The Broken Sword
The Broken Sword
Book Brief
Beta208
Novel • Fiction
Northern Europe • Norse Mythological Era
2014
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Broken Sword by Poul Anderson follows a human child exchanged at birth with a changeling in a world of Norse gods, elves, and trolls. The story explores themes of identity and destiny as the human grows among elves, unaware of his origins, while a dark rivalry emerges against the changeling raised among humans.
Mysterious
Dark
Fantastical
Adventurous
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
8,402 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Broken Sword by Poul Anderson is praised for its atmospheric world-building and rich integration of Norse mythology. Critics appreciate the novel's complex characters and epic narrative. However, some note its dense prose and occasionally uneven pacing. Overall, it is considered a compelling read for fans of classic fantasy with a darker edge.
Who Should Read The Broken Sword?
Fans of epic fantasy and Norse mythology will enjoy Poul Anderson's The Broken Sword. Readers who appreciate Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings or Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire will find its intricate world-building and mythic themes compelling. Ideal for those captivated by dark, atmospheric tales of gods and heroes.
8,402 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Broken Sword was first published in 1954, coincidentally the same year as J.R.R. Tolkien's The Fellowship of the Ring, providing a different take on high fantasy.
Despite its initial publication in the 1950s, an extensively revised edition of The Broken Sword was released by Poul Anderson in 1971, reflecting the author’s desire to improve upon his earlier work.
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The novel is noted for its incorporation of Norse mythology and European folklore, drawing on the rich tapestry of mythic elements to craft its story.
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208
Novel • Fiction
Northern Europe • Norse Mythological Era
2014
Adult
18+ years
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