The stories contained in this volume are derived from the translations by Rasmus B. Anderson and George Stephens of the tales about the Viking warriors Thorstein and Fridthjof the Bold and other figures, all from Icelandic literature.

There are stories of valiant explorers, beautiful princesses who test the strength of would-be suitors, magic swords, potions and spells and great battles fought in a bid to conquer new lands or establish the right to rule their lands in the aftermath of a king's death. Ranging across the countries we now know collectively as Scandinavia, these stories are by turns heroic, charming and magical.