The Danish History, Books I-IX

Kings, champions and old Scandinavian stories meet in this account of Denmark's early past. Oliver Elton's English translation presents the first nine books of Saxo's history, in which royal genealogies provide a framework for myth and folklore. A substantial introduction discusses the author's uncertain biography, his connection with Archbishop Absalon, and the songs and stories preserved in his Latin writing. Its contents also point to customs, laws, supernatural beings and magic.

The narrative excerpt moves into King Frode's court, where Erik accuses the queen before a sudden clash leads to a challenge from hostile brothers. Sharp exchanges of proverbs accompany the action. Erik's preparations for a contest on the frozen sea show how practical cunning enters these heroic encounters. Readers interested in medieval storytelling can follow both the dramatic episodes and the introductory discussion of how legendary material became a national chronicle.