This afternoon Elizabeth visited for a while wishing me well as she was at a wedding on my birthday.
After this I listened to the Test Match between England and West Indies on BBC News when not reading the introduction to
The first of these images is of the boards, back and front, of my edition; the second the Title Page and Frontispiece by Simon Brett.
Elizabeth Magee has gathered and woven together the array of saga, myth, and legend from the Germanic and Scandinavian peoples drawn on by Wagner in his Ring series. Because of the nature of the collection, involving similar but differently told stories from differing sources, Simon Brett’s powerful illustrations are gathered together in one block.
In Scandinavian mythology Yggdrasil, the frontispiece image, is most significant. “Underlying it is a whole cosmos, a universe created by the interaction of fire and ice and embedded in the great void. Central to the cosmos is the World Tree, Yggdrasil. According to Snorri, the three roots securing it reach down to the underworld Niflheim, out to the frost ogres and up to the sky among the gods and light elves. Its branches spread up to heaven and over the earth. The world is formed of concentric circles, surrounded by sea. Midgard is the home of humankind; rimward are the giants, and right at the hub is Asgard, seat of the gods on earth. Bifrost, the rainbow bridge, brings the gods every day from earth to heaven. Within the earth dwell dwarfs and dark elves.” (Magee)
I will follow the editor’s sections and add the pictures as I work my way through the book.
This evening we dined at The Lazy Lion in Milford on Sea, where I enjoyed fish pie with a minted melange of peas and other green veg followed by a summer fruits créme brulée with which I drank Flack’s Double Drop; Jackie’s choice was sun-dried tomato and pesto with halloumi cheese with which she drank Diet Cola.
Hi, Derrick – Your reading and your dinners always sound so amazing (as well as your scenery). I also want to join right in!
Thank you so much, Donna
Sounds like a fine volunteer retirement job, Derrick. Dinner sounds wonderful too.
Thank you very much, Pat
You have the most intriguing editions of books I’ve ever seen. Thanks for always sharing Derrick ❤️
Much appreciated, Donna
It looks as though it was quite an entertaining match to follow.
Yes. Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
Interesting! I wonder if George R.R. Martin drew inspiration from those tales with his Game of Thrones and Song of Fire and Ice series.
I’ve never seen these, but I would imagine so. Thanks very much, Laurie
I look forward to learning more about Scandinavian mythology.
Thank you very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
The book and dinner both sound intriguing. 🙂
Thanks very much, JoAnna
Thank you Derrick … Scandinavian mythology, like most ancient tales, sound fascinating and make for intriguing reading …
Cheers, Ivor
Jackie made some very sensible choices. Yours sounds nearly as virtuous. I had a full range of fat and sugar today, with a good helping of protein. I am now an expert on nutrition, particularly macro-nutrients, because I listened to Radio 4 this afternoon while we were in the car. 🙂
Thanks very much, Quercus
Book sounds quite interesting.
Thanks very much, Rupali. The Scandinavian parts might interest you
This book looks like a treasure!
Thanks very much, Anne
The stories sound exciting and the book a work of art!
“…a summer fruits créme brulée…” Oh, gosh! Sounds amazingly yummy!
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️
Thank you very much, Carolyn XX
Another pleasant afternoon for you, and your evening meal at the Lazy Lion sounds lovely.
Thanks very much, Sue
Stretching out your birthday? Everyone should do that.
This book sounds great, Derrick!
Thanks very much, GP
I like the illustrations. I would take Jackie’s dinner with a red wine. I had to look up Flack’s Double Drop. It sounds like one “Goofy” might like. 😉
Thanks very much, Merril, and cheers to Goofy
🙂
I never heard of halloumi cheese. Love the name Lazy Lion, it would get me to try it. Scandinavian mythology Sounds fascinating!
Thanks very much, Diane
This sounds like another book I would love to read, Derrick. I am much more familiar with the Greek and Roman myths, and would enjoy the education.
Thank you very much, Lavinia
I’m so glad I read this post to get more description of the frontspiece. I am still curious about the serpent biting the root and the black squirrel climbing. But I love imagining that the arc on the right is the rainbow bridge to Asgard.
Thank you so much, Crystal
More wonderful images
Thank you very much, Sheree
I am looking forward to your review of this book, Derrick.
Thank you very much, Dolly
You are most welcome, Derrick.