Many years ago, while I lived in China, a much younger version of me wrote but never published a novel about Vikings in the Byzantine Empire. This novel, The Ship-Knife, seemed appropriate to me to write at the time because I was like the Varangians present in an alien and ancient civilization, a foreigner enmired in strange architecture, food, culture, values. I was also writing my Master's (European history) thesis, and it was a pleasant break from the academic work while also being a way of exploring allied themes.
It involves among other things a retelling of the adventures of Harald Hardrada in Sicily, the original being in the Heimskringla by Snorri Sturluson. He was also the author of the Prose Edda, which was itself a retelling of older stories he had encountered and wanted to formalize. I had copies of both with me in China and was familiarizing myself with them at the same time.
I located a copy of the thing recently. Looking through it I realize how much I've changed in the ensuing 25 years. I don't know that I can even edit it now, or if it's worth bothering to edit. My thoughts as a younger man might not even be worth preserving (indeed, it predates even the oldest entries of Grim's Hall, which date to 2003 after the China expedition).
If any of you would like to read it, and possibly help to edit it, please feel free to say so. I can't promise that it's great; it's probably not worse than most. It might at least be on a subject that interests some of you.
7 comments:
It does sound interesting. I've been trying to learn a bit about the Byzantines, but I'm not in a position to check details about them--nor the Vikings. What kind of edit are you looking for?
Since it's a volunteer effort, I couldn't ask for anything you didn't want to put into it. You could just make notes on things that struck you; or that you thought might need to be changed. Or you could copy-edit it if you want.
One of the things about it is that young Grim used a lot of Nordic spellings for places and things, so there's talk of Miklagarth rather than Constantinople, the Swartha Sea instead of the Black Sea, Serkland instead of the Islamic lands, and other things that originate in the terminology of the Heimskringla. It kind of reads like a fantasy novel until you map out what the changes are.
Do you recommend reading the Heimskringla first? If not, I'll be happy to do what I can. You have my email.
I'd be happy to read it and give what comments I can.
You know that I would be happy to give what help I can. I cannot promise that I can find the time, but I think I might be able to.
I'd be interested in helping. It'd be nice to proof something other than computer code for a change. And, the story sounds intriguing. Never thought I'd miss the days of helping the VES with her English homework...0>;^}
Hi Sly,
I sent it to the gmail address that I have on file for you. Let me know if you don’t get it or need it sent elsewhere.
Post a Comment