In 1874 the first Finnish immigrants came to Northeast Ohio's Lake Erie port towns to work on the docks loading coal or unloading iron ore from ships sailing the Great Lakes or to work on the railroads. As with most immigrant groups, the Finns clustered in the same area, hoping to retain their language, customs, and culture, even in the New World. The Finnish American Heritage Association of Ashtabula County was organized in 1995, and one of its first projects was the interviewing and taping of elderly Finnish Americans to obtain historical accounts of early immigrants. These first-person accounts were written as the narrator told them. Many of the first- and second-generation Finns were in their eighties or nineties at the time of their interviews, yet their recollections of times gone by were told with frankness and clarity. Photographs representative of these early years are also included in this volume. Genealogists and those interested in immigration studies will find these first-person accounts valuable research tools and fascinating testimonies to the migrant experience.
When Nordic ski jumper Maureen Mo Clark sets foot in Finland, she escapes from her famous skier fathers shadow for a chance to jump in the renowned Lahti Ski Games. Mo quickly realizes that balancing practice and classes is more challenging than she expected.
This in-depth profile of Scandinavian-style woodcarving includes a history of the style's use in American and Scandinavian art, biographies of great carvers in the genre, and detailed instructions for a variety of projects. Directions, front and sideview patterns, and step-by-step photographs reveal how to make a few simple cuts and leave large flat planes intact. The lively personalities of such typical Scandinavian figures as Oskar and a traditional Swedish folk art horse are charmingly rendered in the samples and projects included.
While Scandinavia's 'Viking Age' is one of the most studied aspects of early medieval history, much less has been published about the centuries that followed. Yet the armies of Sweden, Norway and Denmark offer fascinating differences from the rest of medieval Western Europe, both in their organisation and their war gear - due partly to their remoteness, climate and terrain, but partly to their long freedom from the feudal system of other kingdoms. This book explains the special nature of Scandinavian armies, shaped by the relative weakness of kings and aristocrats, and the contrasts between the separate nations of the North.
While Scandinavia's 'Viking Age' is one of the most studied aspects of early medieval history, much less has been published about the centuries which followed. Yet the armies of Sweden, Norway and Denmark offer fascinating differences from the rest of medieval Western Europe, both in their organisation and their war gear. This second of two books covers the period which saw both expansion in the Baltic, and long wars born of the attempt to bring Scandinavia under a single monarchy - the Union of Kalmar. In the North, as elsewhere, the perfection of plate armour could not prevent the steady decline in the importance of the 15th century mounted knight in favour of the well armed infantryman.
Scandtastic! (TASCHEN's 25th anniversary special edition) Scandinavians are exceptionally gifted in design. They are world-famous for their inimitable, democratic designs which bridge the gap between crafts and industrial production. The marriage of beautiful, organic forms with everyday functionality is one of the primary strengths of Scandinavian design and one of the reasons why Scandinavian creations are so cherished and sought after. This guide provides a detailed look at Scandinavian design from 1900 to the present day, with in-depth entries on featured designers and design-led companies, plus essays on the similarities and differences in approach between Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark.
The author compares Celtic mythology and religion with the beliefs of early Scandinavian society. Vikings and Norsemen who raided British shores ruled parts of Britain for centuries. The religion of the Scandinavians was the same as the religious beliefs and practices of their fellow Teutonic and Germanic tribes, and their chief deities and religious rituals were like those of Teutonic people anywhere.
Classic guide to the styles of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, and the Faeroe Islands. Vibrant patterns for an array of garments include jerseys, gloves and mittens, stockings, and caps. Illustrated with 191 black-and-white and 20 color pictures, this volume is well known and prized among longtime practitioners of the craft.
Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.
This striking and versatile treasury of designs offers commercial artists and designers a rich selection of authentic Celtic and Nordic motifs. The 125 copyright-free designs depict birds, human figures, mythological creatures, interwoven patterns and other motifs -- all meticulously adapted from ancient artwork that graced rune stones and religious symbols, furniture and manuscripts, bronze mirrors, sword hilts, cooking utensils, and other artifacts. A handy source of inspiration for craftworkers as well, this practical and inexpensive collection will provide a wealth of dramatic ornamentation for projects calling for an exceptionally bold and inventive touch.
Exploring the Northern Tradition is an introduction to the modern reconstruction of the ancient religion of the Germanic and Scandinavian peoples. This religion, called Heathenry, is one of the fastest growing polytheistic religious movements in the United States today.
Captivating collection of legends and romances encompasses the principal hero-lays of the great epic cycles of the Teutonic Middle Ages -- Hegeling and Nibelung legends, Beowulf, Knights of the Round Table, the Rhine legend of Lohengrin, and many more. Inspiring reading, both in and out of the classroom.
This is the first book to show how the Norse myths have resonated from era to era: from Viking-age stories of ice and fire to the epic poetry of Beowulf ; and from Wagner''s Ring to Marvel Comics'' Mighty Thor. Heather O''Donoghue considers the wider contexts of Norse mythology, including its origins, medieval expression and reception in post-medieval societies right up to the present. From Asgard to Valhalla is a book that will intrigue and delight anyone with an interest in how the Norse myths have so profoundly shaped the western cultural heritage.
Ships and shipbuilding were important elements of Viking culture and a precondition for trade, warfare and conquest. The important excavations at the Viking towns of Hedeby and Schleswig-Holstein revealed a rich body of finds of wrecks and parts of ships. This is a report on this material and also examines the role of the towns as ports and the role of trading in their development.
How was the Norse Navigator able to shape his course across the North Atlantic long before the invention of the magnetic compass? This book tells the story of the Viking Sun Compass and how it allowed the Vikings to sail across the Atlantic. In 1948, the Danish archaeologist C.L. Vebk found the remains of a small wooden disc at the Viking Age site of Uunartoq in Greenland. Since then the Master mariners Carl V. Sver and Sen Thirslund have interpreted this find as a navigational instrument. This book is the essence of more than forty years of archaeological studies, discussions and practical sea-going experiments. The author gives a full account of the history of the find and demonstrates convincingly how Viking Age Navigators could make use of this and other simple devices in order to find their way across the vastness of the Northern Atlantic.
The Vikings lived in Norway, Sweden and Denmark more than 1, 000 years ago. There were lots of different groups of Vikings, all with their own leaders. Ships were important to the Vikings for exploring, trading and fighting. Without their shipbuilding and sailing skills, they could not have spread as widely as they did. They built all their ships in the same way, but had different designs depending on what they were used for.
In a stunning retelling based on actual events, Ship of Fire depicts Sir Francis Drake's most famous act of daring, the raid on the Spanish port of Cadiz. When Thomas Spyre, a seventeen-year-old surgeon's apprentice is offered the chance to sail on the Elizabeth Bonaventure, Sir Francis Drake's flagship, he never dreams that his master's death in a freak accident will leave him as the ship's only doctor. Thomas is determined to prove himself as a surgeon, but now he must also face battle, when Drake himself enlists him in combat.
Learn basic history by visiting communities from our past. Each book is filled with photos and reconstruction artwork covering topics such as food, clothing, shelter, education, play, communication, and family life. View important political and geographical events through the lens of everyday life.
Twenty-five astonishing tales, set in a mountainous Far North land of fire and ice, recall the dramatic creation of earth, sea, and sky and the chilling struggles between giants, trolls, and legendary heroes. Thrilling exploits of Nordic deities will delight anyone captivated by ancient myths and legends.
Imaginative retellings of 17 ancient Norse tales, ranging from the creation of the world to the death of the gods. Included are Odin's trip to Mimer in search of knowledge, the making of Thor's hammer, the loss of Idun's wondrous apples, and the task of securing the dreaded Fenris-wolf.
Prose Edda is a work without predecessor or parallel. Snorri Sturluson feared that the traditional techniques of Norse poetics, the pagan kennings, and the allusions to mythology would be forgotten with the introduction of new verse forms from Europe. Prose Edda was designed as a handbook for poets to compose in the style of the skalds of the Viking ages. It is an exposition of the rule of poetic diction with many examples, applications, and retellings of myths and legends. The present selection includes the whole of Gylfaginning (The deluding of Gylfi) -- a guide to mythology that forms one of the great storybooks of the Middle Ages -- and the longer heroic tales and legends of Skaldskaparmal (Poetic diction). Snorri Sturluson was a master storyteller, and this translation in modern idiom of the inimitable tales of the gods and heroes of the Scandinavian peoples brings them to life again.
This scarce antiquarian book is included in our special Legacy Reprint Series. In the interest of creating a more extensive selection of rare historical book reprints, we have chosen to reproduce this title even though it may possibly have occasional imperfections such as missing and blurred pages, missing text, poor pictures, markings, dark backgrounds and other reproduction issues beyond our control. Because this work is culturally important, we have made it available as a part of our commitment to protecting, preserving and promoting the world's literature.
Full of giants, trolls, heroes, and beautiful princesses, these 42 folktales include such favorites as Temptations, The Magician''s Pupil, Legend of Tannhauser, The Outlaw, The Widow''s Son, and The Goatherd.
Praise for the previous edition: This easy-to-use reference book is clearly written and lavishly illustrated...A treasury of information...it will entice users to conduct in-depth research, while its inviting format and clarity will invite browsing., Book Links School and public libraries will find it useful as a reference tool where Norse myths are popular with children of middle school and up., Booklist Myths reflect codes of behavior
1894. Contents: Balder; The Fenris-Wolf; Loke; Thor; Thor and Hymer; Thor's Fight with Hrungner; Thor and Thrym; Thor and Geirrod; The Apples of Idun; The Building of the Asgard Fort; Loke's Punishment; Gerd; The Song Mead; Geirrod; Andvare's Golden Ring; Sigurd the Volsung; Frithiof; King Olaf; Siegfried with the Horny Skin; Gudrun and Vocabulary.
Twenty-nine tales narrate rousing adventures in the lives of a pantheon of immortal figures, among them Odin, chief of all the gods; Loki, deity of mischief; and Gerda, the goddess of light. Beautifully illustrated and adapted for young readers, these stories present mythology at its best. 15 black-and-white illustrations, 3 in color.
From The Publisher:The Caldecott medal-winning d'Aulaires once again captivate their young audience with this beautifully illustrated introduction to Norse legends, telling stories of Odin the All-father, Thor the Thunder-god and the theft of his hammer, Loki the mischievous god of the Jotun Race, and Ragnarokk, the destiny of the gods. Children meet Bragi, the god of poetry, and the famous Valkyrie maidens, among other gods, goddesses, heroes, and giants. Illustrations throughout depict the wondrous other world of Norse folklore and its fantastical Northern landscape.About The Author:Edgar Parin d'Aulaire (1898-1986) studied art in Germany and France, and worked with Henri Matisse. In Munich, he met Ingri Mortenson (1904-1980), a Norwegian-born art student. They married, emigrated to the US, and began a long career together, during which they published over twenty picture books for children. The Magic Rug was followed by Ola and East of the Sun and West of the Moon, both of which describe Norwegian folklore. Their work shifted to American history with Abraham Lincoln, a biography which won the 1940 Caldecott Medal. The d'Aulaires were awarded the Regina Medal from the Catholic Library Association in 1970.Michael Chabon is the author of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay and the children's book, Summerland. He lives in Berkeley, California.
When seeking to understand the function of mythology in the pagan past and in medieval Iceland scholars are confronted with the problem of how sources from the Middle Ages can properly be used. The articles in this volume demonstrate diverse angles from which Old Norse mythological texts can be viewed. Many discuss methodological problems in dealing with the texts and draw on expertise from different fields of study such as history, philology, literary studies, and history of religions. The authors are all established experts in the field, but demonstrate new approaches to the study of ON mythology, and offer insights into possible new directions for research.
Feeding the Flame is a devotional anthology of prayers, poems, rituals, and more gathered from around the world in the honor of Loki and His family. In this book, readers will find not only Loki and Sigyn, but also Angurboda, Odin, Glut and all of Loki''s children equally honored. It is a celebration of devotional consciousness and an offering of love to a very complex family of Gods.
Out of the great halls of Asgard, home of the Norse Gods?came one of the greatest Norse legends. Thor, powerful god of thunder, and his brother Loki, the trickster, were eager to resolve an argument: Does strength always win, or do brains always beat brawn? To find an answer, they travel to the strange and forbidding land of giants. There they will face a series of challenges that will prove once and for all which god is right. Or will it?
