East of the Sun and West of the Moon: Old Tales from the North by Asbjørnsen et al.

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East of the Sun and West of the Moon: Old Tales from the North by Asbjørnsen et al.

(2 User reviews) 422

By Abigail Bailey Posted on Jan 25, 2026

In Category - Budgeting

Authors: Moe, Jørgen Engebretsen, 1813-1882 Published By : Moe, Jørgen Engebretsen, 1813-1882

Book Language: English

Ever wonder where all those classic fairy tales really come from? Forget Disney—this is the real, raw stuff. 'East of the Sun and West of the Moon' is a collection of Norwegian folktales gathered by Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe in the 1800s. It’s packed with stories you might recognize, like a very different version of 'Cinderella,' but also with ones that are wild, strange, and completely new. We're talking clever farm boys outsmarting trolls, princesses who aren't just waiting to be rescued, and magical journeys to impossible places. The main thread running through so many of these tales is a simple but powerful conflict: ordinary people using their wits, courage, and a bit of luck to face down the overwhelming, often terrifying magic of the natural world. It's not all sweetness and light—these stories have teeth, and they feel ancient, like they've been told by firelight for centuries. If you love fantasy but want to go back to the source, this is your book. It’s a direct line to the imagination of the Nordic world.

File: East of the Sun and West of the Moon: Old Tales from the North by Asbjørnsen et al.

So, what’s actually in this book? Think of it as a snapshot of the stories Norwegian grandparents told their grandkids long before TV or even widespread books. Asbjørnsen and Moe traveled around their country in the 19th century, writing down these oral tales to save them from being forgotten. The result is a mix of the familiar and the fantastically odd.

The Story

There isn't one story, but dozens. You'll meet the title character, a young woman who journeys to the ends of the earth to save her enchanted prince from a troll queen. You'll cheer for the 'Ash Lad,' the classic underdog younger brother who always seems to bumble his way into saving the day through kindness and cleverness, not brute force. There are talking animals, riddling giants, castles hidden inside mountains, and ships that sail on land. The plots are often simple—a quest, a test, a rescue—but they're told with a vividness that makes the magical feel possible. The stakes are real: failure often means being eaten or turned to stone.

Why You Should Read It

Reading this collection feels like uncovering a foundation. You can see the bones of so many stories we know today. But more than that, you get a sense of the people who told them. These aren't tales about distant kings and queens (mostly); they're about farmers, soldiers, and youngest sons. The magic is part of the landscape—a forest you shouldn't enter, a mountain that comes alive, a north wind that can be bargained with. I love the practicality of the heroes. They're scared, they make mistakes, but they keep going. The female characters, while often in peril, also show incredible resilience and agency. The girl in 'East of the Sun...' isn't given her quest; she chooses it, facing down the four winds themselves for a chance to save her love.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for anyone who loves fantasy and wants to explore its roots. It's for readers who enjoy Neil Gaiman's mythic style or the Brothers Grimm but want to venture further north. It's also a great pick if you just want to dip in and out of short, compelling stories that pack a punch. Be warned: the language in some translations can feel a bit old-fashioned, but that’s part of its charm. It’s not a slick, modern novel; it’s a gathering of voices from the past, telling their wonders and warnings. Keep an open mind, and you'll find a world that’s harsh, beautiful, and endlessly imaginative.

📜 Community Domain

This is a copyright-free edition. It serves as a testament to our shared literary heritage.