Book description
The Icelandic nation has a long and rich history of storytelling. Throughout centuries characterized by hardship, poverty, and dark winters, the Icelanders kept their spirits high and moral values intact by telling each other stories. In this collection of 15 Icelandic folk legends, we get a glimpse of the worldview of the Icelanders in centuries past as they endeavored to understand and cope with the natural phenomena around them. There are stories of malicious ghosts, outlaws living in carved-out boulders, hidden people residing in grassy knolls, trolls that are tripped up by their own stupidity, and much more. In addition, there is one story exemplifying a fairy tale motif that scholars have discovered to be unique to Iceland: that of the good stepmother (The Story of Himinbjörg). Throughout we get a powerful sense of the Icelanders' beliefs, values, and fears, as well as their strong need to cling to all that was pure and good. While this is the first time the book appears in electronic form, 12 of the stories were previously published in physical form on two separate occasions. The book has been out of print for about four years. In the digital edition, an introduction has been added, as well as a "field guide" to the various apparitions that appear in the book, and three more stories. What you will read about in Icelandic Folk Legends: - The kvöldvaka-effectively a national institution, responsible for the full literacy of an impoverished nation- Icelandic folk stories and the world: how various well-known folk tales became "Icelandicized"- Apparitions in Icelandic folk stories: elves, trolls, outlaws, and hidden people- How you knew you were dealing with a ghost, and the one word ghosts absolutely could not say- The wrath of the hidden folk (how to piss off an elf... and so much more, all contained in this collection of beloved Icelandic folk tales! Icelandic Folk Legends is a vivid portrait of pre-20th century Iceland-as much in terms of living conditions and landscape as of imagination, values, and belief. ... Each tale speaks to deep psychological issues-whether it be the lust for power (in orgeir's Bull), loss and humiliation (The Vanished Bride), betrayal (Hagridden), the trickeries of the Devil (Satan Takes a Wife), fear of ghosts (The Deacon of Myrká Church), or the benevolence of the supernatural (The Outlaw on Kiduvallafjall Mountain)-but at the heart of each of these adventures lie the human choices that dictate outcomes. - Tobias Munthe, The Reykjavík Grapevine
VisionVortex
This app makes traffic jams a breeze – time flies by while I'm engrossed in a story. ListenBook's versatile features have made my audiobook experience more enjoyable than ever. 🚶♀️🎧 Enjoying the great outdoors while immersing myself in fantastic tales – walking never felt this magical! 🏞️📚 Flawless support for various audio formats. Very happy with it. An absolutely stellar production from start to finish! The narrator's command of pacing and tone was masterful, knowing exactly when to speed up for excitement or slow down for dramatic effect. The audio quality was pristine with no distracting mouth sounds or uneven volume.
LyRz
Binaural audio processing is a game-changer – my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions. The ability to download audio directly within the app is a lifesaver. ListenBook is incredibly convenient. I’m so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app! This audiobook made my workouts fly by! The engaging narration kept me motivated to keep listening, which meant longer gym sessions. The narrator's energy matched the material perfectly - upbeat when needed, somber when appropriate. A great example of how narration can enhance text.
Easy Sweep
📱 Carrying my library in my pocket – this app makes every moment a reading opportunity! 📚👜 I've never experienced such silky-smooth playback even with high-quality FLAC files.
xFRST
Efficient audiobook enjoyment – this app's functionality is a revelation. ListenBook is hands down the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The interface is clean, intuitive, and packed with features like customizable playback speed and sleep timers. It supports all formats, which is a huge plus for me. Highly recommend!
Emerald Goddess
With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines – it's pure bliss. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's design is remarkable. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends, sparking engaging conversations and connections that transcend boundaries. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Nice Gnome
I'm addicted to this app's curated playlists and recommendations – they're spot on. 🎶📚 Tuning in to the symphony of stories – audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. 🎵📚 The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. This served its purpose as background listening while I worked. I probably missed some details but the narrator's voice was pleasant enough.
Lava Nibbler
I'm blown away by the range of non-fiction audiobooks available – so much to learn! Audiobook multitasking made easy – this app's functionality is top-notch. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback.
LoreLoomer
I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. Navigating audiobooks effortlessly – this app's functionality is commendable.
Mrs. Voltage
This app has revolutionized my daily routine – I can't imagine life without it. 🚶♂️🌟 Embracing audiobooks as my companions during leisurely walks – nature and narratives, a perfect match! 🚶♂️🎧 Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's elegant design and robust functionality make it a must-have for anyone who loves to listen on the go. 🎧📱
Swan Mustang
The convenience of switching between devices without losing my place is a lifesaver. 🏃♂️📚 Combining exercise and exploration – this app keeps me motivated on my daily jogs! 🏃♂️📖 ListenBook's customizable audio filters are a game-changer for tailoring my audiobook playback. The app's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically is a huge time-saver. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Stud muffin
With ListenBook, I've found a versatile and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. Audiobook heaven! This app's functionality is a dream – simple and efficient.
Aqua Diva
Bookmarking on ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off – no more searching for my spot! Efficient audiobook enjoyment – this app's functionality is a revelation. Automatic metadata extraction keeps my library organized. It's a time-saver! ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Campfire Mama
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. I'm thrilled that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features to cater to all types of users. I love how customizable the playback speed is. It makes listening so much more enjoyable.
Pink C
The ability to download audio directly within the app is a lifesaver. ListenBook is incredibly convenient. The audio quality is superb. ListenBook enhances my audiobook experience.
VPR
Looping playback has taken my language learning to new heights. Highly recommended! CUE playlist support is a fantastic addition. It helps me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
WanderWord
With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. This app has made my workouts and chores so much more enjoyable. Audiobook journey simplified – this app's functionality is a wonderful surprise. I'm impressed by the extensive statistics feature, allowing me to track my audiobook consumption over time.
Sir Shark
I love that I can enjoy audiobooks while cooking elaborate meals in the kitchen. ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best.
Skylark
The customer support team is responsive and always ready to assist. ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. 💡 The future of audiobook listening is here – this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. 🎧🔮
Crash Enforcer
The ability to switch between devices seamlessly is a game-changer for busy readers. This audiobook exceeded all my expectations! The narrator's ability to convey emotion through voice alone was remarkable. I laughed, I gasped, I might have even teared up at points - all because of the incredible vocal performance. The story came alive in a way reading alone couldn't achieve.
Bearded Angler
This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. 🎙️ Grocery shopping has taken an exciting turn – I'm on a mission to explore new worlds through audiobooks! 🛒📚 ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is fascinating. I can alter the reader's voice to match my mood—what a creative addition! This audiobook was neither good nor bad - simply average. The narrator's delivery was professional but uninspired, and the recording quality was clean though not exceptional. It provided satisfactory entertainment without standing out from similar titles. Perfect for my daily walks. The story was engaging enough to keep me motivated to exercise but not so complex that I got lost in thought. Great production quality too.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience