Post-settlement history of Icelandic forests
In a book that Ari the Learned (1068-1148) wrote to describe the settlement of the country, he tells that Iceland was covered with wood between the seashore and the mountains.
Fracture and Containment in the Icelandic Skalds’ Sagas
Fracture and Containment in the Icelandic Skalds’ Sagas Sayers, William Medieval Forum, vol. 3 (2003) Abstract Icelandic biographies of tenth- and eleventh-century poets are…
Encountering ”Otherness” in the Heimskringla
Encountering ”Otherness” in the Heimskringla By Sirpa Aalto Ennen Ja Nyt, Vol.4 (2004) Introduction: The Kings’ Sagas (konungasögur) are a genre of Icelandic sagas,…
GRETTISFÆRSLA: THE HANDING ON OF GRETTIR
GRETTISFÆRSLA: THE HANDING ON OF GRETTIR By Kate Heslop VIKING SOCIETY FOR NORTHERN RESEARCH, Saga-Book Vol. XXX (2006) Abstract The old Icelandic poem Grettisfærsla (‘The…
GOLDEN AGES AND FISHING GROUNDS: THE EMERGENT PAST IN THE ÍSLENDINGASÖGUR
GOLDEN AGES AND FISHING GROUNDS: THE EMERGENT PAST IN THE ÍSLENDINGASÖGUR Rankovic´, Slavica VIKING SOCIETY FOR NORTHERN RESEARCH, Saga-Book p.39, Vol. XXX (2006) Abstract…
The Icelandic Sword In The Stone: Bears In The Sky
The Icelandic Sword In The Stone: Bears In The Sky Malcor, Linda A. The Heroic Age, Issue 11 (May 2008) Abstract This paper…
Introducing Medieval Scandinavia
A four-video series outlining the scope of the medieval Scandinavian world and some of its major cultural, political and literary characteristics.
The Saga of Aron Hjorleifsson
The Saga of Aron Hjorleifsson Translated by John Porter Published by Pirate Press circa 1975 This saga was written around 1340 and deals…
The Skull and Bones in Egils Saga: A Viking, A Grave, and Paget’s Disease
Both a literary creation and a historical figure, Egill is an intriguing character about whom
to raise the long perplexing question of saga veracity
Changing Layers of Jurisdiction and the Reshaping of Icelandic Society c. 1220-1350
Changing Layers of Jurisdiction and the Reshaping of Icelandic Society c. 1220-1350 By Jón Viðar Sigurðsson Communities in European History: Representations, Jurisdictions, Conflicts, edited…
History and Fantasy in Jómsvíkinga saga
Jómsvíkinga saga was written in Iceland probably around 1200, and its textual history is complex.
Theodoricus Monachus and the Icelanders
Theodoricus Monachus and the Icelanders By E.R. Halvorson Thridji Vikingafundur [Third Viking Congress], edited by Kristján Eldjárn Ritsjóri (Reykjavik, 1958) Synopsis: Examines how Theodoricus Monachus…
Iceland in the Saga Period: Some Geographical Aspects
Iceland in the Saga Period: Some Geographical Aspects By Sigurdur Thorarinsson Thridji Vikingafundur [Third Viking Congress], edited by Kristján Eldjárn Ritsjóri (Reykjavik, 1958) Synopsis: Examines…
Stature as a criterion of the nutritional level of Viking Age Icelanders
Stature as a criterion of the nutritional level of Viking Age Icelanders By Jon Steffensen Thridji Vikingafundur [Third Viking Congress], edited by Kristján Eldjárn Ritsjóri…
Fracture and Containment in the Icelandic Skalds’ Sagas
Fracture and Containment in the Icelandic Skalds’ Sagas Sayers, William Medieval Forum Vol.3 (2003) Abstract Icelandic biographies of tenth- and eleventh-century poets are…
The Proverbial Heart of Hrafnkels saga Freysgoða: Mér þykkir þar heimskum manni at duga, sem þú ert
The Proverbial Heart of Hrafnkels saga Freysgoða: Mér þykkir þar heimskum manni at duga, sem þú ert By Richard L. Harris Scandinavian-Canadian Studies,…
Making and Using the Law in the North, c. 900-1350
It is clear that medieval Nordic law was transmitted orally long before it was written down. The Icelandic Free State law-book known as the Grágás, for example, specifically addresses its audience, reminding them that “tomorrow we go to the law mountain” Various other stylistic traits indicate previous oral transmission.