Library
Of Viking age Literary Sources
Table of contents
Table of contents
About the library
Sources of Norse Mythology and Viking history
Welcome to our Library section, where We Vikings keep all our sagas, poetry and other essential literature!
Here we may have gathered the largest free collection of English translations of Viking Age literary sources on the web today. Some of which are official We Vikings translations, and others are older works that are now in the public domain. The collection is not complete yet, but the work remains ongoing. Both with translating the sources and writing guides to go with the texts. There are still many Old Norse texts, which are the main source of knowledge about the era, that are not so easily accessible to the public. We Vikings hope to change that with this free library.
The literature below forms one of the main pillars of Viking Age study. Preserved through the ages, it sheds light upon various facets of the period. All provide a better picture of what kind of society created the Vikings and how they came to set their mark on history.
The library below is divided into two main sections. They are Poetry and Sagas. The poetry section is divided into three subsections. They are Norse Mythology, Heroic lays, and The Prose Edda, Snorri Sturluson’s guide to poetry and Norse myth. The Sagas follow noteworthy happenings of the period, often in great detail and length. The saga section includes two subsections, one is the Heimskringla, a series of sagas about the Norwegian kings of the Viking Age. The other is a section for Short stories, or þættir, as the category is called in Icelandic.
1
POETRY
Overview of Norse poetry
The Poetic Edda is a collection of Old Norse poems. Its contents can be categorized by Mythological poetry (Norse Mythology) and Heroic lays. The former usually includes the Norse gods in one way or another. The Heroic lays are more centered around the deeds of mortal legends of old. Heroes and stories which people would have been familiar with in the Viking age.
These poems were originally made to be performed at gatherings, hence the way they were structured and told would also be important for memorization and the performance. Something which is difficult to convey through writing, let alone a translation.
When translating poetry from one language to another, it can be challenging to stay true to the style while keeping it accurate to the original. Often one or the other will suffer in the process. Here the focus is mainly on the meaning of the poems, hence the original style will take second place.
1.1
POEMS OF
NORSE MYTHOLOGY
Norse mythology in ancient poetry
These poems are a cornerstone of Viking Age study, and when it comes to the culture of the Norse. Without these handful of poems, present-day understanding of Norse mythology would be scarce at best. These ancient poems were written and preserved for many centuries in Iceland. They are by some, considered Iceland’s greatest contribution to the world’s cultural heritage.
Much can be learned from these poems about the old gods, what they were known for, and their character traits. The reader is introduced to a whole belief system and stories that were once part of the North European people’s dominant religion.
1.1.1
Völuspá: Prophecy of the seeress
Völuspá is one of the foundational poems of Norse Mythology, that recounts the creation and ultimate destruction of the world through the prophecy of a seeress, or völva. She describes the genesis of the cosmos, the rise and fall of gods, and the coming of Ragnarok, the apocalyptic battle that leads to the end and subsequent rebirth of the world.
1.1.2
Hávamál: The High One's sayings
Hávamál is a collection of wisdom and practical advice attributed to Odin. The poem covers various aspects of life, including ethics, friendship, hospitality, and the importance of knowledge, blending philosophical reflections with practical guidelines for living honorably. It also contains mythological narratives, including how Odin acquired the runes.
1.1.3
Vafþrúðnismál: Vafthrudnir's sayings
Hávamál is a collection of wisdom and practical advice attributed to Odin. The poem covers various aspects of life, including ethics, friendship, hospitality, and the importance of knowledge, blending philosophical reflections with practical guidelines for living honorably. It also contains mythological narratives, including how Odin acquired the runes.
1.1.4
Grímnismál: Grimnir's sayings
In Grimnir’s sayings, the god Odin, disguised as Grimnir, imparts extensive knowledge about the cosmos, the gods, various deities, and places within Norse Mythology while enduring torture at the hands of King Geirrod.
1.1.5
Skírnismál: Skirnir's sayings
Skirnir’s sayings tells the story of the god Freyr’s love for the giantess Gerd and his sending of his servant Skirnir to woo her on his behalf. Skirnir undertakes a perilous journey to Jotunheim, where he uses threats and magical spells to persuade Gerd to marry Freyr.
1.1.6
Hárbarðsljóð: Lay of Harbard
Lay of Harbard tells of a heated and witty exchange between the god Thor and a ferryman named Harbard, who is thought to be Odin in disguise. As Thor seeks passage across a river, Harbard taunts him with clever insults and boasts, leading to a contest of words between the two.
1.1.7
Hymiskviða: Lay of Hymir
Thor and Tyr’s quest to obtain a massive cauldron from the giant Hymir to brew beer for the gods’ feast. Thor’s immense strength and bravery are on full display as he battles monstrous creatures and performs incredible feats, including a legendary fishing trip where he nearly captures the Midgard Serpent.
1.1.8
Lokasenna: Loki's Quarrel
Loki crashes a feast of the gods and engages in a heated verbal duel, accusing them of various moral and ethical failings. Loki’s taunts and accusations expose the vulnerabilities and flaws of each deity, leading to escalating tensions and ultimately his capture and punishment.
1.1.9
Þrymskviða: Lay of Thrym
Recounts the adventurous tale of Thor recovering his stolen hammer, Mjölnir, from the giant Thrym. Disguised as the goddess Freyja, with Loki as his bridesmaid, Thor infiltrates Thrym’s hall to retrieve the hammer during a mock wedding ceremony.
1.1.10
Völundarkviða: Lay of Volund
The Lay of Volund tells the tragic and vengeful story of the master smith Volund, who is captured and hamstrung by King Niðhad. Using his cunning and skill, Volund crafts a plan to exact revenge on the king by killing his sons and making the king’s daughter unknowingly bear his child. A dark tale of suffering, revenge, and betrayal.
1.1.11
Alvíssmál: Words of Allwise
The dwarf All-wise who comes to claim the hand of Thor’s daughter in marriage, only to be met by Thor’s cunning challenge. Thor engages All-wise in a question-and-answer session, challenging his knowledge of the cosmos and delaying him until sunrise, when All-wise turns to stone.
1.1.12
Rígsþula: Rig's lay
The Norse god Rig visits three different households, fathering children that become the ancestors of the social classes in Norse society. Through these unions, the poem describes the origins and characteristics of thralls, free farmers, and nobles, illustrating the divine origins of social stratification. The poem provides a mythological framework for understanding the hierarchical structure of ancient Norse culture.
1.1.13
Baldrs draumar: Baldr's dreams
Odin ventures into the underworld to consult a deceased seeress about the disturbing dreams of his son, Baldr. The seeress reveals that Baldr’s dreams foretell his imminent death, a foreboding and somber prophecy, highlighting the fate that even the gods cannot escape.
1.1.14
Hyndluljóð: Hyndla's poem
The goddess Freyja seeks Hyndla help to trace the ancestry of her protégé, Ottar, to prove his noble lineage. Hyndla recounts a detailed genealogy of gods and heroes. The poem emphasises the importance of heritage and identity in Norse culture.
1.2
HEROIC LAYS
On the Heroic lays
Among the Eddic poems are a series of Heroic lays, stories about legendary heroes of old. They can be divided into three stories. That of Helgi Hundingsbani, The Niflung cycle, and the story of Jörmunrekkr, the king of the Goths. The stories blend Scandinavian, German, and Gothic cultural heritage. Even though the heroes may have existed at one time, the stories have surely changed in the telling and have been embellished over the centuries.
Below are the Heroic lays in the same order as they appear in the primary surviving source of the poems, the manuscript called Codex Regius, Konungsbók, or Sæmundar-Edda. The Helgi lays are Helgakviða Hundingsbana I, Helgakviða Hjörðvarssonar and Helgakviða Hundingsbana II. The Niflung cycle comes next and finishes with Atlamál in grænlensku. The Jörmunrekkr lays are Guðrúnarhvöt and Hamðismál.
LAYS OF HELGI
1.2.1
Helgakviða Hundingsbana I:
Lay of Helgi Hundingsbane I
1.2.2
Helgakviða Hjörvarðssonar: Lay of Helgi Hjorvard's son
1.2.3
Helgakviða Hundingsbana II: Lay of Helgi Hundingsbane II
THE NIFLUNG CYCLE
1.2.4
Grípismál:
Lay of Gripir
1.2.5
Reginsmál:
Words of Regin
1.2.6
Fáfnismál:
Words of Fafnir
1.2.7
Sigrdrífumál:
Words of Sigrdrifa
1.2.8
Brot af Sigurðarkviðu: Fragment of The Lay of Sigurd
1.2.9
Guðrúnarkviða I:
Lay of Gudrun I
1.2.10
Helreið Brynhildar:
Brynhild's Hel-ride
1.2.11
Guðrúnarkviða II:
Lay of Gudrun II
1.2.12
Guðrúnarkviða III:
Lay of Gudrun III
1.2.13
Oddrúnargrátr:
Oddrune's lament
1.2.14
Atlakviða:
Lay of Atli
1.2.15
Atlamál in Grænlensku:
Greenland Lay of Atli
THE JÖRMUNREKKR LAYS
1.2.16
Guðrúnarhvöt:
Gudrun's incitement
1.2.17
Hamðismál:
Lay of Hamdir
1.3
THE PROSE EDDA
The Edda of Snorri Sturluson
The Old Norse Prose Edda, attributed to Snorri Sturluson, is a collection of Norse myths and poetics, designed to preserve the traditional lore. It consists of several sections, including the Gylfaginning, which covers the creation and destruction of the world, and the Skáldskaparmál, which explains the art of skaldic poetry with mythological examples. The work serves both as a guide for poets and a rich repository of Norse mythology, ensuring the continuity of the cultural heritage. The Prose Edda, along with the Eddic poems, are the most important literary sources on Norse Mythology.
2
SAGAS
A window into the Viking Age
The information found in the sagas about the Viking Age is invaluable to anyone seeking knowledge on the topic. They offer the reader a window into the world of the Vikings. What was the life of a Viking like? What drove their conquests to explore and plunder? Answers to those questions and countless more are answered in the stories.
These sagas are usually referred to as the Saga of Icelanders. Because the majority of the literature is centered there. In Iceland, a rich tradition of writing developed not long after the island took up Christianity. Icelanders established themselves as storytellers and bookmakers in the medieval ages. In the sagas, they told many stories of Viking Age society, of the people, and their dealings, from every level of society, from outlaws to kings. Today, those stories make up the majority of the literature there is about the Viking Age.
2.1
SAGAS OF ICELANDERS
2.1.1
Egils saga Skalla-Grímssonar:
The Saga of Egill Bald-Grim's son
Egil’s Saga is a family saga that chronicles the life of the violently tempered Viking warrior, and poetic genius, Egill Skalla-Grimsson. It follows his family as they leave their life behind in Norway to move to Iceland, away from the rule of King Harald Fair-hair. Later, Egill takes center stage in the story, where it follows his exploits, Viking raids, battles and legal feuds.
The saga paints a vivid picture of Norse society during the Viking Age, while blending historical events with some legendary exploits, showcasing the power of poetry and personal honor in Norse culture.
2.1.2
Grettis saga sterka:
The Saga of Grettir the strong
Grettir’s Saga tells the tale of the formidable and tragic Icelandic outlaw Grettir Asmundarson. Despite being known for his immense strength and heroic deeds, Grettir’s fate is cursed with bad luck, leading to a life marked by conflicts, exile, and constant struggle. Grettir’s shows remarkable resilience and resourcefulness as he survives in the harsh Icelandic wilderness, often alone and on the run.
2.1.3
Brennu-Njáls saga:
The Saga of Burning of Njall
Brennu-Njáls Saga follows the intertwined lives of Njall Thorgeirsson, a wise and skilled lawyer, and his close friend Gunnarr Hamundarson, a formidable warrior, in a tale of friendship, honor, and vengeance. The saga details the escalating feuds and legal battles that lead to tragic violence, including the burning of Njall and his family in their home. It is a profound exploration of Icelandic legal customs, the devastating consequences of revenge, and the complexity of human relationships.
2.1.4
Laxdæla saga:
The Laxdale saga
2.1.5
Eiríks saga rauða:
The saga of Erik the Red
2.1.6
Gunnlaugs saga ormstungu:
The Saga of Gunnlaug Worm-tounge
Gunnlaugs saga Ormstungu follows the intense rivalry between two Icelandic poets, Gunnlaug Serpent-Tongue and Hrafn Önundarson, who compete for the love of the beautiful Helga the Fair, the granddaughter of Egill Skalla-Grímsson. As a result of their conflict, the tradition of “hólmgöngur” dueling is outlawed in Iceland, forcing them to settle their dispute in Norway instead. The saga explores themes of love, honor, and the destructive nature of jealousy.
2.1.7
Gísla saga Súrssonar:
The Saga of Gisli Sursson
Gisli Sursson is a loyal and honorable man who becomes an outlaw after avenging the murder of his brother-in-law. The saga follows Gísli’s life on the run, his deep bond with his wife, and his unwavering commitment to family and justice despite the relentless pursuit by his enemies.
2.1.8
Hrafnkels saga freysgoða:
Hrafnkels Freyr's priest saga
Hrafnkel, a powerful chieftain and devout follower of the god Freyr, is renowned for his strict rule and the sacred horse he forbids anyone to ride. When a young shepherd named Einar disobeys and rides the horse, Hrafnkel kills him, igniting a bitter feud with Einar’s family. The saga explores themes of power, justice, and the shifting dynamics of honor and retribution in Viking Age Iceland.
2.1.9
Eyrbyggja saga:
The saga of the settlers of Eyri
Eyrbyggja saga centers around the settlement and feuds in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula of Iceland, focusing on the powerful chieftain Snorri Goði and his complex web of alliances and rivalries. The saga weaves together legal disputes, supernatural events and violent conflicts, reflecting the turbulent nature of Icelandic society in the Viking Age. Themes of honor, revenge, and the interplay between pagan beliefs and emerging Christianity are explored through the lives of various notable characters.
2.1.10
Færeyinga saga:
The saga of the Faroe Islanders
Færeyinga saga is the oldest written source on the settlement and early history of the Faroe Islands. Central to the narrative are the struggles of Sigmund Brestisson, who attempts to introduce Christianity to the islands, and his rival, Thrand í Götu, who staunchly defends the old pagan ways. The plot is filled with intense rivalries, political intrigue, and the dramatic clashes between the old and new faiths.
2.1.11
Bandamanna saga:
The saga of the banded men
Odd Ofeigsson, a wealthy and honorable farmer faces a conspiracy by a group of chieftains and influential men, known as the Banded men, who plot to seize his assets through legal trickery. Odd’s father, Ofeig, helps him navigate the treacherous legal system, using cunning and resourcefulness to outwit their opponents. The narrative highlights themes of justice, corruption, and the clever use of law in Viking Age Iceland.
2.1.12
Hávarðar saga ísfirðings:
The saga of Howard of Icefirth
The saga tells of Howard, who had been a Viking in his youth, but is now an elderly farmer in Iceland. When his son Olaf is treacherously killed by a powerful chieftain named Thorbjorn, Howard is compelled to seek vengeance. Despite his age and the odds against him, Howard demonstrates remarkable resilience and determination as he navigates through legal and physical confrontations to achieve justice.
2.1.13
Heiðarvíga saga:
The saga of the heath slayings
Heiðarvíga saga recounts the events leading up to and following the deadly conflict known as the Battle of the Heath, stemming from a complex web of feuds and rivalries between prominent families in Iceland. Central to the saga is the character of Víga-Styrr, whose aggressive actions and pursuit of vengeance escalate the hostilities.
2.1.14
Hænsna-Þóris saga:
Hen-Thorir's saga
The saga centers on Thorir, a poor man who acquires wealth through trading goods, getting the nickname Hen-Thorir for selling hens. He is able to buy land with his new wealth, but his ungenerous behavior leads to a series of escalating conflicts with his neighbors. The tension culminates when Thorir’s refusal to share resources sparks violent retaliation, resulting in feuds that engulf the community.
2.1.15
Víga-Glúms saga:
The Saga of Battle-Glum
Víga-Glúms saga follows the life of Glúmr Eyjólfsson, a cunning and ambitious chieftain, who earns the nickname “Víga-Glúmr” (Battle-Glum) due to his violent exploits. The saga details his rise to power, his strategic marriages, and his numerous feuds and legal battles as he navigates the complex and often treacherous political landscape of Viking Age Iceland.
2.1.16
Víglundar saga:
The saga of Viglund
Víglundar saga follows the romantic and adventurous exploits of Víglundr and Ketilríðr, two star-crossed lovers whose relationship is hindered by familial conflicts and rival suitors. The saga details their struggles, separations, and the various trials they endure, including battles, kidnappings, and legal disputes. It ultimately explores themes of love, loyalty, and the triumph of true love against formidable obstacles.
2.1.17
Kormáks saga:
The saga of Kormak
Kormáks saga tells the story of the passionate but ill-fated love between the poet Kormákr Ögmundarson and the beautiful Steingerðr, whose relationship is marred by misfortune and misunderstandings. The saga highlights Kormákr’s poetic talents and his numerous conflicts and duels as he navigates the challenges of Viking Age society.
2.1.18
Íslendingabók:
The Book of Icelanders
Íslendingabók, written by Ari Þorgilsson, is a concise historical account of the early settlement and governance of Iceland from the late 800’s to the 1100’s. It tells of the establishment of the Althing, Iceland’s national assembly, and notable events, including the conversion to Christianity, discovery of Greenland and the codification of laws. The work serves as a foundational source for understanding the political and social development of early Icelandic society.
2.1.19
Grænlendinga saga:
The Saga of the Greenlanders
The story recounts the Norse exploration and settlement of Greenland, led by Erik the Red, and the subsequent voyages to Vinland (North America) by his son, Leif Erikson, and other explorers. The saga highlights their discoveries, encounters with indigenous peoples, and the challenges of establishing and maintaining colonies in these distant lands. It provides a vivid narrative of adventure, exploration, and the Norse spirit of discovery. The Saga of the Greenlanders, along with The Saga of Erik the Red, which together are sometimes referred to as the Vinland sagas, are the two most important literary sources on the Vikings in America.
2.1.20
Vatnsdæla saga:
The Saga of the People of Vatnsdal
Vatnsdæla saga tells the story of the settlement and feuds of the Vatnsdal family in Iceland from the 800s to early 1000s, focusing on the descendants of Ingimund the Old, who is guided to Iceland by a prophecy. The saga recounts Ingimund’s establishment of a powerful chieftaincy in the northern region of Iceland, his struggles with rival families, and his descendants’ ongoing conflicts with neighbors, which often lead to legal disputes and violent clashes.
2.2
SHORT TALES
2.2.1
The Hawkdale saga:
Haukdæla þáttr
2.3
HEIMSKRINGLA: CHRONICLES OF NORSE KINGS
King's sagas: The Rulers of the Vikings
Heimskringla (e. The Orb of the World) is the name given to a series of sagas about the Viking kings of old. Written in the 1200s, it details the lineage of Norse Kings until the late 1100s.
These epic chronicles reveal the lives of the warrior kings who ruled over Norway, from the legendary ancestors of Odin to the most feared conquerors of the Viking Age and beyond into an era of Christianization in Scandinavia. Power shifts, kingdoms clash, and the old Norse gods give way to a new world order.
To those fascinated by the warrior culture that sent shockwaves through medieval Europe, Heimskringla offers a detailed account of the rulers at its helm. The men who shaped a turbulent era, waged wars, and left a legacy of violence, exploration, and conquest that would echo through history.
2.3.1
Ynglinga saga:
The story of the Ynglings
Ynglinga Saga recounts the legendary history of the Yngling dynasty, believed to be the first royal family of Sweden and Norway. The saga traces the divine origins of the kings, beginning with the god Odin and his descendants, and blends mythological elements with historical events.
2.3.2
Hálfdanar saga svarta:
The Saga of Halfdan the Black
(c. 810 – 850 A.D.)
Halfdánar saga svarta tells the story of Halfdan the Black, king of Vestfold in Norway, who skillfully expands his kingdom through diplomacy and strategic battles. Halfdan becomes a respected and prosperous ruler, gaining the loyalty of neighboring territories. His legacy ultimately shapes the future of Norway, as his son Harald Fairhair would go on to unify the kingdom.
2.3.3
Haralds saga hins hárfagra:
The Saga of Harald the Fair-Haired
(c. 850–932 A.D.)
(WE VIKINGS ARE WORKING ON THE TRANSLATION)
2.3.4
Hákonar saga góða:
The Saga of Hakon the Good
(c. 920–961 A.D.)
Hákonar saga góða follows the life of King Hakon the Good, the son of Harald Fairhair, who is said to have been raised in England by King Athelstan, earning the nickname Aðalsteinsfóstri (e. Athelstan-foster). After his father’s death, he returned to Norway to claim the throne. His reign is marked by efforts to strengthen his rule and unite the country while facing challenges from rival rulers and local chieftains.
2.3.5
Haralds saga gráfeldar:
The Saga of Harald Gray Cloak
(c. 935 – 970 A.D.)
Haralds saga gráfeldar focuses on the life of Harald Greycloak, Erik Bloodaxe’s son, and Harald Fairhair’s grandson, as he rises to power in Norway after his father’s death. The saga depicts his rule, marked by alliances and rivalries with other influential figures in Norway and abroad, as well as his efforts to consolidate his family’s position. Harald’s story is intertwined with the political turbulence of the era, as different factions vie for control and influence in the Norwegian kingdom.
2.3.6
Ólafs saga Tryggvasonar:
The Saga of Olaf Tryggvason
(WE VIKINGS ARE WORKING ON THE TRANSLATION)
2.3.7
Ólafs saga helga:
The Saga of Olaf the Holy
(c. 995 – 1030 A.D.)
The story recounts the life and reign of Olaf Haraldsson, a Norwegian king between the 10th and 11th centuries, who played a central role in the Christianization of Norway. The saga highlights his early life, Viking expeditions, and his struggles to unify and convert Norway to Christianity, culminating in his death at the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030, after which he was venerated as a martyr and saint. His sainthood and the legends surrounding him helped solidify Christian influence in Scandinavia, making Olaf a key figure in Norwegian history and culture.
2.3.8
Magnúss saga góða:
The Saga of Magnus the Good
(c. 1024 – 1047 A.D.)
2.3.9
Haralds saga 'harðráða' Sigurðarsonar:
The Saga of Harald 'Hardrade' Sigurdson
(c. 1015 – 1066 A.D.)
2.3.10
Ólafs saga kyrra:
The Saga of Olaf the Peaceful
(c. 1050 – 1093 A.D.)
2.3.11
Magnúss saga berfætts:
The Saga of Magnus the Barefoot
(c. 1073 – 1103 A.D.)
2.3.12
Magnússona saga:
The Saga of Magnus' Sons
Magnússona saga tells the story of the sons of King Magnus Barefoot and their efforts to claim the Norwegian throne after their father’s death. The saga describes their challenges, including rivalries with other claimants and the difficulties of holding power during a chaotic time. It highlights their bravery and loyalty as they try to honor their father’s legacy while dealing with the complex politics of medieval Scandinavia.
2.3.13
Magnúss saga blinda og Haralds gilla:
The Saga of Magnus the Blind and Harald Gilla
The saga follows Magnus and Harald, both of whom were proclaimed kings of Norway. They initially ruled together, dividing the kingdom between them. However, their relationship became strained as they navigated the complexities of power and ambition, leading to conflict and significant events shaping their reign and Norway’s future.
2.3.14
Saga Inga konungs og bræðra hans:
The Saga of Ingi and His Brothers
The saga follows Ingi, Eystein and Sigurd as they fight for the throne of Norway after the death of their father Harald Gilla.
2.3.15
Hákonar saga herðibreiðs:
The Saga of Hakon the Broad-Shouldered
2.3.16
Magnúss saga Erlingssonar:
The Saga of Magnus Erling's son
