“From the fascinating history of Viking myths, legends, and sagas to their refashioning in opera, plays, novels, films, comic-books, and heavy metal. . . . Jón Karl Helgason’s compelling study is simultaneously learned, insightful, and highly entertaining.”
— Martin Arnold, University of Hull
“In Echoes of Valhalla Jón Karl Helgason takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the myriad forms that hark back to the literature of medieval Iceland, with discoveries at every turn. . . .Weaving in the less familiar with the well-known—Wagner, Tolkien, and Thor movies—Jón Karl’s learned and witty commentary will engage readers as he explores the remarkable influence of medieval Icelandic mythology and sagas on the many works that construct and reconstruct our cultural memory.”
— Judy Quinn, Cambridge University
“Echoes of Valhalla effectively underlines the ways in which many of our favorite modern narratives are interwoven with enduring ancient Nordic threads.”
— Terry Gunnell, University of Iceland
“Helgason follows the trail of 12th-century Icelandic literature and Norse gods, heroes, and heroines like Gunnar, Hallgerður, and Leifur Eiriksson as they appear in contemporary books, comics, plays, films, and even videogames. . . . His study will please readers thoroughly familiar with the saga characters and edda poems in their original appearance in Icelandic medieval literature. While some purists may resent the modern transformations of these sources, Helgason sees the constant adaptation not so much as a destruction of the original versions, but more as a signal to readers to consult the source, stating that the contemporary adaptations ‘are instrumental in promoting the eddas and sagas internationally.’”
— Washington Independent Review of Books
"This is a highly entertaining study of how the Old Norse sagas and myths have been reinvented and adapted in comic books, plays, music, and films. Highlights include a discussion of Led Zeppelin’s Immigrant Song and the development of the subgenre Viking metal (strains of which can sometimes be heard coming from my office door when I’m in need of inspiration)."
— Eleanor Rosamund Barraclough
"Succinct, engaging, and insightful, this book is an excellent supplement to collections on the topic. Recommended for both general interest readers and scholars."
— Library Journal
"The content and quality of the writing make Echoes of Valhalla a quick and enjoyable read and well worth the reader’s time. Helgason’s ability to present a great deal of detail in very brief descriptions allows him to focus on the overlap and evolution of ideas over time and across media in a manner that is creative and entertaining."
— Folklore
"Helgason’s study will please readers thoroughly familiar with the saga characters and edda poems in their original appearance in Icelandic medieval literature. While some purists may resent the modern transformations of these sources, Helgason sees the constant adaptation not so much as a destruction of the original versions, but more as a signal to readers to consult the source. . . . This reader puts the book down not with disdain for the distortions of the old stories, but rather with gratitude for their 'afterlife,' including in comic book form, as a reminder of a great medieval literary tradition."
— Solveig Eggerz