Ben Waggoner Books

The book explores the rich tapestry of Icelandic sagas, highlighting the fusion of Norse legends, Christian tales, and chivalric stories. It presents eleven sagas and six shorter texts that trace the evolution of these narratives, showcasing figures such as King Half, Asmund Champion's Bane, and the Apostle Bartholomew. The collection also includes tales of legendary heroes like Vilmund the Outsider and Yngvar the Far-Traveler, illustrating how these diverse influences shaped a unique literary tradition in medieval Iceland.

A hero breaks into the tomb of an undead Viking to win fabulous treasure. . . a wise king faces enemy armies and hostile magic to win brides for himself and his warriors. . . a rakish outlaw seduces beautiful women and fights monsters on his quest to clear his name. . . a lazy and reluctant boy survives slavery, treachery, and deadly sorcery as he grows into the greatest hero. . . The sagas newly translated in this book are Gautrek's Saga (in two versions), The Saga of Hrolf Gautreksson, The Saga of Bosi and Herraud, The Saga of Sturlaug the Hard-Working, The Saga of Hrolf the Walker, and The Saga of Hromund Gripsson. Written in Iceland beginning in the 1400s, these are some of the most popular Old Norse tales of high adventure. Viking legends, mythology, and lore were blended with medieval romances of chivalry to create these ""sagas of adventure."" Packed with sudden plot twists, dreadful villains, damsels in distress, and a generous dash of humor, these tales have never lost their power to delight.

Huge in stature; living in far-distant wastelands; sometimes comically stupid or crude; but possessing vast wealth and knowledge-such are the giants of Norse myth and legend. Four Icelandic sagas and six tales, spanning five centuries, are brought together for the first time in all-new English translations. All tell of mighty giants, and of the heroes who dared to face them, fight them, and sometimes befriend them. The giants and trolls of old still live on in these legendary sagas of old times. These tales of epic voyages, wars, and romance will appeal to both scholars of Norse mythology and fans of Viking adventure. The sagas include the Saga of the Kjalarnes People, the Saga of Halfdan Brana's Fosterling, the Saga of Sorli the Strong, and the Saga of Illugi Grid's Fosterling. The six shorter tales are: the Tale of Halfdan the Black, the Tale of Hauk High-Breeches, the Tale of Jokul Buason, the Tale of Brindle-Cross, an excerpt from the Saga of the Fljotsdal People, and the Tale of Asmund Ogre-Lucky.

Popular in the 19th century for its sweeping, adventurous, romantic plot and tender love story, the Saga of Fridthjof the Bold was largely neglected in the 20th century. Now, a new and fresh translation of both versions of this Old Norse saga restores it to glory. Also included is the swashbuckling Saga of Thorstein Vikingsson, the father of the hero Fridthjof; the Tale of King Vikar, telling of Fridthjof's descendants; and plenty of notes and commentary giving the saga's historical and cultural background. These tales of adventure, war, magic, and love can still thrill the heart today, as they did centuries ago.

This medieval manuscript, created in Iceland around 1500, serves as a comprehensive guide to herbal medicine, detailing healing properties for over ninety herbs. It offers a wealth of health advice, including practices like bloodletting and steam baths, while also exploring the lunar influence on well-being. Additionally, the text incorporates elements of magic, reflecting the intertwined nature of medicine and mysticism in that era.

Set on the Norwegian island of Hrafnista, this collection brings to life the legendary sagas of powerful chieftains who faced formidable challenges, including tyrants, natural disasters, and mythical creatures. The tales of the Men of Hrafnista, including the Saga of Ketil Salmon and others, showcase their triumphs and adventures, reflecting the rich Viking heritage. For the first time, these Old Norse sagas are presented together in English, inviting readers to explore a captivating world of legend and lore.

The collection features forty-nine riddles from the Exeter Book, showcasing the Anglo-Saxon perspective through everyday objects and nature. Translated by Ben Waggoner, these riddles reveal the hidden beauty and humor in items like keys and ploughs, while also giving voice to elements of the natural world, such as birds and stars. Rich in metaphor, this work offers a delightful glimpse into the culture and daily life of Anglo-Saxon England, making it an engaging introduction to this historical period.

Focusing on the technical aspects of multimedia, this guide teaches readers how to effectively compress video and audio while maintaining high quality. It covers fundamental concepts of vision and hearing, providing a foundation for understanding compression. The book progresses to practical techniques for creating, editing, and compressing audio and video, making it a valuable resource for those looking to enhance their skills in multimedia production.

Exploring the enigmatic world of runes, this book delves into their historical significance and contemporary applications. It examines their use in magic and divination, shedding light on the meanings behind these ancient symbols. From their presence in popular culture to their roots in Viking traditions, the text offers a comprehensive understanding of how runes have captivated imaginations and influenced practices throughout history.

Helps you to learn how to compress video and audio with optimal quality and minimal hassles. This title lets you understand the basic concepts of vision and hearing, apply that knowledge in the context of compression, and move onto practical, applicable information for creating, editing, and compressing the video and audio.