Heimskringla. Volume II Aláfr Haraldsson (The Saint)

This second part in the three-volume translation of Heimskringla includes the life of aláfr Haraldsson, king of Norway from 1015 until his fall in the battle of Stiklarsta-ir in 1030, and the subsequent beginnings of the cult that established him as patron saint of the Northern lands. Following the practice of the +slenzk fornrit edition on which the translation is based, it also includes passages from Snorri's earlier version of the king's life, the so-called Separate Saga of St aláfr, where these are not reproduced in the Heimskringla version. Comparison of these passages with the Heimskringla version gives an insight into Snorri's working practices, showing how the Separate saga was adapted for inclusion in the compendium. The Prologue to the Separate saga, believed to be a later reworking of the Prologue to Heimskringla, is also included. As in Volume I, the Introduction is by Alison Finlay, who also translated the verses. The prose has been translated by Anthony Faulkes.