The Wolf and the Raven (Paperback)

by Diana L. Paxson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
The legend of Siegfried and Brunhilde--popularized in Icelandic sagas, the medieval German epic Nibelungenlied and Wagner's operas--is imaginatively retold in this lyrical narrative, the first installment of a projected trilogy. Tapping the myth's archaic sources and using alternate spellings for his characters' names, Paxson ( The Serpent's Tooth ) creates an untamed, down-to-earth young Sigfrid who studies shamanism, runs with a wolf pack and asks his beloved Brunahild, "What do you need a hero for anyway?" The self-searching Brunahild, a budding sorceress, belies the stereotype of the Wagnerian soprano with brass bra and winged helmet, although she does attend a Valkyrie training school and wear a raven-winged headdress. With her knowledge of herbs, runes and spells comes understanding, then love. As in Wagner, the theft of a treasure is the source of evil, but nonetheless the lovers achieve their long-desired union at the novel's close. Set in a fifth-century Rhineland aswarm with migrant tribes, gods and spirits, Paxson's detailed retelling distills an exotic brew from the famous myth.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal
As nomadic tribes battle among themselves along the fringes of a decaying Roman Empire, the seeds of destiny take root in the lives of two young people marked by the gods for glory and tragedy. First in a trilogy based on the Nibelungenlied, this story of the coming of age of Brunahild and Sigfrid prepares the way for the epic events that result from their meeting. Paxson ( The White Raven , Morrow, 1988; The Serpents Tooth , Morrow, 1991) seamlessly blends history and legend in this graceful and credible retelling of a classic love story that should appeal to fans of both fantasy and ancient history.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Avon Books (Mm); Reprint edition (April 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380765268
• ISBN-13: 978-0380765263
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #858,816 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A fine re-telling of an old tale, July 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Wolf and the Raven: A Novel (Hardcover)

Diana Paxson has done a great job of re-creating the world of fifth-century Europe. The reader gets a good sense of what that chaotic era was like. This is one of the strongest aspects of the book. (As a student of history, I was pleased with the notes and bibliography that Paxson provides at the end.) The huge cast of characters is somewhat bewildering. It is difficult, at first, to keep track of them all, though well worth the effort. Many of the supernatural characters from the original, ancient tales are made into humans in this rendition, but this only makes them more interesting. For example, Brunahild, who is an immortal demigoddess in the original, here becomes a Hun princess who joins up with the Walkyriun, an order of priestesses. Likewise, Ragan, the dwarf from the old saga, is here made into a man of the Earthfolk, a race that is far older than the Germanic tribes, and even older than the Celts. The story follows the lives of Brunahild and Sigfrid as they go through childhood, grow into their respective powers, and, finally, meet. While Brunahild is learning the ways of the Walkyriun, Sigfrid is being fostered by Ragan out in the woods, where he learns to utilize the shapeshifting powers inherited from his late father. Both Brunahild and Sigfrid are very likable characters, and it is easy to sympathize with them. Theirs is a grand story and Paxson does a fine job of telling it.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tired of King Arthur? Try Sigfried and Brunahild., August 27, 1997

By	[e-mail] (NC, USA) - See all my reviews

Paxson has written an engrossing rendition of Sigfried and Brunahild, both of German legend. Sigfried is raised by a dwarf smith who wants revenge on his brother (now a dragon with a great hoard). Brunahild is called by the god, Wodan, and is trained by the Walkyriun, warrior women with spiritual powers. Raised by different tribes for their own means, they eventually come together to seek their own glory. If you've read as many King Arthur stories as I have, this makes a nice change

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic modification of the saga as told usually., April 25, 1999

By A Customer

Wow... Being German and living in the area of Cologne, this saga has accompanied me from earliest childhood. I've been to all these places and it was like reading a report on your home town. It definitely rang true and I could recognize my home in Diana's story. The approach she takes is unusual but it gives the story a welcome twist in explaining - or rather attempting to explain - what the motivation for the betrayal is and where the bitterness in the characters stems from. I felt it hard to enjoy their time together, as it is obvious how the story must end. No Disney end to this saga. Thank God! Overall, a MUST READ!!!