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Bloodhoof (2010)

Bloodhoof (2010)

Gerdur Kristny
2010
120 pages
Poetry

Bloodhoof is the re-casting into compulsively spare modern verse of an ancient Eddic poem - but this only begins to hint at its attractions. It is a minimalist epic telling of the abduction of Gerdur Gymisdottir from the land of giants to the court of Freyr of the 'wolf-grey eyes', and the subsequent events culminating in the birth of her son and her hopes of being saved by her own kin. It is full of iron-hard rocks and ice, serpents in the breast gnawing at the harness of hope, but also wide-reaching fields of corn whispering in the breeze and a throne carved with beasts and dragons-heads. You could read the whole book in perhaps half an hour but it will take many months or years to begin to clear the ghosts and long-dead heroes from your mind.

Reviews

“... spare modern masterpiece...”

KEITH RICHMOND, THE TRIBUNE MAGAZINE, UK

“A heavyweight.”

THORSTEINN FRA HAMRI, POET

★★★★★ (five stars out of five possible) “Gerdur Kristny‘s best book of poetry to date. Fine writing that speaks to the reader on many levels. A treat to read.”

FRETTABLADID DAILY

★★★★★ (five stars out of five possible) “Page after page, I was astounded by how so few words could have so much impact ... When it comes to poetry books, you don‘t get much better than Bloodhoof.”

MORGUNBLADID DAILY

“Let's get it out of the way: Gerdur's book about her mythical namesake – the young giantess forced to marry the god Freyr – is simply brilliant. [...] There's really nothing more to be said about it.”

ULFHILDUR DAGSDOTTIR, BOKMENNTIR.IS

Rights Sold

FinlandSavukeidas Publishing
NorwayNordsjøforlaget
SwedenAriel Förlag
DenmarkVandkunsten
SpainEdiciones Torremozas S.L
UKArc Publications
GreeceVakxikon
ArmeniaVogi Nairi