The Heroic Saga-Cycle of Dietrich of Bern

by Francis E. Sandbach

An overview of the various medieval texts about the legendary Dietrich of Bern—the real Theodoric.

Genres: Medieval

68 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1906

Reviews

[Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rather slim and somewhat dated study of the Heldenbuch Dietrich epics and the Norwegian Thidrekssaga af Bern. The editions of the Dietrich epics and Thidrekssaga that I have amount to over 2000 pages, so for me this book at just over 60 pages, falls somewhat short. The more recent overview by Edward Haymes and Susan Samples is far more detailed and up to date.

[Othy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful introduction to the stories of Dietrich of Bern. Generally it is a survey, beginning with historical information and progressing through the various types of tales (mythological, legendary, etc.). Sandbach's retellings are easy to read and full of detail and he stays generally well enough away from the odder theories of the early 20th century.