great world's game!

Nay, with the dead I deal not; this man lives, And that which carried him through good and ill, Stern against fate while his voice echoed still From rock to rock, now he lies silent, strives With wasting time, and through its long lapse gives Another friend to me, life's void to fill.

WILLIAM MORRIS.

PREFACE.

We do not feel able to take in hand the wide subject of the Sagas of Iceland within the limits of a Preface; therefore we have only to say that we put forward this volume as the translation of an old story founded on facts, full of dramatic interest, and setting before people's eyes pictures of the life and manners of an interesting race of men near akin to ourselves.

Those to whom the subject is new, we must refer to the translations already made of some other of these works,[1] and to the notes which accompany them: a few notes at the end of this volume may be of use to students of Saga literature... Continue reading book >>

eBook links
Wikipedia – William Morris
Wikipedia – The Story of Grettir the Strong

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac