Bloodhoof is the re-casting into compulsively spare modern verse of an ancient Eddic poem – but this only begins to hint at its attractions. It is a minimalist epic telling of the abduction of Gerdur Gymisdottir from the land of giants to the court of Freyr of the ‘wolf-grey eyes’, and the subsequent events culminating in the birth of her son and her hopes of being saved by her own kin.

It is full of iron-hard rocks and ice, serpents in the breast gnawing at the harness of hope, but also wide-reaching fields of corn whispering in the breeze and a throne carved with beasts and dragons-heads. You could read the whole book in perhaps half an hour but it will take many months or years to begin to clear the ghosts and long-dead heroes from your mind.

• The Icelandic Literary Prize 2010
• Nominated for the Nordic Council Literary Award 2012
• The Icelandic Booksellers‘ Prize for poetry 2010
• Nominated for the Icelandic Women‘s Literature Prize 2011

“… spare modern masterpiece…”
KEITH RICHMOND, THE TRIBUNE MAGAZINE, UK

“A heavyweight.”
THORSTEINN FRA HAMRI, POET

★★★★★
(five stars out of five possible)
“Gerdur Kristny‘s best book of poetry to date. Fine writing that speaks to the reader on many levels. A treat to read.”
FRETTABLADID DAILY

★★★★★
(five stars out of five possible)
“Page after page, I was astounded by how so few words could have so much impact … When it comes to poetry books, you don‘t get much better than Bloodhoof.”
MORGUNBLADID DAILY

“Let’s get it out of the way: Gerdur’s book about her mythical namesake – the young giantess forced to marry the god Freyr – is simply brilliant. […] There’s really nothing more to be said about it.”
ULFHILDUR DAGSDOTTIR, BOKMENNTIR.IS