Subject
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.
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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.
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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A Selection from the Norse Tales for the Use of Children
"A Selection from the Norse Tales for the Use of Children" by G. W. Dasent is a collection of children's stories based on traditional Norse tales, likely compiled in the mid-19th century. This selection presents an assortment of moral and imaginative tales, showcasing various characters, including clever heroes, enchanted animals, and magical beings, each with their own adventures. The beginning of the collection introduces the premise of cleaning up the tales to make them more suitable for children, hinting at the stories' themes of morality and ethical lessons. It includes the tale "True and Untrue," following the contrasting fates of two brothers—one honest and virtuous, the other deceitful. True's journey of resilience and eventual triumph over hardship, despite being blinded by his brother, sets the tone for the collection, suggesting that perseverance and integrity ultimately prevail.
Peter Christen Asbjørnsen
Norwegische Volksmährchen vol. 2 gesammelt von P. Asbjörnsen und Jörgen Moe
"Norwegische Volksmährchen vol. 2" by Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe is a collection of Norwegian folktales published in 1844. Inspired by the Brothers Grimm, these two friends gathered stories from across Norway during a wave of national awakening. Their work helped shape Norwegian written language while preserving the essence of oral tradition. The tales balance accessibility with authenticity, creating "retold" versions that seek the original form of each story while using simple, engaging language that captured their nation's imagination.
Peter Christen Asbjørnsen
Noorsche Volksvertellingen
"Noorsche Volksvertellingen" by Peter Christen Asbjørnsen is a collection of Norwegian folktales published beginning in 1841. Created with Jørgen Moe, this work captured Norway's oral traditions during a wave of nationalism following the country's newfound independence. Inspired by the Brothers Grimm, the collectors traveled the countryside gathering stories, then carefully retold them in a simple linguistic style that helped shape the Norwegian written language. The collection grew from a slim pamphlet to encompass over one hundred tales across multiple volumes.
Peter Christen Asbjørnsen
Norwegische Volksmährchen vol. 1 gesammelt von P. Asbjörnsen und Jörgen Moe
"Norwegische Volksmährchen vol. 1" by Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe is a collection of Norwegian folktales first published in 1841. Inspired by the Brothers Grimm, these two friends—a teacher and a minister—gathered tales during Norway's wave of nineteenth-century nationalism. They retold stories in simple language while preserving their original forms, creating "reconstructed" versions rather than raw transcriptions. Their work helped develop the Norwegian written language and became a cornerstone of national identity, earning praise from the Grimms themselves.
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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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