Always wanted to know how to speak Old Norse, but where afraid to ask? Always wanted to be able to read the Icelandic Sagas in their original form, but didn't know how? We've got you covered. These excellent introductions to the language of the Vikings by Professor Jesse Byock are now available in The Grapevine Shop.
The silver lining is that by learning Old Norse, you'll not just be learning a dead language, you'll actually pick up modern Icelandic along the way. So stash away these books you have on learning Latin - or Klingon - and dive straight into the language that was spoken all over Scandinavia and parts of the British Isles for centuries and still survives on a lonely island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
Viking Language 1: Learn Old Norse, Runes and Icelandic Sagas (First Edition)
This introduction to Old Norse (close to Modern Icelandic) uses an innovative word frequency method that greatly speeds learning and is suitable for students of all levels. Beginners will be reading Old Norse texts from the first lesson while advanced students will have ample vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation practice for improved fluency. Includes sections on Viking history, literature, and myth with extensive maps throughout.
Free Answer Key at oldnorse.org
Viking Language 2: The Old Norse Reader
With a treasure trove of Scandinavian lore, this Reader makes an excellent companion to Viking Language 1. Learning materials include a full reference grammar and a large vocabulary along with chapters on Eddic and skaldic poetry. Readings that immerse learners in the Viking – Old Norse world include: complete sagas, runic inscriptions, myths, creation stories, and legends with Eddic poems about Scandinavian gods, monster-slayers, dwarves, giants, warrior kings, shieldmaidens, and Valkyries.