Subject
Fairy tales -- Norway Books
Best books
Peter Christen Asbjørnsen
East of the Sun and West of the Moon: Old Tales from the North
"East of the Sun and West of the Moon: Old Tales from the North" by Asbjørnsen et al. is a collection of traditional folk tales likely compiled in the late 19th century. The stories derive from Norwegian folklore and encapsulate themes of adventure, magic, and transformation, featuring various characters such as brave heroines and mystical creatures. The beginning of this enchanting compilation introduces readers to the story of a poor husbandman who is eventually approached by a mysterious White Bear that offers to make him rich if he will give up his youngest daughter. Initially resistant, the daughter ultimately agrees, leading her to a life of luxury in the company of the bear, who is revealed to be under a curse. Over time, themes of sacrifice, love, and the quest for freedom emerge as she seeks to uncover the truth behind the bear's enchantment, setting the stage for an adventurous and magical narrative filled with trials and triumphs.
Klara Stroebe
The Norwegian Fairy Book
"The Norwegian Fairy Book" by Klara Stroebe is a collection of traditional Norwegian fairy tales compiled and translated during the early 20th century. The stories reflect the enchanting folklore of Norway, filled with elemental spirits, trolls, and magical events that capture the imagination of both children and adults. Each tale unveils themes of adventure, moral lessons, and human aspirations within a vibrant cultural backdrop, making it a treasure trove for lovers of mythology and folklore. At the start of the collection, readers are introduced to a variety of engaging characters and settings. The opening tale, "Per Gynt," centers on a daring marksman who encounters trolls while hunting in the mountains. His journey takes him through dark and mystical landscapes where he battles trolls and interacts with the magical elements around him. The story sets a whimsical tone, with playful banter between Per Gynt and the trolls, highlighting both courage and humor in encountering the unknown. This blend of adventure and folklore serves as a portal into the deeper themes and enchantment of the subsequent tales in the collection.
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Popular Tales from the Norse
"Popular Tales from the Norse" by Asbjørnsen, Moe, and Dasent is a collection of Norwegian folktales first published in English in 1859. Drawing from Norway's rich oral traditions, these stories were originally gathered by teacher Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and minister Jørgen Moe, who traveled the countryside collecting tales directly from storytellers. Inspired by the Brothers Grimm's methodology, they carefully retold these narratives while preserving their authentic Norwegian character. Translator George Webbe Dasent brought these enchanting tales to English readers, earning praise from the original collectors themselves.
Gudrun Thorne-Thomsen
East o' the Sun and West o' the Moon : $b with other Norwegian folk tales
"East O' the Sun and West O' the Moon" by Gudrun Thorne-Thomsen is a collection of Norwegian folk tales, retold and illustrated, likely written in the early 20th century. The book presents various enchanting stories from Norwegian folklore, exploring themes of love, adventure, and the struggle against magical adversities. One of the most prominent tales follows a poor woodcutter's youngest daughter who embarks on a journey to rescue a prince from a wicked curse while encountering fantastical creatures and breathtaking landscapes along the way. At the start of the story, we meet a humble woodcutter who struggles to provide for his many children, particularly his youngest daughter, who is exceptionally beautiful. On a stormy evening, a talking White Bear appears at their window, offering riches in exchange for the daughter's hand. Initially refusing, the daughter secretly decides to uphold the Bear's offer and bravely rides away with him into a magnificent enchanted castle where she wishes to know more about the mysterious figure who shares her living space each night. However, her curiosity leads to complications, and she learns that the Bear is actually a prince under a witch's curse, setting the stage for her perilous quest to save him from his plight. This tale serves as an introduction to a richly woven tapestry of stories filled with magic and moral lessons.
Peter Christen Asbjørnsen
Tales from the Fjeld: A Second Series of Popular Tales
"Tales from the Fjeld: A Second Series of Popular Tales" by Peter Christen Asbjørnsen is a collection of folk tales rooted in Norwegian folklore, written in the late 19th century. This engaging anthology unveils stories steeped in myth, humor, and the human experience, featuring whimsical characters and fantastical plots that reflect the rich traditions of the Norse people. Each tale captures the essence of humanity and nature, with interesting protagonists like the greedy cat in “The Greedy Cat” and the peculiar Grumblegizzard, a child produced from a goose egg. The beginning of the book introduces the setting and mood, as the narrator and his companions embark on a journey into the rugged Norwegian wilderness in search of adventure and deer. The tone is light and humorous as Anders, their guide, entertains them with fantastical stories, including the tale of Osborn's Pipe, which centers on a capricious farmer's son who cleverly outsmarts those around him. This opening portion sets the stage, drawing readers into a world of quirky anecdotes and vibrant storytelling that weave together nature and folklore. The interaction among the characters and their reactions to Anders's storytelling hint at the whimsical, layered tales that follow, making readers eager for more.
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Satukirja lapsille : $b Norjalaisia kansansatuja
"Satukirja lapsille: Norjalaisia kansansatuja" by Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe is a collection of Norwegian folktales first published in 1841. Inspired by the Brothers Grimm, a teacher and minister gathered stories from Norway's oral tradition during a wave of 19th-century nationalism. They carefully retold these tales in a simple style that balanced preserving folk authenticity with creating readable narratives. The collection grew from a slim pamphlet to encompass over one hundred stories, becoming a cornerstone of Norwegian cultural identity.
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