"THE LEGEND OF SIGURD AND GUDRUN" BY J.R.R Tolkien, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 377 pages, $26

"Skip the introduction." Those three words are among the best advice ever given by a college professor. Skim it, get an idea of things and then skip the introduction. Once you've gotten into the text, then go back.

That advice is well suited to J.R.R Tolkien's "The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun," which hits bookstores Tuesday. Similar to a textbook, there's a wealth of information in the introduction, but it's a bit dry and confusing for the lay reader.

Edited by Tolkien's son Christopher, the first section consists of a forward and an introduction containing a lecture on Old Norse by the elder Tolkien and further explanation by the younger.

Jump ahead 55 pages and the actual sagas begin.

Inspired by Norse legends, "The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun" was written a number of years before "The Hobbit." Here two complete works of narrative verse are accompanied by a detailed commentary and a sketch of the history behind the legend.

The history of the Volsung family is traced in "The Lay of the Volsungs," following Volsung, Sigmund and Sigurd. Most of the text, however, focuses on the tragic tale of Sigurd and Brynhild

Sigurd and Brynhild swear an oath to each other, but Sigurd is given a potion that makes him forget Brynhild. He marries Gudrun instead. Brynhild is tricked into marrying Gudrun's brother Gunnar.

When Brynhild and Sigurd realize what has happened, they are stunned. Brynhild takes to bed and cannot be consoled. Sigurd becomes the target of evil tidings and is murdered. Unable to cope with her grief, Brynhild casts herself on a sword. The two are at last together when placed side by side and burned on a pyre.

"The Lay of Gudrun" is the second narrative and a sequel to the first. Following Sigurd's death Gudrun dwells in the woods and begins to weave a tapestry of Sigurd's history and that of the Dragonhoard.

Atli, the new king of the Huns, becomes a threat to Gunnar, who is now also a king. The two remain at odds until Gunnar is killed and Gudrun gets the better of Atli. The tale closes with Gudrun, witless and wandering, casting herself into the sea.

It's apparent from the opening paragraphs of "The Legend" that this work is nothing like Tolkien's most popular writings. Those expecting an epic tale along the lines of "Lord of the Rings" or "The Hobbit" will be disappointed.

That's not to say the "The Legend" isn't worth reading, though. In this publication, the reader gets a sense of Tolkien's research and attention to detail that in time came to be the building blocks of the languages, characters and cultures of Middle Earth. Dragons, sword fights, oaths, rings and terminology like Mirkwood will catch the eyes of Tolkien fans.

Beyond the search for familiarity, the two narratives stand strong. The sagas, adapted from fragments of real Norse myths, are compelling and entertaining. And Tolkien's focus on rhythm is both apparent and appreciated, giving the texts a driving force beyond the story.

It's great fun to read new work from such a beloved author. Unfortunately commentary makes up the majority of "The Legend," becoming a slog as the reader fights through a textbook of sorts to get to the meat. Additional information and clarification is appreciated, but many will find a light skim of the "extra" material sufficient.

E-mail: jharrison@desnews.com