Sagas and Norse Myth in Iceland

While Norse Myths are about the places and people across Scandinavia (as well as the Norse Gods Odin, Thor, Loki, etc.) majority, if not all, of the sagas, myths and legends were written in Iceland. At a 99% literacy rate today, Iceland has always been one of the most literate and educated countries in the world, even in the Viking days. It is a little known fact that, though any Norse Mythology professor or Icelander could confirm it for you, other countries would often send for and keep an Icelander around as a historian and a writer; the Norwegian Kings would often have one to keep track of his noble deeds.

While they were written in Iceland, many of the sagas did not originate there; as previously stated, they were mostly about the heroes of other countries. The ones that were set in Iceland however, were often different from the standard semi-divine heroes and gods of the other countries. Some of the most famous Icelandic Sagas, such as Egil’s Saga and Njal’s Saga, were written about everyday people, such as farmers and lawyers, doing great, noble things.

This is not to say that the Icelanders did not have stories of or believe in the Norse Gods, there is historical evidence that they did; but these sagas show us that Icelanders placed significant value in the practice of the law, and in everyday people doing the things that matter. They also show the Icelanders attempting (key word being attempting) to move from a more primal way of vengeance and violence to a time of peace through the practice of law and friendship.

Iceland has always been advanced for its time and continues to strive for what is best for its people and what will bring them the most peace. From Berjaya Hotels, we hope you have enjoyed this brief summary of sagas and Norse mythology in Iceland.