The Einhjorn (The Relics of Asgard)

The Relics of Asgard is a series of episodic shorts that take place in Viking Norway. Students of Viking history might recognize several characters: Prince Eric, Jarl Sigurd, and old King Harald. Even the title of this book, The Einhjorn, is based on a real artifact from the past: the einhjorning or the alicorn. While I’ve obviously shortened its Norwegian name for simplicity’s sake, alicorns did in fact exist in Viking Norway. Contrary to the events in this short story, alicorns were not taken from the poor, decapitated heads of unicorns, but rather, the einhjorning of yore was likely the sawed off end of a narwhal tusk. Vikings harvested these alicorns and traded them in the south to those who believed in the healing powers of the unicorn. While I have attempted to keep the culture in this series similar to the vibrant and rich viking culture of the past, The Relics of Asgard will remain a fictional retelling of history, a modern tribute to the fascinating sagas of the past.

  Also by Arreana

  The Tale of Khensa Sparrowfingers

  Farro

  Sulfur

  The Darkest Days

  Umbra

  The Relics of Asgard

  The Einhjorn

  Evergreen

  Coming summer 2013

  Acknowledgements