This, this was a truly tricky beast. While it is helpful many of the Nordic nations share common tales, tradition and histories, what makes it difficult is deciding which texts to go with. There are so many interpretations, so many tales, it's a challenge. In fact I actually developed a headache finalising the choices. I could go for the fairly commonly recognised Poetic Edda but it's quite well known, I want to offer something refreshing. So, in place of an academic text looking at these topics, lets go for something a tad more enjoyable, The Volsunga Saga (1888). This is a retelling of the commonly recognised Poetic Edda as mentioned previously but presented in a more pleasing form. Battles, Gods, heroes and glory. A man could ask for little more. The Icelandic translator assisted the writer in capturing the feel of the texts and created a truly enjoyable journey. Give it a read, you'll enjoy it. As a supplement to this text I am also including a copy of Havamal (translated means Sayings of Hár or Sayings of the High One), a poem from the Poetic Edda itself, it can serve as almost a kind of manual to living a decent life, it's an intriguing piece. The translation is adequate overall.
Hm, now that I think about it I'll include Tuetonic Myth and Legend as an alternative to the above suggestion of The Volsunga Saga, it's a complete retelling of the Nordic mythology cycle and includes a few other bits including some bits of Medieval tales, it's a pretty solid companion piece that helps tie a lot of European mythology together.
And the final book of the night, The Life and Death of Cormac the Skald. One of the Icelandic Sagas, this is assumed to be based upon one lost in the 12th century. This particular book is of a more scholarly bent which I hope won't put people off as I did place multiple Nordic books concerning the greatest of lore and tradition. The PDF in question contains a significant amount of the poetry of this lost it is also essentially an analysis as well discussing Cormac himself.
Now, where would people like me to go next, what heritages would you enjoy. Or failing that if you have other texts or suggestions for books that would help bring people closer to their kin fire out a suggestion, the tales of our people are one of the most important resources we have.
