Snorri Sturluson
Early Life and Background
Snorri Sturluson was born in 1179 in Hvammur, Iceland, into the influential Sturlungar family. His father, Sturla Þórðarson, was a chieftain, and his mother, Guðný Böðvarsdóttir, came from a prominent family. Snorri was raised at Oddi, a cultural and educational center in Iceland, under the guardianship of Jón Loftsson, a respected chieftain and scholar. This upbringing provided Snorri with a solid foundation in literature, law, and history.
Political Career
Snorri's political career began in earnest when he became a goði, or chieftain, in 1215. He quickly rose to prominence, leveraging his family's influence and his own political acumen. Snorri's tenure as a chieftain was marked by his involvement in the complex and often violent power struggles of the Icelandic Commonwealth, known as the Age of the Sturlungs. He served as the lawspeaker of the Althing, Iceland's national assembly, from 1215 to 1218 and again from 1222 to 1231.
Literary Contributions
Snorri Sturluson is best known for his contributions to Old Norse literature. His most significant works include the Prose Edda, the Heimskringla, and possibly the Egils saga.
Prose Edda
The Prose Edda is a comprehensive guide to Norse mythology and poetics. It consists of four parts: the Prologue, Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, and Háttatal. The Prologue provides a euhemeristic account of the Norse gods, while Gylfaginning recounts the creation and destruction of the world according to Norse mythology. Skáldskaparmál is a treatise on poetic language, and Háttatal is a detailed analysis of Old Norse poetic forms.
Heimskringla
The Heimskringla is a history of the Norwegian kings, from the legendary Yngling dynasty to the reign of Magnus Erlingsson in the 12th century. It is composed of several sagas, each focusing on a different king. The work is notable for its detailed narrative style and its use of skaldic poetry to corroborate historical events.
Egils Saga
The Egils saga is a family saga centered on the life of Egill Skallagrímsson, a Viking poet and warrior. While its authorship is uncertain, many scholars attribute it to Snorri due to its sophisticated narrative structure and thematic complexity.
Influence and Legacy
Snorri's works have had a profound impact on the study of Norse mythology and medieval Scandinavian history. His writings preserved a wealth of information about the pre-Christian beliefs and practices of the Norse people, as well as the political and social history of medieval Iceland and Norway. Snorri's influence extends beyond academia; his works have inspired countless adaptations in literature, art, and popular culture.
Death and Aftermath
Snorri's political machinations eventually led to his downfall. In 1241, he was assassinated at his home in Reykholt by agents of the Norwegian king, Haakon IV, and his rival, Gissur Þorvaldsson. Snorri's death marked the end of his family's dominance in Icelandic politics and the beginning of a period of increased Norwegian influence in Iceland.