Summary
Heimskringla, meaning "circle of the world," chronicles the history of Norwegian monarchs from mythic beginnings to 1177, concluding with the reign of Magnus Erlingson. Its author, Snorri Sturluson, is Iceland's most renowned figure, celebrated for his prowess as a writer, soldier, scholar, and poet. Among his acclaimed works is the Snorra Edda, also known as The Prose Edda, a poetic guide that recounts numerous Norse myths.
The Icelandic Claim to Norwegian History
Despite Iceland's settlement from Norway during the late Middle Ages, its historical narratives center more on Norway than Iceland itself. The country's most significant historical text concerns the Norse kings and jarls, rather than its own past. Iceland's role in this history is minimal, yet Snorri magnifies the contributions of Icelanders whenever they intersect with Norwegian history. Notably, "Olaf Trygvason’s Saga" includes a detailed detour into the Icelandic discovery of North America.
Snorri's Objective Historical Approach
Snorri is known for his objective tone, presenting facts without personal bias, leaving readers to deduce his views on various topics such as Christianity, paganism, and Saint Olaf's harsh conversion tactics. His style follows the tradition of the Icelandic saga, which emphasizes an unembellished accumulation of facts and dialogue, avoiding subjective analysis or judgment. Typically focused on character, the saga's form explores how one's fate unfolds through interactions with events and situations. Snorri's history, a collection of sagas, allows each to stand independently while contributing to the larger narrative.
Commitment to Historical Accuracy
Unlike many medieval historians, Snorri diligently cites his sources and strives for factual accuracy. In his preface, he details his sources, their authors, and their origins. He especially trusts the works of court poets, whose accounts of royal deeds would have been easily scrutinized by their patrons. While some inaccuracies are inevitable due to the lack of verification methods, Snorri's narratives generally hold up to scrutiny, with few statements disproved. Although a few magical elements reminiscent of folklore appear, they are never central to the historical events he describes.
The Balance of Literature and History
The Icelandic saga tradition blends fact with fiction, making Heimskringla a work of both historical documentation and engaging storytelling. Its primary limitation is the repetitive focus on power struggles and disputes over property and inheritance. Of the seventeen sagas, "Ynglinga Saga" is the most renowned, despite being the least historically accurate. It narrates the origins of the Germanic peoples near the Don River and traces the lineage of Norse kings back to gods like Odin and Frey, which Snorri rationalizes as human rulers to align with Christian views.
Key Sagas and Their Themes
"Halvdan the Black’s Saga" sets the stage for "Harald Hairfair’s Saga," which highlights Harald's unification of Norway and coincides with Iceland's settlement. A notable episode features maiden Gyda, who demands a unified Norway before accepting Harald's marriage proposal. "Hacon the Good’s Saga" details Hacon, the first Christian king of Norway, and his struggles to balance his faith with traditional duties. The saga's conclusion poetically recounts Hacon's death and his entrance into Valhalla.
Olaf Trygvason and Saint Olaf
"Olaf Trygvason’s Saga" and "Saint Olaf’s Saga" dominate Heimskringla, chronicling significant events and Olaf's efforts to Christianize Norway, often through violent means. "Saint Olaf’s Saga" describes Olaf's early Viking exploits, his military career in England, and his forceful methods to convert Norwegians, which ultimately lead to his downfall. The narrative of Olaf’s life illustrates his transition from a warrior to a martyr, revered more in death than in life.
Later Sagas and Historical Context
"Magnus the Good’s Saga" introduces Magnus, who becomes the king of Norway and Denmark through a...
(This entire section contains 816 words.)
Unlock this Study Guide Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
strategic alliance. His reign, marked by political maneuvering, sets the stage for future claims on the English throne. The saga of Harald Hardrade follows, depicting his adventurous life, from military exploits in distant lands to his fatal invasion of England. Subsequent sagas, including "Olaf Kyrre’s Saga" and "Magnus Barefoot’s Saga," describe periods of peace, prosperity, and military campaigns.
Complex Succession and Conflict
Sagas like "The Saga of Sigurd the Crusader" and "The Saga of Magnus the Blind and Harald Gilli" explore themes of shared power and familial strife. These stories focus on brothers inheriting thrones as children and the inevitable rivalries that develop. Despite the lively narration, many episodes are anecdotal, filled with prophetic dreams and events of questionable historical value. Such tales depict the volatile nature of medieval Scandinavian politics.
Final Reflections on Heimskringla
Snorri's work, substantial in its literary value, presents challenges in historical evaluation. His education, possibly influenced by historians like Tacitus, did not prevent him from adhering to saga traditions, favoring scene and dialogue over comprehensive analysis. While readers are immersed in vivid storytelling, the lack of overarching summaries or statistical data limits broader understanding. Despite this, Heimskringla remains a significant piece of history and literature, its vivid depictions enduring long after contemporary works are forgotten.