Norse Myths and Legends

Enni (Anna Maria) Kiri (1825–1879) was an English children's writer and poet. Her collection of Norse myths and legends was first published in 1857. This retelling allows young readers to become acquainted with well-known Scandinavian stories about majestic gods, brave heroes, and terrifying monsters. The translation of these texts into Russian in this edition was carried out by D. V. Mochnev. The book is adorned with lively and bright illustrations by the English book illustrator Charles Edmund Brock (1870–1938).

Enni (Anna Maria) Kiri (1825–1879) was an English writer and poet, mostly writing for children. Enni was born in a Yorkshire village to William Kiri, a military chaplain of Irish descent, and his wife Lucy Plamer. The girl was frail, and thus received education at home. Her father spent a lot of time with her and often told stories about Ireland; these stories Enni reflected in her novellas when she grew up. Kiri's creativity was also influenced by her close communication with her nephews: one of Enni's brothers was widowed early, so the girl helped raise three of his children for six years until he remarried. Enni began writing for children, and her first book was published in 1856. Many of her works were written together with her younger sister Eliza Kiri. In the memoirs published after Enni's death, Eliza talked about the travels the sisters undertook to find material for their works. Among the books that required meticulous work was also the collection of Norse myths and legends published in 1857, which was Enni's third publication. The texts of this collection are retellings of well-known works of Scandinavian folklore that Enni adapted for young readers. Captivating stories about gods, giants, fateful coincidences, and the struggle between good and evil will, however, be interesting to adults as well. It is such myths and legends that are included in this edition. On its pages, the reader will meet the thunder god Thor and the trickster Loki, the brave Baldr and the beautiful Freya, as well as many other extraordinary beings. The texts of the myths and legends are preceded by an introduction explaining some aspects of the worldview of the ancient Scandinavians. At the end of the collection, there is an index explaining the meanings of names and titles mentioned in the myths. The edition is adorned with bright, detailed illustrations by Charles Brock.

Charles Edmund Brock (1870–1938) was an English book illustrator. Charles was born in London; he was the eldest of four artist brothers. He received his first commission for illustrating a book at the age of twenty and soon became a well-known master in the field of book illustration. He created illustrations for the works of such authors as Jane Austen, William Thackeray, Jonathan Swift, and George Eliot. His illustrations for Norse myths perfectly convey their dynamism and drama, and the fantastical creatures are depicted so realistically that it seems the artist once saw them in person.