Scandinavian Legends and Folktales

Book 8
Title: Scandinavian Legends and Folktales [Hali Becomes a Poet]
Author: Gwyn Jones
Picture Book? (Yes or no): No
Posting date and/or number: March 10, 2008

Hali becomes a poet introduces the story that is set in Iceland. Hali is a young man who wishes to write a poem for one of the greatest poets in the land but as he tries to write even one sentence he fails time and time again. One night he is driven to sleep, but is visited by Thorleif, the poet, who tells him the ways of being a poet. He gives him a verse to remember and tells him to remember the verse and he will be granted honor through out the land if not Thorleif would still praise him for he tried to contribute something to his memory. As Hali wakes up, he begins to write the verse he heard with passion and he is given honor and wealth like Thorleif promised him. The story is a Scandinavian tale that allows the reader to enter a new realm of thoughts and ides that sweep the story. However, like many other stories it is through dreams that inspire the mind to think outside the box and create something unique.