Unravel the Secrets of Norse Mythology: Journey Through Legends of Gods, Heroes, and the Viking LegacyAs a passionate explorer of ancient tales and Viking heritage, you are about to embark on a mesmerizing odyssey through the captivating world of Norse mythology.However, navigating this realm can often feel like traversing a labyrinth, with myriad gods, creatures, and heroes intertwining in a complex tapestry of stories. The fragmented nature of these tales can leave you yearning for a cohesive narrative that ties it all together.Perhaps you've encountered challenges such as:Struggling to understand the roles and significance of the numerous Norse deities and legendary figuresTrying to grasp the profound wisdom and life lessons woven into these mythological storiesSeeking to unravel how these ancient myths relate to the historical context of the Viking Age and beyondFeeling overwhelmed by the depth and complexity of Norse mythology and its various interpretationsFear not, intrepid adventurer, for this book is your trusty guide. It is meticulously crafted to navigate you through the intricacies of Norse lore, revealing hidden gems of insight at every turn.Within these pages, you'll discover:A Comprehensive Journey Through Norse Cosmology: From the primordial void of Ginnungagap to the cataclysmic events of Ragnarök, experience a structured exploration of the Norse universe and its pivotal momentsIntimate Encounters with Legendary Gods and Goddesses: Delve into the psyches of Odin, Thor, Freyja, and Loki, among others, as their motivations, conflicts, and profound influences are laid bareUnveiling the Mythical Beings of the Norse Realm: Meet the giants, dwarves, elves, and other fascinating creatures that populate the Norse cosmos, each with their own unique attributes and rolesDecoding Timeless Tales of Heroism and Betrayal: Immerse yourself in the most iconic Norse sagas, from the tragic tale of Baldr to the trickery of Loki, extracting valuable life lessons and wisdomConnecting Myths to History: Discover how Norse mythology intertwined with the daily lives, beliefs, and cultural practices of the Viking people, leaving an indelible mark on their worldview and legacyExploring the Viking Influence and Legacy: Trace the impact of Norse mythology on Viking society, from religious rituals and art to the enduring fascination it holds in modern timesUnraveling the Symbolism and Mysteries of Runes: Step into the enigmatic world of runes, the ancient Norse alphabet imbued with magical significance, and learn their meanings and uses in divination and inscriptionsBy the end of this enthralling odyssey, you will possess not merely a collection of stories but a profound understanding of Norse mythology's depths, its historical roots, and its eternal relevance.Prepare to set sail on an unforgettable voyage. With this book as your compass, navigate the extraordinary realms of Norse legends, where gods walk among mortals, and destinies are forever shaped.Embark on this transformative journey today! Secure your copy and let the wisdom of the Norse gods guide you. Read more

A Kirkus Reviews Best Nonfiction Book of 2024 A Kirkus Reviews Editor's Pick A “brilliantly written, brilliantly conceived” (Tom Holland) history of the Viking Age, from mighty leaders to rebellious teenagers, told through their runes and ruins, games and combs, trash and treasure.In imagining a Viking, a certain image springs to mind: a barbaric warrior, leaping ashore from a longboat, and ready to terrorize the hapless local population of a northern European town. Yet while such characters define our imagination of the Viking Age today, they were in the minority.Instead, in the time-stopping soils, water, and ice of the North, Eleanor Barraclough excavates a preserved lost world, one that reimagines a misunderstood society. By examining artifacts of the past―remnants of wooden gaming boards, elegant antler combs, doodles by imaginative children and bored teenagers, and runes that reveal hidden loves, furious curses, and drunken spouses summoned home from the pub―Barraclough illuminates life in the medieval Nordic world as not just a world of rampaging warriors, but as full of globally networked people with recognizable concerns.This is the history of all the people―children, enslaved people, seers, artisans, travelers, writers―who inhabited the medieval Nordic world. Encompassing not just Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, but also Iceland, Greenland, the British Isles, Continental Europe, and Russia, this is a history of a Viking Age filled with real people of different ages, genders, and ethnicities, as told through the traces that they left behind.“Embers of the hands” is a poetic kenning from the Viking Age that referred to gold. But no less precious are the embers that Barraclough blows back to life in this book―those of ordinary lives long past. 75 illus Read more

Michèle Hayeur Smith uses Viking textiles as evidence for the little-known work of women in the Norse colonies that expanded from Scandinavia across the North Atlantic in the 9th century AD. Read more

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Venture into the thrilling tales of Norse Mythology. Filled with centuries-old legends of battle, love, and conquest, The Norse Mythology Bible will transport you into the wild world of Viking culture and history.You know their names, their deeds. Odin, the All-Father. Mischievous Loki and mighty Thor. But there is so much more. Norse mythology is an incredible world of myths and legends that extend far beyond the best-known deities. Full of marvel and mystery, these are tales once sung across the northern world.Harness your ale horn, embark on the nimble Drakkar, and sail beyond the borders of Asgard - all the way to Valhalla!Discover the breathtaking, ancient pantheon of Norse mythology, Norse pagan rituals, Viking heroes, and Elder Futhark Runes. Returned to popularity through pop culture and cinema, you'll soon understand why these captivating stories still offer excitement, inspiration, and adventure to modern readers. Here is a sample of what you will discover:✅ THE DAWN OF TIME: Explore a chapter focused on Norse cosmogony, from the Ginnungagap, "the yawn of nothing," to the birth of the first Titans and the advent of ancestral deities.✅ GET THE FULL STORY - Go beyond what is shown in the media and discover the complete stories and intricate details of Viking and Scandinavian legends, culture, and history. Covering everything from belief to war and love, this book contains everything you need to dive deep into Norse mythology.✅ GODS AND GODDESSES - From Odin to Freya, this book divulges all their secrets, personalities, and roles in Norse mythology. Told in a story form narrative, this book will uncover the stories, powers, and relationships of the major Norse gods and goddesses.✅ BATTLES, WEAPONS, AND TACTICS - Beyond battle stories, this book also details magic weapons, battle strategies, and conquest tactics. You will also understand the importance of Viking funeral traditions and their value for sacrifice and strength.✅ A JOURNEY IN VIKING CULTURE - Put on the guise of an ancient Viking and experience firsthand a typical day in pre-Christian Scandinavia. Learn about the hierarchical scale, quaint customs, and mysterious beliefs of the old Northern Peoples.✅ THE ELDER FUTHARK RUNES - An entire volume dedicated to discovering the mystery behind the rich runic tradition of the northern peoples. Discover the deeper meaning of each of the 24 runes and access a new spiritual consciousness.✅ WISDOM OF ANCIENT LEGEND - Far more than a simple collection of stories, this book will open your mind to the wisdom and inspiration of Viking history. Understand how these legends impact the modern world, even after hundreds of years!Whether purchased for yourself or a loved one interested in Norse and Viking history, this book is the perfect gift to discover this ancient culture. Don't hesitate - Order your copy now and embark on your epic Norse adventure! Read more

#1 New York Times bestseller!Frozen in Time is a gripping true story of survival, bravery, and honor in the vast Arctic wilderness during World War II, from the author of New York Times bestseller Lost in Shangri-La.On November 5, 1942, a US cargo plane slammed into the Greenland Ice Cap. Four days later, the B-17 assigned to the search-and-rescue mission became lost in a blinding storm and also crashed. Miraculously, all nine men on board survived, and the US military launched a daring rescue operation. But after picking up one man, the Grumman Duck amphibious plane flew into a severe storm and vanished.Frozen in Time tells the story of these crashes and the fate of the survivors, bringing vividly to life their battle to endure 148 days of the brutal Arctic winter, until an expedition headed by famed Arctic explorer Bernt Balchen brought them to safety. Mitchell Zuckoff takes the reader deep into the most hostile environment on earth, through hurricane-force winds, vicious blizzards, and subzero temperatures.Moving forward to today, he recounts the efforts of the Coast Guard and North South Polar Inc. – led by indefatigable dreamer Lou Sapienza – who worked for years to solve the mystery of the Duck’s last flight and recover the remains of its crew.A breathtaking blend of mystery and adventure Mitchell Zuckoff's Frozen in Time: An Epic Story of Survival and a Modern Quest for Lost Heroes of World War II is also a poignant reminder of the sacrifices of our military personnel and a tribute to the everyday heroism of the US Coast Guard. Read more

Explore the captivating life of Erik the Red.A formidable figure with flaming red hair, a wild beard, and a temper to match is not the type of person most people would choose to cross swords with. And that, by all accounts, is a fitting description of Erik the Red. This was not a man to be taken lightly or challenged in battle. He was courageous on the battlefield, an accomplished seafarer, indomitable warrior, and unstoppable adventurer. In short, Erik the Red was everything we imagine a Viking to be.Some of the topics covered in this audiobook include:Erik the Red’s early life in NorwayThe settlement of Iceland and the Viking AgeErik’s early years in IcelandMurder most foulErik the explorerSettling in GreenlandGreenland to VinlandErik’s offspring and their voyages to VinlandDecline of VinlandErik the pagan and Christianity in GreenlandThe decline of the Greenland colonyModern GreenlandAnd much, much more!Listen to this audiobook now to learn more about Erik the Red! Read more

Over the centuries, the West has become fascinated by the Vikings, one of the most mysterious and interesting European civilizations. In addition to being perceived as a remarkably unique culture among its European counterparts, what's known and not known about the Vikings' accomplishments has added an intriguing aura to the historical narrative. Were they fierce and fearsome warriors? Were they the first Europeans to visit North America? It seems some of the legends are true, and some are just that, legend. The ubiquitous picture of the Vikings as horn-helmeted, brutish, hairy giants that mercilessly marauded among the settlements of Northern Europe is based on a smattering of facts combined with an abundance of prejudicial historical writing by those who were on the receiving end of Viking depredations. At the same time, much of the popular picture of the Vikings is a result of the romantic imagination of novelists and artists. However, the Vikings' reputation for ferocious seaborne attacks along the coasts of Northern Europe is no exaggeration. It is true that the Norsemen, who traded extensively throughout Europe, often increased the profits obtained from their nautical ventures through plunder, acquiring precious metals and slaves. Of course, the Vikings were not the only ones participating in this kind of income generation; between the eighth and the 11th centuries, European tribes, clans, kingdoms, and monastic communities were quite adept at fighting with each other for the purpose of obtaining booty. The Vikings were simply more consistently successful than their contemporaries and thus became suitable symbols for the inequity of the times. Of course, the military reputation came about because the Vikings were the great mariners and explorers of Medieval Europe. While many of their journeys were ones of conquest, they also had a deep love of exploration. Read more

Five hundred years before Columbus, a Viking woman named Gudrid sailed off the edge of the known world. She landed in the New World and lived there for three years, giving birth to a baby before sailing home. Or so the Icelandic sagas say. Even after archaeologists found a Viking longhouse in Newfoundland, no one believed that the details of Gudrid’s story were true. Then, in 2001, a team of scientists discovered what may have been this pioneering woman’s last house, buried under a hay field in Iceland, just where the sagas suggested it could be. Joining scientists experimenting with cutting-edge technology and the latest archaeological techniques, and tracing Gudrid’s steps on land and in the sagas, Nancy Marie Brown reconstructs a life that spanned―and expanded―the bounds of the then-known world. She also sheds new light on the society that gave rise to a woman even more extraordinary than legend has painted her and illuminates the reasons for its collapse. Read more

Explores in depth how Greenland and its surroundings were inhabited for nearly 5 centuries by two Nordic colonies, Vestri-bygd and Eystri-bygd Shares extensive evidence from the still-living indigenous oral tradition of the Far North as well as surviving sculptural art to show how the Vikings and the Inuit formed a harmonious community Examines ancient maps and other cartography, such as the 15th-century Martin Behaim globe, as well as explorers’ records of their voyages Sharing his extensive and meticulous research, Jacques Privat reveals that the Vikings were in Greenland, its neighboring islands, and the eastern shores of Canada long before Columbus. He examines in depth how Greenland and its surroundings were inhabited for nearly five centuries by two Nordic colonies, Vestribygð and Eystribygð, which disappeared mysteriously: one in 1342 and the other in the 16th century. Drawing on the still-living indigenous oral tradition of the Far North, as well as surviving sculptural art carvings, he shows how, far from being constantly at odds with the native population, the Norsemen and the Inuit formed a harmonious community. He reveals how this friendly Inuit-Viking relationship encouraged the Scandinavian settlers to forsake Christianity and return to their pagan roots. Working with ancient European maps and other cartography, such as the 15th-century Martin Behaim globe, as well as explorers’ records of their voyages, the author examines the English, Irish, German, Danish, Flemish, and Portuguese presence in the Far North. He explores how Portugal dominated many seas and produced the first correct cartography of Greenland as an island. He also reveals how Portugal may have been behind the disappearance of the Vikings in Greenland by enslaving them for their European plantations. Dispelling once and for all the theories that the Inuit were responsible for the failure of the Scandinavian colonies of the Far North, the author reveals how, ultimately, the Church opted to cut all ties with the settlements—rather than publicize that a formerly Christian people had become pagan again. When the lands of the Far North were officially “discovered” after the Middle Ages, the Norse colonies had vanished, leaving behind only legends and mysterious ruins.PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio. Read more

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Jon Sveinsson ("Nonni") is the only Jesuit priest ever born in Iceland. He left his homeland as a boy, with his beloved brother Armann (“Manni”), to follow their mutual call to become Jesuit missionaries. Although Manni has since passed on during his studies, Nonni is now the Reverend Jon Sveinsson S. J. The boys had wished to become Jesuit missionaries, like St. Francis Xavier, yet Jon Sveinsson has spent most of his time in the order as either a student, and now an instructor, in academia. Still longing to fulfill his dream of being a missionary he has volunteered to travel to Iceland to care for the souls of his fellow countrymen. Such is the premise of this classic Icelandic travelogue written by the man who would later become one of the most beloved children's authors of all time. With pictures and published in large print (www.c2op.com). Read more

Iceland in centuries past was a formidable place to live. Situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, on the edge of the inhabitable world, the nation was both isolated and abjectly poor. Centuries of colonization translated into oppression and subjugation from the colonial overlords, and a hostile climate and repeated natural disasters meant that mere survival was a challenge to even the hardiest of souls.In these 50 miniature essays, Alda Sigmundsdottir writes about the Icelanders in centuries past in a light and humorous way, yet never without admiration and respect for the resilience and strength they showed in coping with conditions of adversity that are barely imaginable today. Their ways of interacting with the natural world are described, as are their sometimes tragic, sometimes ingenious, means of dealing with maltreatment and injustice from the church and other rulers. These forms of oppression include a trade monopoly imposed by Denmark that lasted nearly two centuries, a ban on dancing that lasted for a similar length of time, the forced dissolution of households when the breadwinner of the family died, the tyranny of merchants granted exclusive right to trade with the Icelanders, and the dreaded decrees of the Grand Judgement—a court of law that was set up to punish various offenses, real or imagined.Yet it is not only the “big picture” that is described in this book, but also the various smaller aspects that shed light on the daily life of the Icelanders of old. These include their ingenious ways of coping with lack, of preserving food, of finding shelter, of creating or admitting light into their homes, as well as the innumerable and sometimes wacky superstitions attached to various life events, big and small. The hilarious customs of hospitality and visiting are also described, as are some of the sexual activates of Icelanders in the past, their belief in elves and hidden people, sexual interactions with hidden people (!), ways of dealing with grief, interactions with foreigners, and much, much more.Today’s Iceland is a modern, cosmopolitan place, with one of the highest standards of living in the world. Yet less than a century ago, this paragon of equality and peace was the poorest society in Europe. The conditions of life described in this book are therefore not very distant from the Icelanders today, and many of the aspects described are still very much reflected in Iceland’s unique culture.In short, The Little Book of the Icelanders in the Old Days is not only a funny, witty, and wise exposé on the Icelanders’ daily life in the past, it is also essential to understanding the Icelandic national character today.Among the fascinating subjects broached in The Little Book of the Icelanders in the Old Days:• How Icelanders' housing developed from stately longhouses to tiny turf farms• The kvöldvaka: how Icelanders managed to live through the long, dark winters• Social structure among the common folk (farmers to vagabonds)• All the superstitions: how folks attempted to gain control over their lives• The elf belief deconstructed: why did those tales of hidden people develop?• No time to be a kid (being a child was tough in the Iceland of old)• Sex and the church (yep, Icelandic ecclesiastical authorities also meddled in people's sex lives)• Precious, precious food. How do you live on the edge of the inhabitable world, where hardly anything grows?• Welcoming guests: smooching and other etiquettes• Foreigners in Iceland. Think Iceland had no visitors back then? Think again!… and so much more! Read more

This ultimate guide to one of the world's most beautiful and fascinating island nations is packed with travel tips, cultural and historical facts, and insights from Icelanders into how we can all make our lives a little more Icelandic. Known as ‘The Land of Fire and Ice’, Iceland is a country of contrasts, from the enormous glaciers to the active volcanoes, the summer midnight sun to the briefest of winter days, the ancient language to the modern technological innovations. This is a nation with a rich and diverse culture as unique as its stunning landscapes.  How to Live Icelandic is the ultimate insider’s guide to this northerly nation. You may have already tried skyr for breakfast and listened to Sigur Rós on your daily commute, but how much do you know about the real Iceland; the locals’ take on this one-of-a-kind island? Icelanders Nína Björk Jónsdóttir and Edda Magnus have put together the highlights of Icelandic music, literature, cultural attitudes, food traditions and celebrations so the rest of the world can benefit from the special blend of old Norse wisdom with liberal modern attitudes. This beautiful book is full of inspiration and insight into this progressive and peaceful nation that has freedom, community and equality at its core, revealing why Iceland remains one of the happiest countries in the world. From the How To Live... series of insightful guides to some of the most intriguing cultures and locations on the planet, other books available include How To Live Japanese, How To Live Korean and How to Live North. Read more

Enjoy the beautiful curated photographs (in color) of Greenland is the largest island in the world.This is perfect gift for all ages from kids, adults and seniors.Very enjoyable for patients with Alzheimer's, Dementia or memory lossHome decorationCoffee tablesBookshelvesNight tablesEnd tablesDorm roomsOffices Read more

One of the century's most spectacular archaeological finds occurred in 1921, a year before Howard Carter stumbled upon Tutankhamun's tomb, when Poul Norlund recovered dozens of garments from a graveyard in the Norse settlement of Herjolfsnaes, Greenland. Preserved intact for centuries by the permafrost, these mediaeval garments display remarkable similarities to western European costumes of the time. Previously, such costumes were known only from contemporary illustrations, and the Greenland finds provided the world with a close look at how ordinary Europeans dressed in the Middle Ages. Fortunately for Norlund's team, wood has always been extremely scarce in Greenland, and instead of caskets, many of the bodies were found swaddled in multiple layers of cast off clothing. When he wrote about the excavation later, Norlund also described how occasional thaws had permitted crowberry and dwarf willow to establish themselves in the top layers of soil. Their roots grew through coffins, clothing and corpses alike, binding them together in a vast network of thin fibers - as if, he wrote, the finds had been literally sewn in the earth. Eighty years of technical advances and subsequent excavations have greatly added to our understanding of the Herjolfsnaes discoveries. Woven into the Earth recounts the dramatic story of Norlund's excavation in the context of other Norse textile finds in Greenland. It then describes what the finds tell us about the materials and methods used in making the clothes. The weaving and sewing techniques detailed here are surprisingly sophisticated, and one can only admire the talent of the women who employed them, especially considering the harsh conditions they worked under. While Woven into the Earth will be invaluable to students of medieval archaeology, Norse society and textile history, both lay readers and scholars are sure to find the book's dig narratives and glimpses of life among "the last Vikings" fascinating. Read more

Embark on a captivating journey through the history of Greenland, the world's largest island, from its earliest inhabitants to its present-day challenges and opportunities. This comprehensive account unravels the complex tapestry of Greenland's past, exploring the lives, struggles, and triumphs of the people who have called this remote Arctic territory home. Discover the ingenuity of the Paleo-Inuit cultures, the rise and fall of the Norse settlements, the impact of Danish colonization, and the emergence of a distinct Greenlandic identity.Explore the dramatic shifts in Greenland's social, economic, and political landscape over centuries. The book delves into the impact of the Little Ice Age, the re-establishment of European contact, the cryolite industry's influence, and Greenland's strategic importance during World War II. Witness the island's post-war modernization, the rise of the Home Rule movement, and the ongoing debate over independence. Understand the complexities of Greenland's relationship with Denmark and its growing role in international Arctic affairs.Gain a deeper understanding of the environmental challenges facing Greenland, particularly climate change and pollution. Explore the melting ice sheet, its global implications, and Greenland's efforts to adapt to a changing Arctic. Discover the island's vibrant culture, language, art, and enduring traditions. Examine Greenland's political system, its economy's reliance on fisheries, tourism, and mineral resources, and its aspirations for a sustainable and self-determined future. This book offers a nuanced and comprehensive exploration of a unique and fascinating corner of the world. Read more

At the height of the Cold War, the United States Army secretly began work on a base embedded deep in the Greenland ice cap: Camp Century. Officially defined as a scientific research station, this facility had an undisclosed purpose: to aim up to 600 nuclear warheads, buried in the ice, at the Soviet Union. In 1966, just six years after the camp was established, the United States gave up this provocative strategy and abandoned the base. Despite its brief life, Camp Century has been the cause of controversies from diplomatic relations between the United States and its Arctic allies, Denmark and Greenland, to the risks of radioactive waste abandoned at the site.This book is the first comprehensive account of the U.S. Army’s “city under the ice.” Beginning with the Truman administration’s vision of military superiority in the Arctic and continuing through present-day concerns over the effects of climate change, Kristian H. Nielsen and Henry Nielsen unravel the extraordinary history of this clandestine installation. Drawing on sources including top-secret memos and never-before-seen photographic evidence, they follow the intertwining threads of high-level politics, ice-core research, media representations, daily life beneath the ice, and the specter of long-buried environmental problems that will one day resurface. Camp Century reveals a hidden chapter of Cold War history―and why, as the Greenland ice cap slowly melts, this story is not yet over. Read more

Replete with color photographs, drawings, and maps of Viking sites, artifacts, and landscapes, this book celebrates and explores the Viking saga from the combined perspectives of history, archaeology, oral tradition, literature, and natural science. The book's contributors chart the spread of marauders and traders in Europe as well as the expansion of farmers and explorers throughout the North Atlantic and into the New World. They show that Norse contacts with Native American groups were more extensive than has previously been believed, but that the outnumbered Europeans never established more than temporary settlements in North America. Read more

Using new archaeological, scientific, and documentary information this book confronts head-on many of the unanswered questions about early exploration and colonization along the shores of the Davis Strait. Read more