Ian Cumpstey has emailed me to inform members of the section that he has published a book, Warrior Lore, that includes his translations into modern English verse of ten medieval Scandinavian folk ballads (mostly from the Swedish tradition). Further details can be found at Ian’s website at: http://www.northerndisplayers.co.uk (where you can also listen to readings from the book).
Ian has sent me the following information: ‘The Scandinavian folk ballads are narrative songs, and they represented part of a strong story-telling tradition, combining the story with poetry and music. Ballads of this type were first written down in about 1600, although they would have been first sung a couple of centuries earlier than that, probably around 1300.
Some of the ballads included in Warrior Lore are:
- Tales of the great North-European warrior Diderick of Bern and his group of fighters, with Widrick Waylandsson and Sivar Snare Sven.
- A ballad of the Norwegian Viking king Harald Hardrada and his sporting contest in archery and skiing against a young fighter.
- A folk version of the story of Thor’s retrieval of his stolen hammer from the troll Thrym.
- The folk-ballad based on the true story of the abduction of Helena, the daughter of the Swedish king from Vreta Convent around 1200.
The cost is GBP 11.40 including UK P&P. The format is paperback, 76 pages with 10 full-colour illustrations.’
It can be ordered online from the website:
http://www.northerndisplayers.co.uk
Medieval Section of the Yorkshire Archaeological and Historical Society 