The Tháttr of Nornagest - adaption of Nora Kershaw’s 1921 translation

Today we have The Tháttr of Nornagest, which can be found in the longer version of the Saga of Olaf Tryggvason, contained in the Flateyjarbók, a medieval Icelandic manuscript. Our adaption is from Nora Kershaw’s 1921 translation, based on Valdimar Asmundarson’s 1891 version. This tale has a host of legendary figures, as well as mythical, and it reveals an interesting portrayal of life in a northern court. 

Those of us who have enjoyed the Saga of the Volsungs will be delighted with Guests account of his time with the hero Sigurth, and there is a wonderful section dedicated to Brynhild and her ride to Hel. But what will undoubtedly stand out is the tale of Guest himself and his connection to the Norns. 

There is also something a little special, the music you will hear is my sister-in-law playing a section of the Faroese Ballad Nornagest’s Rima, also provided by Nora Kershaw. It’s a beautiful piece and I very much hope you enjoy it as much as we have! Thank you, Karen, you helped to bring this story to life…

Nora Kershaw – Stories and Ballads of the Far Past www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/33471