From the Icelandic by George Webbe Dasent. With Illustrations by C. E. St. John Mildmay.
This English version of the Gisli Saga is formed out of a fusion of the two Icelandic texts which have come down to us; the elder text having been generally followed, and the younger used to supply deficiencies.
In one respect it is perhaps superior to any Saga. Gisli was a true poet, and his verses, though full of the periphrases and involutions common in that class of Icelandic composition, have genuine thought and feeling lying underneath them. It is hoped, if the English renderings run smoother than the Icelandic originals, the spirit which warms them may not be found utterly wanting. In this, as in other respects, Gisli must speak for himself.
Author(s): George Webbe Dasent (transl.)
Publisher: Edmonston and Douglas
Year: 1866
Language: English
Pages: 178
City: Edinburgh
Introduction xv
Chronology of the Saga xxxvii
CHAPTER I. The Thrall’s Curse 1
CHAPTER II. Kolbein’s Killing 8
CHAPTER III. The Burning of the Old House 13
CHAPTER IV. The Soursops in Iceland 19
CHAPTER V. The Soursops Abroad 25
CHAPTER VI. Gisli and Thorkel Part 29
CHAPTER VII. Vestein Comes Back to Iceland 35
CHAPTER VIII. Vestein’s Slaying 42
CHAPTER IX. Thorgrim’s Slaying 49
CHAPTER X. Gisli Betrays Himself 56
CHAPTER XI. Gisli an Outlaw 61
CHAPTER XII. Gisli Begins to Dream 68
CHAPTER XIII. Gisli Goes to Ingialld 75
CHAPTER XIV. Gisli Slips Through Bork’s Fingers 81
CHAPTER XV. Thorkel’s Slaying 87
CHAPTER XVI. Spy-Helgi and Havard 93
CHAPTER XVII. Gisli’s Evil Dreams 100
CHAPTER XVIII. Gisli’s Slaying 105
CHAPTER XIX. Thordisa’s Welcome to Eyjolf 112
Index 115
