<영어로 읽는 고전 SF 소설 _ 폴 앤더슨의 발카리온의 처녀>
폴 앤더슨(Poul Anderson)의 "발카리온의 처녀(The Virgin of Valkarion)"은 1951년에 발표된 과학 소설이다. 이 소설은 인류의 다른 종들과의 관계, 인간의 삶과 가치에 대한 고찰 등을 다루고 있다. 1969년에 Hugo Award의 후보로 지명되었으며, 앤더슨의 작품 중에서도 주목받는 작품 중 하나다. 이 소설은 전통적인 공상과학 소설의 요소와 문화적인 인식, 인간 심리에 대한 고찰을 결합하여 독특한 이야기를 전개한다.


"The Virgin of Valkarion" by Poul Anderson is a science fiction novel published in 1951. This novel deals with humanity's relationships with other species and reflections on human life and values. It was nominated for a Hugo Award in 1969, and is one of Anderson's most notable works. This novel combines elements of traditional science fiction with cultural awareness and consideration of human psychology to tell a unique story.

Summary
Tonight, so spake the Temple Prophecy, a sword-scarred Outlander would come riding, a Queen would play the tavern bawd, and the Thirty-ninth Dynasty should fall with the Mating of the Moons!

The sun was low in the west and a thin chill wind was blowing along the hills when Alfric saw Valkarion below him. He reined in his hengist and sat for a moment scouting the terrain with the hard-learned caution of many wandering years.
Save for himself, the broad highway that flung its time-raddled length down the rock slope was empty.

Contents
The Virgin of Valkarion
CHAPTER I. The sun was low in the west
CHAPTER II. Alfric lost desire for sleep
CHAPTER III. The street below was deserted now
CHAPTER IV. They trotted rapidly along the ways
CHAPTER V. The high priest's face lit
CHAPTER VI. Alfric swung to his feet